THE PLAYBOOK · XQIN8
Lights Out: how a round works
Bring your attention to one round of Lights Out. 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. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
A small practice goal
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.
The goal to keep in mind
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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
The playing sequence
- 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 interact with the game
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Look at the feedback after the action.
Learn from a sample situation
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. Take a moment to compare.
Keep this in mind
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. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Clarifying the way this game works
While learning, 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.
For a quick reminder, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, 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.
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.
What format does Lights Out offer?
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.