How to play Sokoban - Revision history

Sokobano: Undo revision 8304 by Sokobano (talk)

2026-02-09T12:05:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 9 February 2026
Line 8:		Line 8:

	A level contains these elements:		A level contains these elements:
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Walls: #		Walls: #
	Boxes: $		Boxes: $
Line 14:		Line 14:
	Free squares: ' '		Free squares: ' '
	The Sokoban / the player: @		The Sokoban / the player: @
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.		Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.
	<~~code~~>
			<pre>
	Boxes on goals: *		Boxes on goals: *
	The Sokoban on a goal: +		The Sokoban on a goal: +
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.		In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.
Line 28:		Line 29:
	Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.		Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.
	All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.		All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 1		Level 1
	#########		#########
	#@ $ .#		#@ $ .#
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.		Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.
	Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.		Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.

	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 2		Level 2
	########		########
Line 49:		Line 50:
	##### #		##### #
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.		Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.
Line 64:		Line 65:

	Let's increase the difficulty step by step:		Let's increase the difficulty step by step:
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 3		Level 3
	########		########
Line 73:		Line 74:
	# #		# #
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.		Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.

	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 4		Level 4
	########		########
Line 85:		Line 86:
	# .##		# .##
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:		This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:
	# Not every box can be pushed to every goal		# Not every box can be pushed to every goal
Line 92:		Line 93:


	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 5		Level 5
	#########		#########
Line 100:		Line 101:
	# @$.$. #		# @$.$. #
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.		To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.


	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 6		Level 6
	#########		#########
Line 113:		Line 114:
	# #####		# #####
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.		This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.

Sokobano: Undo revision 8289 by Matthias Meger (talk)

2026-02-09T11:13:21Z

Undo revision 8289 by Matthias Meger (talk)

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:13, 9 February 2026
Line 8:		Line 8:

	A level contains these elements:		A level contains these elements:
	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Walls: #		Walls: #
	Boxes: $		Boxes: $
Line 14:		Line 14:
	Free squares: ' '		Free squares: ' '
	The Sokoban / the player: @		The Sokoban / the player: @
	</~~pre~~>		</code>

	Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.		Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.
			<code>
	<~~pre~~>
	Boxes on goals: *		Boxes on goals: *
	The Sokoban on a goal: +		The Sokoban on a goal: +
	</~~pre~~>		</code>

	In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.		In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.
Line 29:		Line 28:
	Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.		Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.
	All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.		All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.
	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 1		Level 1
	#########		#########
	#@ $ .#		#@ $ .#
	#########		#########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>
	Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.		Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.
	Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.		Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.

	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 2		Level 2
	########		########
Line 50:		Line 49:
	##### #		##### #
	########		########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>

	Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.		Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.
Line 65:		Line 64:

	Let's increase the difficulty step by step:		Let's increase the difficulty step by step:
	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 3		Level 3
	########		########
Line 74:		Line 73:
	# #		# #
	########		########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>
	Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.		Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.

	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 4		Level 4
	########		########
Line 86:		Line 85:
	# .##		# .##
	########		########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>
	This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:		This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:
	# Not every box can be pushed to every goal		# Not every box can be pushed to every goal
Line 93:		Line 92:


	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 5		Level 5
	#########		#########
Line 101:		Line 100:
	# @$.$. #		# @$.$. #
	#########		#########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>

	To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.		To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.


	<~~pre~~>		<code>
	Level 6		Level 6
	#########		#########
Line 114:		Line 113:
	# #####		# #####
	#########		#########
	</~~pre~~>		</code>

	This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.		This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.

