Game guide · ZING22
Lights Out: how a round works
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. 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.
Something to practise
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Keep the objective visible.
What counts as success
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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
How to proceed
- 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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
One way to understand the rules
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. Check the stated objective.
Notice this detail
An unlit tile can still be tapped; it may be necessary to solve the board. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
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.
When I return, how do I control Lights Out?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Lights Out?
For clarity: Tapping the centre changes five cells. Tapping a corner changes three. Diagonal neighbours are not affected.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
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.
As a new player, where should I start with Lights Out?
The key detail is this: Select a light or an unlit tile.
Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Lights Out?
Keep this in mind: 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
While reading the Guide, how do I report an issue with Lights Out?
For clarity: 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.