How to Play Sokoban

THE PLAYBOOK · BLCQC

Sokoban: learn through an example

Open Sokoban, check the instructions and begin a round. Push every crate onto a target. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Push two crates onto their targets in compact 7×7 rooms. The starting layouts can be solved; an unhelpful push may still trap a crate.

Take a closer look while playing

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Make the next step deliberately.

What the game asks you to do

Push every crate onto a target. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

Follow these playing steps

1. Move through empty floor.
2. Push one crate into empty space.
3. Never pull or push two at once.
4. Undo a deadlock and continue.

Making selections and moves

Arrow keys or direction buttons. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.

See how the rules apply

A crate in a non-target corner cannot be recovered by pulling. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Choose a deliberate next step.

Where a round can go wrong

Consider the player’s access behind crates. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Clarifying the way this game works