From Scrabble to Wordle, word puzzle games have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with their ability to sharpen the mind and deliver a sense of triumph when you master the art of wordplay. To enhance your cognitive skills and expand your vocabulary, we've compiled a list of 10 top word puzzle games that cater to fans of brain teasers and puzzle enthusiasts alike. All these games are accessible on mobile devices or through web browsers, making them perfect for on-the-go or at-home entertainment.
Here are the 10 best word puzzle games to play in 2025.
Wordle
Image credit: New York Times GamesDeveloper: Josh Wardle | Publisher: New York Times Games (since 2022) | Release Date: October, 2021 | Platforms: Browser, iOS, Android
Undoubtedly, the most viral word game of all time, Wordle, kicks off our list. Each day presents a fresh word challenge, keeping you engaged and allowing you to share your triumphs or trials on social media. Utilize logic and deduction to optimize your limited guesses, or take a chance and throw letters at the wall to see what sticks! This game has sparked a trend of similar word-based puzzles, including the more demanding Quordle.
Wordscapes
Image credit: PeopleFunDeveloper: PeopleFun | Publisher: PeopleFun | Release Date: 2017 | Platforms: iOS, Android
One of the most popular puzzle game apps, Wordscapes challenges you to solve countless levels of crossword puzzles. Create as many word combinations from a jumble of letters as possible, earning extra in-game currency for words outside the crossword itself. The serene music and background imagery make this an ideal game to unwind with after a long day.
4 Pics 1 Word
Image credit: RedSpell/LOTUM GmbHDeveloper: RedSpell/LOTUM GmbH | Publisher: RedSpell/LOTUM GmbH | Release Date: February 22, 2013 | Platforms: Android, iOS
For those who benefit from visual clues, 4 Pics 1 Word offers four image tiles, each a hint towards a single word. Guess the word to advance to the next level. This game is perfect for playing and discussing with friends or family, as they might catch visual cues you miss. It's a fantastic blend of wordplay and imagery to stimulate your brain.
Baba Is You
Image credit: Hempuli OyDeveloper: Hempuli Oy | Publisher: Hempuli Oy | Release Date: March 13, 2019 | Platforms: Linux, macOS, Switch, iOS, Android
Though unconventional, Baba Is You is a word game at its core, using vocabulary to alter the game's mechanics. As a charming sprite, you navigate levels by rearranging words to change the rules, aiming to reach the goal. What if Baba became Win, or Key? Experiment and find out in this unique puzzler.
Contexto
Image credit: Nildo JuniorDeveloper: Nildo Junior | Publisher: Nildo Junior/Daydash | Release Date: 2022 | Platforms: iOS, Android, Browser
A distinctive browser-based word game, Contexto challenges you to guess a new word daily, akin to Wordle. However, instead of letter feedback, you receive contextual hints from an algorithm, indicating how close your guesses are to the secret word. With unlimited guesses, the number you receive after each attempt tells you if you're getting warmer or colder. Enjoy the challenge without the frustration!
Words With Friends
Image credit: Zynga/NewtoyDeveloper: Newtoy/Zynga | Publisher: Newtoy/Zynga | Release Date: July, 2009 | Platforms: Android, iOS, Facebook, Kindle Fire, Nook Tablet, Windows Phone, Windows
A classic word battle game, Words With Friends lets you compete against friends or strangers on a board, scoring points for each letter placed. Aim for a higher score than your opponent to claim victory and climb the leaderboard. If competition isn't your thing, you can still enjoy solo play.
Scrabble GO
Image credit: ScopelyDeveloper: Scopely | Publisher: Scopely | Release Date: December 14, 2017 | Platforms: Android, iOS
The timeless classic, Scrabble, is now mobile with Scrabble GO. Play against friends and family on social media, enjoying the iconic Scrabble look and feel. Unlock in-game chests to customize your tiles and personalize your gameplay, showcasing your style to opponents!
Alphabear
Image credit: Spry FoxDeveloper: Spry Fox | Publisher: Spry Fox | Release Date: July, 2015 | Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Alphabear blends Scrabble with a unique twist: using tiles unlocks adjacent ones, but unused tiles turn into stone blocks after several turns. The adorable bear aesthetic belies a challenging puzzle that requires strategic planning to maximize your score.
SpellTower
Image credit: Zach GageDeveloper: Zach Gage | Publisher: Zach Gage | Release Date: January 12, 2012 | Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS
SpellTower combines elements of Tetris and Boggle, tasking you with forming words from adjacent letter tiles to clear the screen as new letters drop from above. If you enjoy word games with a time pressure element, SpellTower is the perfect fit!
Typeshift
Image credit: Zach GageDeveloper: Zach Gage | Publisher: Zach Gage | Release Date: March, 2017 | Platforms: Android, iOS
Typeshift challenges you with a rotating, padlock-style grid of letters to rearrange and guess the daily word. While similar to other word puzzles, the padlock theme appeals to puzzle lovers and escape room enthusiasts around the globe.
AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Is your favorite missing from the list? You can share your own word puzzle games list with us via IGN Playlist, our tool that allows you to keep track of your gaming library, create lists and even rank them, discover what some of your favorite creators are playing, and more. Head over to IGN Playlist to find out more, and start creating your own lists to share with us!
