Octordle vs Crosswordle: Which Daily Word Game Suits You?
Ever since Wordle® found massive popularity among a very wide range of audiences, daily logic word games have just taken off as a subgenre.
From solving for a five-letter word using Wordle's green and yellow bricks to testing your niche pop culture knowledge in CineNerdle, everyone found something for themselves. But there comes a time when you need to spice things up with something familiar but different.
If you’ve mastered the five-letter grid and want an alternative, Octordle and Crosswordle deliver two very different challenges. But that begs the question... What are these two games? And which is better for you?
Today, we'll be comparing these two games in terms of difficulty, accessibility, replayability and more!
What is Octordle?
Octordle is a hardcore Wordle variant that makes you solve for five-letter words in eight grids at once. Think of the original, then multiply that by eight; that's basically it, mechanically. Each input reflects in all the grids, and these eight grids share certain letters. That's where the color cues everyone's familiar with come in handy:
- 🟩 Green means a correct letter and is in the right position.
- 🟨 Yellow means the letter is in the word but in the wrong position.
- ⬜ Grey means the letter isn’t in the final word at all.
But don't think Octordle is just the same as the original. Instead of six chances for only one word, you now have 13 guesses to work with, but you also have to guess eight words correctly. Juggling your guess count, correctly identifying which letters to use, as well as trying to hit multiple five-letter words with the correct guesses, makes this puzzle game a great game for those with Wordle burnout.
What is Crosswordle?
Crosswordle uses a crossword-style grid with color-coded clues for each swap. By fusing the best elements from both games, it provides a gaming experience that's both familiar and refreshing, perfect for newcomers to the genre and seasoned word game fans alike.
Each puzzle has a 7x7 grid styled like a crossword, with intersecting rows and columns filled with letters. Just like in Wordle, a color-feedback system works as your guide:
- 🟩 Green means the letter is in the correct spot and in the right word.
- 🟨 Yellow means the letter appears in the right row or column but in the wrong position.
- ⬜ Grey means the letter doesn't belong where it is—move it elsewhere to trigger a color change.
To win, you’ll have to swap around letters within these rows and columns to form words. However, you’re given a limited number of swaps, making each move important and adding a layer of strategy for those aiming for the perfect score. The puzzle ends when you either run out of swaps or complete all the correct words.
Octordle vs Crosswordle: a comparison of word games
Here's a quick overview of both games to help you decide which one is fit for you:
| Feature | Octordle | Crosswordle |
|---|---|---|
| Free-to-play | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Free daily puzzle | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Unlimited mode | ✅Yes | ✅Yes |
| Puzzle layout | 8 Wordle-style boards | 7 × 7 swap grid |
| Difficulty | Hard – Very hard | Moderate |
| Life system | 13 guesses | 15 – 19 swaps (grid-dependent) |
| Core skills | Vocabulary + multitasking | Logic + sequencing |
| Average play-time | 5 – 10 min* | 3 – 6 min |
Which one is harder?
Objectively, Octordle is harder than Crosswordle for the following reasons:
- Requires a certain level of mastery of the original Wordle to win. Playing this word game blind will be like playing a Rubik's Cube for the first time—you'll hit a goal or two, but you won't be able to solve it completely without prior experience. While knowing how to play Wordle isn't a prerequisite, experience with it is needed to fully enjoy Octordle.
- Needs considerable multitasking skills. It's one thing to know the target of solving eight words at once, and another whole different ball park to actually do it. You don't stop at four five-letter words... you have eight to hit with a life system that dwindles every time you guess. The usual player will immediately try to solve one word and then jump onto the next target, which will exhaust their guess stock before they can even reach the third word. In Octordle, you need a considerable level of multitasking skills; keeping tabs on your guess stock, noting which words are what color, thinking of valid five-letter words to use and several more.
- Extensive vocabulary is essential. Unlike in the original Wordle, where you can power through words you don't know using the color-feedback system and its six guesses, Octordle needs a certain level of inherent vocabulary for you to enjoy and win it. Most people don't know word choices like UTILE, CAROM or SQUAB, and even if they guess these obscure words, they're going to find they only have a few more guesses left.
- It is heavily luck-based. At the end of the day, while logic is a skill that does play a big role in winning in Octordle, it is, by essence, a guessing game. Guessing games are a mix of both skill and luck, but for most people, is skewed more heavily towards the aspect of luck. Luck-based games can be frustrating and harder because, what if you guess incorrectly in a row even after considering elements correctly?
Which one is easier?
Objectively, Crosswordle is easier than Octordle for the following reasons:
- Accessible. As a game that appeals to a more casual audience, almost everyone can pick it up, learn how to play it and solve it in minutes.
- Simple mechanics and objective. Just swap the right letters and make everything go green, easy enough, right? No need to bring out a dictionary and know obscure words from the 18th century to win.
- All skill, no luck. The puzzle is completely laid out for you to logically solve. Everything you need is in there, no guesswork. No hassle.
Which one should you play?
With all the information above in mind, these are the things you should keep in mind.
Play Octordle if...
- You love juggling multiple boards
- You want longer playtime
- You enjoy a hardcore challenge
Play Crosswordle if...
- You prefer logic over guesswork
- You want something that you can play and win fast
- You enjoy a more casual word game experience
FAQ
Is Octordle's eight words grid free?
Yes, it is completely free. It is owned by Britannica®, which also happens to own Merriam-Webster®.
Is Crosswordle free?
Completely free. All the content in it, including account creation, unlimited mode and more, is free under Hey, Good Game.
Does Crosswordle have hidden words?
No. If you're looking for something like that, then Squeezy is a better fit for you.
Does Crosswordle affect my Wordle streak?
No. *Wordle is a registered trademark of the New York Times and is not affiliated with Crosswordle in any way.
Can I play either offline?
Definitely! Both puzzles remain visible if you lose connection after loading, but streaks require an online save.
Where I can play other games like Wordle?
If you're looking for other games like Wordle, here are several links you can use:
- 30 Best Wordle Variants - Wordle variants for those looking for more Wordle to play
- 25 Wordle Alternatives - For those who need something like Wordle but NOT Wordle
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