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Hitori: instructions and practice

Practice with a purpose

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Make the next step deliberately.

Understand the aim

Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Take a moment to understand the current position.

The steps to play

  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.

Using the playing area

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution. 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.

Put the rules into context

Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Look for the relevant detail.

Keep this in mind

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

More answers before you play

On this playing page, what is the goal of Hitori?

For clarity: Shade repeated numbers while keeping black cells separated and all white cells connected.

On this playing page, how do I control Hitori?

Click or tap squares or graph edges. Number boards include a digit pad. Undo reverses the previous change; Check puzzle validates the solution.

As a new player, what example helps explain Hitori?

For clarity: Two identical unshaded numbers in one row cannot both remain.

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Hitori?

Removing every duplicate can disconnect white cells.

For this browser game, what format does Hitori offer?

Keep this in mind: Play twelve 5×5 puzzles. Any shaded starting cells remain fixed.

When I return, which play mode does Hitori 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.

While reading the Guide, where should I start with Hitori?

Click a cell to shade, mark or clear it.

As a new player, do I need an account or a payment for Hitori?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

On this playing page, how can I find Hitori again?

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

For this browser game, how do I report an issue with Hitori?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.