Matthias Meger: replaced by


2026-02-09T07:55:59Z
replaced <code> by <pre>

				
				
				
				
				
				← Older revision
				Revision as of 09:55, 9 February 2026
				
Line 8:
Line 8:



A level contains these elements: A level contains these elements:
<code> <pre>
  Walls:                    #   Walls:                    #
  Boxes:                    $   Boxes:                    $
Line 14:
Line 14:
  Free squares:            ' '   Free squares:            ' '
  The Sokoban / the player: @   The Sokoban / the player: @
</code> </pre>



Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal. Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.
<code>  
<pre>
  Boxes on goals:           *   Boxes on goals:           *
  The Sokoban on a goal:    +   The Sokoban on a goal:    +
</code> </pre>



In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move. In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.
Line 28:
Line 29:
Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse. Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.
All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box. All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.
<code> <pre>
  Level 1   Level 1
  #########   #########
  #@  $  .#   #@  $  .#
  #########   #########
</code> </pre>
Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.   Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.  
Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to. Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.



<code> <pre>
  Level 2   Level 2
  ########   ########
Line 49:
Line 50:
  #####  #   #####  #
  ########   ########
</code> </pre>



Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal. Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.
Line 64:
Line 65:



Let's increase the difficulty step by step: Let's increase the difficulty step by step:
<code> <pre>
  Level 3   Level 3
  ########   ########
Line 73:
Line 74:
  #      #   #      #
  ########   ########
</code> </pre>
Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal. Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.



<code> <pre>
  Level 4   Level 4
  ########   ########
Line 85:
Line 86:
  #    .##   #    .##
  ########   ########
</code> </pre>
This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level: This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:
# Not every box can be pushed to every goal # Not every box can be pushed to every goal
Line 92:
Line 93:






<code> <pre>
  Level 5   Level 5
  #########   #########
Line 100:
Line 101:
  # @$.$. #   # @$.$. #
  #########   #########
</code> </pre>



To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it. To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.






<code> <pre>
  Level 6   Level 6
  #########   #########
Line 113:
Line 114:
  #   #####   #   #####
  #########   #########
</code> </pre>



This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations. This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.



Matthias Meger: /* Reverse play */ added reverse mode
2025-04-24T09:52:26Z
Reverse play:  added reverse mode
New page
This article explains how to play Sokoban. There are also simple strategies explained.



First let's have a look at the rules of the game:



The object of Sokoban is to take some objects (usually boxes) to designated locations by pushing them.



To do this the user moves a man who we call Sokoban. Sokoban can move up, down, left and right. He can't pass through walls or boxes. He can push only one box at a time (never pull). At any time a square can only be occupied by one of a wall, box or man.



A level contains these elements:

<code>

 Walls:                    #

 Boxes:                    $

 Goals:                    .

 Free squares:            ' '

 The Sokoban / the player: @

</code>



Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.

<code>

 Boxes on goals:           *

 The Sokoban on a goal:    +

</code>



In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.





Movements:

Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.

All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.

<code>

 Level 1

 #########

 #@  $  .#

 #########

</code>

Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times. 

Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.



<code>

 Level 2

 ########

 #    ###

 #@$  ###

 #### ###

 ##   ###

 ##    ##

 #  ##. #

 #      #

 #####  #

 ########

</code>



Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.

Hence, it's always recommended to use the mouse for playing. The advantages compared to keyboard playing are:

# With two clicks a box can be pushed to every possible square

# Most programs automatically calculates the best moves for the player. Hence the user doesn't have to think about how to move the player by keys.

# Some programs even show the squares a box can be pushed to. In this way it's easy to see if a box can be pushed to the selected position.

# The user can concentrate on pushes only instead of moves and pushes





Levels containing only one box are very simple to solve using the mouse: One just has to mark the box for pushing and then to choose the goal square as target.



Usually Sokoban levels are a lot more complicated.



Let's increase the difficulty step by step:

<code>

 Level 3

 ########

 #      #

 #  $  .#

 #@ $  .#

 #  $  .#

 #      #

 ########

</code>

Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.



<code>

 Level 4

 ########

 #  #.  #

 # $#   #

 #  # @##

 #  # $##

 #    .##

 ########

</code>

This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:

# Not every box can be pushed to every goal

# Boxes can't just be pushed to the nearest goal in every case

# Box pushes can create a [[Deadlocks|deadlock]]





<code>

 Level 5

 #########

 ##  #   #

 #.$.  $ #

 # #  ## #

 # @$.$. #

 #########

</code>



To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.





