Wordle Alternatives: 25 Daily Games Ranked by Challenge
Ever since Wordle® took the world by storm during the tail-end of the COVID-19 Pandemic and its acquisition (and subsequent paywalling by The New York Times), people have remained hooked to its core appeals; simple, engaging, casual and accessible.
But guessing for the same five-letter word with the same six guesses again and again for a year or so can get repetitive and causes fatigue, not to mention being limited to only one free daily puzzle in a day. So what do you do when you want to play something like Wordle but NOT Wordle?
Play Wordle alternatives, of course! There are so many fun Wordle-style daily logic word games out there, where you can find the same gameplay (if not better) that you're looking for; quick, straightforward and most of all, fun!
Today, we'll be ranking 25 alternatives that you can try for yourself, based on many criteria such as difficulty, replayability, accessibility and more.
What Counts as a Wordle Alternative?
There's more to an alternative puzzle game than just the color-feedback system. Here are factors we consider when it comes to providing an alternative:
- Daily Mode. The Daily Mode of a Wordle* alternative gives the same challenge and excitement you're looking for. It doesn't have to be a game that refreshes every 24 hours specifically, but rather a game that provides a changing daily challenge to complete.
- Unlimited play/archive. Not all Wordle offer unlimited play or an archive, but this is another crucial feature that most Wordlers look for, including us.
- Language. While there are many puzzle games with different languages and country-specific systems, we're sticking to English in this guide.
- Word or logic focus. Wordle became the hit it is now because almost everyone can play it. You don't need to be a genius to solve it nor do you need to have a wide vocabulary to fill it in. The game should be something that most people can understand and focus on words, logic or even numbers.
- Accessible. The game needs to be browser- or mobile-friendly, as this makes it easier for you to play anytime, anywhere.
- For all ages. An alternative game to Wordle should be something both young and old can play. The youngest we consider is six years old.
- Playtime. Not everyone has the time to play a puzzle game the whole day, so something that fits during your job's break time is ideal.
- Free. Probably one of the most important criteria that people usually focus on. After all, everyone prefers to play something that won't cost them anything.
*Wordle is a registered trademark of the New York Times, not affiliated with Crosswordle and is only used as a descriptive/comparative basis in this article.
Table of contents
Here is the content of the article. Click on a link to jump to a section of the page.
- Logic guessing puzzle games
- Logic-based grid games
- Multi-board Wordle games
- Context-based puzzle games
- Letter-connecting word games
Logic guessing puzzle games
These games involve guessing words or something similar by using a specific logic system, ranked easiest first to hardest last.
Our rankings are purely subjective and every player may have different receptions of each game in this list.
Squeezy
A refreshing daily word puzzle game where you make new words by inserting letters between the existing letters, it provides a familiar yet different feeling from Wordle.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode
- 3 difficulty modes
One of the easier-to-play alternatives in this selection, it also has a difficulty modifier in its daily mode for those wanting a challenge.
Jumblie
A daily word game where you guess four thematic words hidden within a jumble of letters using a color-feedback system, it scratches that word itch in the right spot while also providing you with a different challenge altogether.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode
- Stat tracking
This puzzle game is ideal for those who want a new puzzle everyday that's based on a theme, which greatly reduces the uncontrollable randomness you'd find in Wordle.
Mathler
A daily math puzzle game that uses Wordle's color-feedback system, it provides you with a different kind of challenge with a recognizable feel to it.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Varying difficulty
A great alternative to Wordle, it even has different difficulty modes for those who are seeking a greater challenge.
Couples
A word-chain guessing game that focuses on missing word pairs, it uses a two-color feedback system that is similar to Wordle's, making it an easy transition for Wordlers.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode
- Simple vocabulary
Even though it does rely on chained pairs, this game uses common words and doesn't really require high vocabulary skills (though it does reward it).
Canuckle
A well-known Wordle-offshoot, this game is basically the same game but painted with a Canadian coat of colors and given a Canada-centric wordlist.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Canada-centric
While newcomers might consider it just a red Wordle, its word choice is what makes it hard, and it also has a six- and seven-letter mode for those who need a harder experience.
Logic-based grid games
These are Wordle alternatives that revolve around the use of logic in a grid-type puzzle, ranked easiest first to hardest last.
Our rankings are purely subjective and every player may have different receptions of each game in this list.
