How to Play Sokoban

THE PLAYBOOK · XINGYUANKC

An introduction to playing Sokoban

Take a moment with Sokoban before moving to another game. Push every crate onto a target. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. 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.

Try a more deliberate round

Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Understand the aim

Push every crate onto a target. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

From the start of a round

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.

How to interact with the game

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.

Put the rules into context

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.

A mistake to avoid

Consider the player’s access behind crates. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Game-specific help