Skip to content
DTJSMODEL

Solo · FREE PLAY

Lights Out

Read the rules ↓
Logic & numbers
Choose your controls and enjoy a free round.
No account neededRules & controls →

Game guide · DTJSMODEL

Learn the rules of 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

An idea for your next attempt

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. 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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Start here and follow along

  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.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

An example before you play

Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Check the rule before repeating the action. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Common questions

As a new player, what is the goal of Lights Out?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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?

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

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.

For my first round, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?

The key detail is this: 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?

For clarity: 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?

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?

Select a light or an unlit tile.

For a quick reminder, 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.

For this browser game, how can I find Lights Out again?

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

Before I begin, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?

Keep this in mind: 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.

Games

Continue with one of these games

View all games
Choose a Card Game (opens in a new tab)