Game guide · AHOPENG
The essentials of playing Lights Out
Read the aim of Lights Out, then make your first move. Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
One thing to notice as you play
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. Make the next step deliberately.
Your objective
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. Start with a deliberate move.
The order of 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.
The controls to know
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
A closer look at one example
Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Read the matching step again.
An important reminder
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
A few questions answered
When I return, what is the goal of Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable.
For this browser game, how do I control Lights Out?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
For clarity: An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board.
As a new player, 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.
Which play mode does Lights Out use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
While reading the Guide, where should I start with Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Select a light or an unlit tile.
When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
As a new player, how can I find Lights Out again?
For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
As a new player, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: 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.
