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Nurikabe

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Nurikabe Game Guide

📖 About

Nurikabe is the Japanese logic puzzle that challenges you to build an archipelago! Each numbered cell is an island, and the number shows how many cells that island occupies. Surround these islands with a continuous ocean of black cells (walls). Islands can never touch each other, all water must connect, and no 2×2 black areas are allowed. A perfect blend of spatial reasoning and logical deduction!

🎯 Objectives

Shade cells to create a continuous ocean (black cells) surrounding numbered islands. Each numbered cell shows its island's size. Islands must not touch each other. All black cells must connect. No 2×2 blocks of black cells allowed!

🎮 How to Play

Click cells to toggle between empty (gray), black (wall), or white (island). Each number shows its island's size. Islands can't touch. All walls must connect. No 2x2 black blocks.

⌨️ Controls

Click on cells to toggle them between island (white), ocean (black), and undetermined. Each numbered cell must be part of an island of exactly that size. Islands cannot share edges.

⚙️ Game Mechanics

  • Each number = island size
  • Islands never touch (orthogonally)
  • All black cells must connect
  • No 2×2 black blocks allowed
  • Every island has exactly one number

Features

  • Island Building - Create archipelagos
  • Wall Connection - Continuous ocean
  • Unique Solution - One right answer
  • Spatial Reasoning - Visual logic

💡 Tips

  • Start with small numbers (1, 2) - they have limited options
  • Islands can't touch, so mark boundaries with black
  • Keep walls connected to avoid isolated areas
  • Never create 2x2 black blocks

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the key Nurikabe strategy?
Start with 1s—they must be isolated, surrounded by black. Then expand from each number, remembering that islands can't touch. Always keep the ocean (black cells) connected and avoid 2×2 black squares.
Why no 2×2 black blocks?
The 2×2 rule prevents simply filling everything with black. It forces you to create interesting island shapes and ensures puzzles have unique solutions. It's a key constraint for logical deduction.
How do I know if black cells are connected?
You should be able to trace a path through black cells from any black cell to any other without crossing white islands. If you create isolated black areas, the puzzle is unsolvable.
Can islands touch diagonally?
Yes! Islands cannot share an edge (orthogonal contact), but diagonal touching is fine. This is an important distinction that allows more complex island shapes.

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