Crosswordle
A crossword-grid puzzle that uses color-coded clues, this is the ideal alternative for Wordle players looking for something familiar yet spontaneous.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode/Unlimited play
- Consistent difficulty
Easy to pick up and learn, Crosswordle crushes the five-letter word routine with its crossword aspects but still feels familiar with its color-feedback system.
Waffle
A daily word game that combines Wordle's color-feedback system and a waffle-like grid, you can enjoy the familiar feeling of the colors and the five-letter target words.
- Loads of free content
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Varying difficulty
Fun and full of different modes to play with, it is teeming with content that you can play as much as you want and need.
Sumplete
This math game, famously known for being made in collaboration with ChatGPT, is a great alternative for those looking for a daily logic puzzle.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Varying difficulty
Filled with different grid sizes and difficulty settings, you can easily choose the ideal puzzle that fits your preferences.
Queens
One of LinkedIn's most popular games, it is a daily game that is reminiscent of sudoku, but given a simpler and more approachable twist.
- Free content
- Daily mode
- Stat tracking (requires account)
- Modern aesthetic
Its calming interface makes it even more approachable to new users, and the game's strength lies in the fact that there is only one solution to each daily puzzle.
Hitori Conquest
A digital and modern version of the classic Japanese pen and paper puzzle, it is a surprisingly good alternative for those looking to get over their Wordle fatigue.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode/Unlimited play
- 5x5, 8x8 and 12x12 grid sizes
Easy to learn and solve, it has three different grid sizes that you can choose from, where the bigger the grid is, the greater the challenge.
Multi-board Wordle games
These are Wordle alternatives for players who aren't satisfied with just one board and need even more to get challenged and have fun, ranked easiest first to hardest last.
Our rankings are purely subjective and every player may have different receptions of each game in this list.
Dordle
A two-board offshoot, it's basically the same as Wordle with green and yellow squares, but every input is reflected on both boards and you have seven guesses instead of six tries.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode/Unlimited play
- Stat tracking
You already know how to Wordle, so you definitely can Dordle. Its main appeal is the difficulty of trying to hit two correct answers using one input every time.
Quordle
A four-board offshoot, it plays exactly like Wordle, but every input now reflects on four different panels and you have nine attempts instead.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Has Word Finder tool
This is the Wordle alternative for those looking for a more difficult experience, but it can be approachable to newcomers with the intuitive Merriam-Webster™ Word Finder and dictionary tool.
Octordle
An eight-board variant with the same mechanics as Wordle, but you now have to solve for eight correct words while having 13 guesses.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Difficult
A hardcore Wordler's go-to game, this is the mainstay for the more experienced players of the fanbase and is usually added in their daily routines.
Sedecordle
A whopping 16-board offshoot, it plays like the normal Wordle, but each input now reflects on 16 different rows and you have 21 guesses.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Extremely difficult
One of the most challenging variations of its predecessor, its main appeal is in its absurdity and difficulty; try at your own risk.
Duotrigordle
An impossibly high 32-board clone, it works the same as the normal Wordle, but you now have to solve for 32 target words and have 37 subsequent guesses.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Multiple modes
- Nightmarishly difficult
Why this game has a cult following, we'll never truly know, but there are just some hardcore Wordlers that have mastered the game to the point they need exponential numbers of it to even feel challenged, and this game delivers.
Context-based puzzle games
These are Wordle alternatives that focus more on the meanings and relations of words in the puzzle, ranked easiest first to hardest last.
Our rankings are purely subjective and every player may have different receptions of each game in this list.
Contexto
A word game where you guess the right word using a range-ranking system, it is a great change of pace for Wordlers tired of the same routine.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode/Archive
- Varying difficulty
Contexto's main appeal is that it encourages logical thinking and has unlimited guesses, and while it's great to catch the answer in a few guesses, the game doesn't mind a relaxed approach to solving it.
Connections
One of the NYT's most popular games, it's highly probable that this game is already part of your daily game run, and it's a great Wordle alternative in itself with its word-category matching gameplay.
- Provides free daily mode
- Accessible
- Paywalled content
- Varying difficulty
Easy to understand and play, it became and remains popular for being an approachable game for both newcomers and long-time word game enthusiasts.
Play Connections online, or read how it compares to Crosswordle.
