Skip to content
LUYUANJD

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Lights Out

Play Lights Out ↗

Game guide · LUYUANJD

The essentials of playing Lights Out

Choose a round of Lights Out and settle into its rules. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the example below to understand a decision. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Take a closer look while playing

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Keep the objective visible.

The purpose of your moves

Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

Step by step

  1. Select a light or an unlit tile.
  2. The selected tile and its orthogonal neighbours switch state.
  3. Plan flips so that previously cleared rows stay cleared.
  4. Use Undo to try another approach.

How your actions work

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use one clear input at a time.

See the idea in action

Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Consider the next action carefully.

A useful caution

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions

For this browser game, what is the goal of Lights Out?

Keep this in mind: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.

For a quick reminder, how do I control Lights Out?

The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

When I return, what example helps explain Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.

What should I watch out for in Lights Out?

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.

While reading the Guide, what format does Lights Out offer?

Keep this in mind: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

When I return, which play mode does Lights Out use?

The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For my first round, where should I start with Lights Out?

Select a light or an unlit tile.

For my first round, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?

No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

On this playing page, how can I find Lights Out again?

Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

While learning, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?

For clarity: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)