THE PLAYBOOK · SJBOB
How to play Sokoban
Choose a round of Sokoban and settle into its rules. Push every crate onto a target. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.
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.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Push every crate onto a target. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Step by step
- Move through empty floor.
- Push one crate into empty space.
- Never pull or push two at once.
- Undo a deadlock and continue.
Controls
Arrow keys or direction buttons. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A useful example
A crate in a non-target corner cannot be recovered by pulling. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the controls nearby.
Watch out for this
Consider the player’s access behind crates. Compare the situation with the worked example. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Sokoban?
For clarity: Push every crate onto a target.
For this browser game, how do I control Sokoban?
For clarity: Arrow keys or direction buttons.
While learning, what example helps explain Sokoban?
The key detail is this: A crate in a non-target corner cannot be recovered by pulling.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Sokoban?
The key detail is this: Consider the player’s access behind crates.
What format does Sokoban offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: 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.
When I return, which play mode does Sokoban use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.