How to Play Hitori

THE PLAYBOOK · AWTKANAPOLI

How to play Hitori

Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Hitori. Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

Play twelve 5×5 puzzles. Any shaded starting cells remain fixed.

A useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.

Step by step

1. Click a cell to shade, mark or clear it.
2. No unshaded number may repeat in a row or column.
3. Black cells cannot share an edge.
4. Check puzzle verifies duplicates and connectivity.

Controls

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Use one clear input at a time.

A useful example

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

Common questions