<code>

 Level 6

 #########

 #  #   .#

 #@$ $   #

 # $ ##..#

 #   #####

 #########

</code>



This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.

"Parking" means:

# a box must be pushed away from its goal 

# after the box is pushed to its parking position another box has to be pushed

# parking the box at a specific position is required to solve the level



== Reverse play ==



Some Sokoban programs allow to play a puzzle backward. 



Starting with all boxes on goal squares, the player pulls the boxes to return to the initial puzzle state.



Solutions found this way solve the standard puzzle when both the order and the direction of the moves are reversed.



This approach can help players better understand the puzzle structure and develop effective solving strategies.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 9 February 2026
Line 8:		Line 8:

	A level contains these elements:		A level contains these elements:
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Walls: #		Walls: #
	Boxes: $		Boxes: $
Line 14:		Line 14:
	Free squares: ' '		Free squares: ' '
	The Sokoban / the player: @		The Sokoban / the player: @
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.		Boxes and the Sokoban can also be located on a goal.
	<~~code~~>
			<pre>
	Boxes on goals: *		Boxes on goals: *
	The Sokoban on a goal: +		The Sokoban on a goal: +
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.		In the following the Sokoban is called "the player" to indicate that this is the object the user can move.
Line 28:		Line 29:
	Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.		Nearly all Sokoban games can be played using the arrow keys. Nowadays many programs also support playing with the mouse.
	All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.		All moves of the Sokoban need only to be done for pushing a box.
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 1		Level 1
	#########		#########
	#@ $ .#		#@ $ .#
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.		Using the arrow keys one has to press the "right arrow" 5 times.
	Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.		Using the mouse you have to mark the box for pushing (by clicking on it) and then clicking at the position the box is to be pushed to.

	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 2		Level 2
	########		########
Line 49:		Line 50:
	##### #		##### #
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.		Here the difference between playing with keyboard and playing with mouse is demonstrated. Using the mouse is as simple as in Level 1. Using the arrow keys needs a lot of key presses for pushing the box to the goal.
Line 64:		Line 65:

	Let's increase the difficulty step by step:		Let's increase the difficulty step by step:
	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 3		Level 3
	########		########
Line 73:		Line 74:
	# #		# #
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.		Here the level contains 3 boxes. Nevertheless the level can easily be solved. Although every box can be pushed to each goal it doesn't matter which box is pushed to which goal. The boxes can just be pushed one after the other to any goal.

	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 4		Level 4
	########		########
Line 85:		Line 86:
	# .##		# .##
	########		########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>
	This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:		This level is more complicated. The box under the player is close to a goal. Nevertheless it can't be pushed to the goal - this would result in a [[Deadlocks\|deadlock]]. This level shows some problems one has to solve before it's possible to finish the level:
	# Not every box can be pushed to every goal		# Not every box can be pushed to every goal
Line 92:		Line 93:


	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 5		Level 5
	#########		#########
Line 100:		Line 101:
	# @$.$. #		# @$.$. #
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.		To solve this level the boxes have to be pushed to their goals in a specific order. Moreover one box has to be pushed away from its goal before it can be pushed to it.


	<~~code~~>		<pre>
	Level 6		Level 6
	#########		#########
Line 113:		Line 114:
	# #####		# #####
	#########		#########
	</~~code~~>		</pre>

	This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.		This level is another example of the need to push a box away from its goal before the level can be solved. Additionally one box has to be "parked" until some other boxes have reached their goals. A situation where a box must be pushed but can't be pushed immediately to its goal occurs very often in Sokoban levels. Some of them are "parking" situations.

How to play Sokoban - Revision history

Sokobano: Undo revision 8304 by Sokobano (talk)

Sokobano: Undo revision 8289 by Matthias Meger (talk)

Matthias Meger: replaced by

Matthias Meger: /* Reverse play */ added reverse mode

Matthias Meger: replaced `by`