How to Play Lights Out

Game guide · TYMJWATER

Understand the basics of Lights Out

Lights Out gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Look at what changes after your first action. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

An idea for your next attempt

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Notice the feedback after each input.

What you need to achieve

Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

The steps to play

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

Keyboard and screen controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.

Work through an example

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. Read the matching step again.

Pay attention to this rule

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Questions about this game

While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Lights Out?

For clarity: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.

While reading the Guide, how do I control Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While reading the Guide, 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.

When I return, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.

While learning, what format does Lights Out offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

On this playing page, which play mode does Lights Out use?

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

Where should I start with Lights Out?

Keep this in mind: Select a light or an unlit tile.

While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While learning, 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.

For a quick reminder, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.