How to Play Sokoban

THE PLAYBOOK · 6CHROME

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. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

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.

A careful first round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Push every crate onto a target. Read that aim before choosing your first action. The example below illustrates a decision.

Step by step

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.

Controls

Arrow keys or direction buttons. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.

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. Choose a deliberate next step.

Watch out for this

Consider the player’s access behind crates. Check the rule before repeating the action. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.

Common questions