Murdle
A different breed of puzzle game that relies on logical deduction and attention to the details of words, it's another great Wordle alternative, especially if you're into murder mystery stories.
- Free to play
- Accessible
- Has mini version for beginners
- Book versions offer more to play
Plot is not a common thing for daily games to have, and this game has it in spades, with the puzzle books being even more engaging than the web version.
The Wiki Game
A unique way of playing with words, The Wiki Game is the ideal alternative for Wordlers who are looking for the challenging experience of jumping through Wikipedia articles.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Asynchronous multiplayer
- Unlimited play
The main appeal of this game is that no matter how unrelated two words/article may be, they can be connected if you think hard enough.
Semantle
A word guessing game where, unlike Wordle, you focus on the meanings of words instead of their spelling, and input semantically similar words.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Daily mode/archive
- Offers an easier mode
Notoriously difficult, this is a game meant for people who prefer introspective analysis than speed, and those who crave a challenge.
Letter-connecting word games
These are Wordle alternatives that revolve around a letter-connecting mechanic to form words and the like.
Word Search
A timeless classic, word search games have been a mainstay for people who want a break from their daily crossword, or in this case, their daily Wordle.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Archive
- Has a free puzzle maker function
This is a game for those who want to just relax, hunt words across a sheet and cross out target words at their own pace.
Word Salad
An award-winning letter-connecting game, this is an ideal Wordle substitute for people who are tired of guessing five-letter words every single day.
- Loads of free content
- Accessible
- Full game on paid app
- Varying difficulty
The web version offers free daily puzzles, with a small archive accessible if you need more after finishing today's puzzle. What makes it special against other letter-connection games is that it is multi-directional and not confined to straight lines.
Play Word Salad online, or download the app today.
Strands
A popular game in the NYT game catalog, this is another mainstay for most daily gamers' runs, but the game in itself is a worthy Wordle alternative.
- Free daily puzzle
- Accessible
- Paywalled content
- Varying difficulty
While its full experience is paywalled, the free daily puzzle offers more than enough challenge and fun for most players looking to exercise their brains.
Letter Boxed
Another game in the NYT game catalogue, it provides a fun challenge that is of a different type from most daily games and is a great refresher if you've gotten Wordle fatigue.
- Free daily puzzle
- Accessible
- Paywalled content
- Varying difficulty
As with most NYT games, the other features of this game are locked behind a subscription, but its free daily puzzle is a mainstay for people looking to scratch their everyday word itch.
Cell Tower
An obscure letter-connecting game, it is a worthy Wordle substitute, especially if you're looking for more of a challenge than the usual games in your routine.
- Completely free
- Accessible
- Archive
- Difficult
Think of this game as Strands and Word Search on steroids, as its real challenge is the spatial management.
Hardest Wordle Alternatives
Based on the lists above and our team's testing, here are the games we consider the hardest per category:
- Logic guessing puzzle games - Canuckle
- Logic-based grid games - Hitori Conquest
- Multi-board Wordle games - Sedecordle
- Context-based puzzle games - Semantle
- Letter-connecting games - Cell Tower
How we tested & ranked the games
Here's our criteria for the lists we made above:
- Free-to-play - Free is king. Bonus if it offers free hints or clues.
- Gameplay appeal - We don't want it to just tick off boxes that are "end word this, correct position that, possible answers this, correct spot that". No one puzzle is perfect, especially on the internet, but if it isn't fun to play, why bother?
- Difficulty from a newcomer's perspective - If the challenge isn't rewarding, then it's just punishment in the guise of a game.
- Playtime - As you're looking for something to replace or supplement Wordle, the shorter the better.
- Accessibility - If an old phone or a barely working laptop can play it, then it's well-made.
Two words: "Alternatives FAQ"
What is the best Wordle alternative?
Objectively, if you're looking for similar games to Wordle but fun in a different way, then the following are ideal:
- Crosswordle
- Waffle
- Couples.game
- Word Salad
Are they all free?
All of them have free daily or normal modes, but not all of them are completely free, like the other NYT games and some other titles.
Which has unlimited plays/archives?
Check out the lists above if you're looking for everything, but here are the ones we recommend:
- Crosswordle
- Mathler
- Sumplete
- Waffle
Goodbye boredom, hello Wordle alternatives!
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