Game guide · ITCGT
Learn your way around Lights Out
Make Lights Out your next activity in the game library. 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Give this approach a try
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Turn every light off. Every supplied starting state is made by valid flips from an all-off board and is therefore solvable. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Check the rules when you are unsure.
Step by step
- 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.
How to use the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
Try this 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. Choose a deliberate next step.
Avoid this misunderstanding
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. 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.
Questions about this game
For my first round, 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.
How do I control Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
On this playing page, 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.
Before I begin, 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.
As a new player, which play mode does Lights Out use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
For this browser game, where should I start with Lights Out?
For clarity: Select a light or an unlit tile.
While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
Before I begin, 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 my first round, 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.