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Daily logic word games have taken modern society by storm, and continues to grow in popularity not just in word game circles, but also the casual gaming audience. With leaps in technology and the internet, more and more people now have access to entertaining word puzzles and more, but the question is, does a modern word game like Crosswordle fit your tastes, or is the traditional crossword still superior?

Read on to learn more and see which game is ideal for you!

What is a traditional crossword?

The classic crossword is a grid-based word puzzle where you fill in words among intersecting rows and columns. Iconic and easily identifiable with its black and white square or rectangular grid, you solve the puzzle by guessing the right words using numbered clues that correspond to a definition or hints. "Across" clues are filled in horizontally, from left to right, and "down" clues are filled vertically, from top to bottom.

For example, an across clue numbered 1 with five blank squares is noted as "A red fruit that grows on trees", while at the end of that row is a down clue numbered 2 with the hint "A holiday where eggs are hidden". The answers to both of these are APPLE and EASTER, respectively.

Simple, fun and easily understandable, this is a classic game that requires a certain level of vocabulary, general knowledge and logic. The original pencil and paper iterations of the crossword were available on printed media, notably on newspapers and magazines, but have now long been adapted into digital media in the form of puzzle websites, apps and online publications.

What is Crosswordle?

Crosswordle blends the best elements of crosswords and Wordle, creating the ultimate hybrid word puzzle where you have the grids of a crossword while having the color-feedback system of Wordle*. You solve it by swapping letters around and forming the right words in the rows and columns. As a modern word game, it provides a fresh yet intuitive experience that appeals to both first-time players and long-time word game fans.

Each puzzle presents a crossword-like grid with letters in place and uses a familiar color-coded system inspired by Wordle:

• Green letters are in the correct position
• Yellow letters are in the correct row or column but are in the wrong spot
• Grey letters are in the wrong row or column and in the wrong spot

To solve the puzzle, you’ll need to swap letters within the rows and columns to correctly form the hidden words. However, the challenge here is that you only get a limited number of swaps, adding just the right amount of pressure for puzzle lovers who crave a daily brain workout. The game ends either when all target words are completed or when you’ve used up your swaps.

Easy to pick up and play, highly accessible and engaging, Crosswordle can be played on most devices via a web browser. Inputs can be done using a mouse and keyboard or mobile devices interfaces, and there are other features in it that improve user experience, like account creation, social media sharing and more!

Crosswordle vs Crossword: side-by-side comparison

What do these two fun games have in common and what don't they? Here's a quick comparison table for you:

Feature	Traditional crossword	Crosswordle
System	Varying grid sizes + clues	Uniform grid size + color-feedback
Platforms	Printed media, digital	Web-based
Free-to-play?	⚠️Varies, depends on where you play	✅
Unlimited play?	⚠️Varies, depends on where you play	✅
Win condition	⬜Grid is complete with correct inputs	🟩All letters are green
Accessibility	⚠️Requires minimum word knowledge	✅ No pre-requisite knowledge required
Difficulty	⚠️ Variable depending on setter	✅️Consistently moderate
Skill focus	Vocabulary + general knowledge	Logic-based guessing + vocabulary + sequencing
Game time	15-30 minutes	3-6 minutes
Scoring	Manual checking via answer sheet	⭐Automatic, star-based system

Which puzzle is harder?

Objectively, the traditional crossword is generally harder for the following reasons:

• Requires a minimum level of vocabulary and general knowledge. This is probably the most apparent bar of entry for people who want to play the traditional crossword. Each selected word in the puzzle, along with its accompanying clues, requires a certain level of knowledge to fill in. The puzzle becomes easier to complete after each guess, but what if you're a casual player who didn't know a single word, even with the clues?
• A bit reliant on luck. The traditional crossword has many grid sizes of varying difficulties. In the past, players filling in the puzzle via newspapers and magazines had little to no control over what they would get—would they get a thematic crossword tomorrow made by a considerate puzzle setter, or get an extremely difficult one with obscure words that require a heavy dictionary? What if a player had gotten the latter? Better luck next time and wait for the next issue. While this flaw is no longer present in modern crosswords (as most follow a theme or category now), the difficulty is still a bit luck-based, as you'd have to get a decent grid size and a competent puzzle setter behind it.

Which puzzle is easier?

Objectively, Crosswordle is the easier game among the two due to the following reasons:

• Designed accessibility. All logic, no luck. The puzzle is made with the average person in mind, with common words that most people can recall. Even if some of the words are foreign to you, the color-feedback system is intuitive and allows players to make the right decisions without holding their hand.
• Consistent. When you play a Crosswordle puzzle, you know what you're getting—a moderately challenging grid that has the perfect balance of easy, middling and hard words to guess for. Every puzzle has an intended way of solving it, where you can achieve six stars, the perfect score.
• Approachable and appealing. To some players, a big grid of blank squares can be intimidating. Crosswordle's minimalist design is both functional and easy on the eyes, relieving mental stress and allowing you to focus on making the right swaps.

How to pick the right game for you

All in all, the most logical suggestion would be Crosswordle due to it being more beginner-friendly and consistently engaging. Accessible, easy to understand and has depth for perfectionists, it really is the ideal game for the regular Joe who wants to keep his brain active in a short period.

However, if you're looking for a challenge that will test your vocabulary skills as well as your general knowledge, the classic crossword will fit your needs nicely. This traditional word puzzle is ideal for players who have more time to invest or those who like to take their games slow and steady.

FAQ

Is Crosswordle under the New York Time's Wordle?

No. Crosswordle is 100% independent and has no connection with the NYT. Wordle is a registered trademark of The New York Times and has no affiliation with Crosswordle.

Does Crosswordle have an archive?

Not yet, but we're working on creating something for people who just want to keep playing our puzzles. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter, as we'll definitely announce it there!

I can't get six stars, better luck next time?

Don't worry, we've been there. Here's our in-depth guide so you can start hitting the highest of scores!

What is the average crossword puzzle size?

It varies on where you're playing, but the classic ones that were printed in weekday newspapers usually had a 15x15 grid, 21x21 and beyond if it were a weekend issue.

How do I create a Crosswordle account?

Register here and gain access to features like username editing, stat-tracking, colorblind mode and more.

Join us on Discord!

We hope that our comparison guide helped you find the right word game for you. If you're interested in sharing your scores and hanging out with fellow word game enthusiasts, come with us on our Discord server!

Itching to know whether Crosswordle can go toe-to-toe with NYT word games? Then check out this post we have on Connections vs. Crosswordle!

*Wordle is a registered trademark of the New York Times and is not affiliated with Crosswordle in any way.