From Scrabble To Wordle: The Rise Of Online Word Games
Online word games have seen a surge in popularity in recent years. These games are a test of spelling and vocabulary, while also introducing fun problem solving elements. From Scrabble to Wordle, this post explores some of the most trendy online word games right now.
Scrabble Go
Most people have likely played Scrabble before. This timeless board game requires players to build words out of a random selection of letters and place them strategically on a board to gain points. On top of testing one’s lexical knowledge, Scrabble also requires mental math skills – where you place your words on the board can affect your score as a result of double letter, triple letter, double word and triple word tiles. Scrabble Go is the app version of this game and it allows you to compete against players around the world or play against a computer.
Word Searches
These popular pen-and-paper word puzzles can also now be played online. Word search puzzles require players to find words that have been hidden in a grid of letters. These words can be arranged horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Some word searches even contain words spelt backwards. Solving word searches can help test pattern recognition and spelling skills, while also being a great form of stress relief. Online versions come in a variety of difficulties with some even requiring you to race against a clock.
Crosswords
Another traditional word puzzle that has made its transition to the web is the crossword. These puzzles require players to fill in a grid by guessing words based on clues. On top of being a test of one’s vocabulary knowledge, crosswords can also be a test of one’s general knowledge. There are many sites and apps dedicated to crosswords with the option to solve timed crosswords and choose from a variety of difficulties.
Hangman
Hangman is another classic word game that has found a new home online. This game requires players to guess a word by suggesting letters. Every time a wrong letter is guessed, part of a hanging stick figure gets drawn. You lose if you are unable to guess the word before the hangman drawing is complete. There are a few online variants of this game, including some more kid-friendly sensitive versions that use a spaceman or a snowman instead of a hangman.
Countdown
This famous British game show challenges players to find the longest word that they can out of a random selection of letters within a 30 second time limit. It’s a test of vocabulary knowledge, anagram solving and fast reactions. You can play Countdown online (it even has the iconic theme tune). On top of the iconic letters round, you can also play the numbers round where you have to get as close to a random total sum using the numbers provided.
Wordle
Wordle rose to popularity in late 2021 and has been a major contributor to the rise in online word games. This online game challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six attempts. With each guess, you get color-coded feedback as to whether you have guessed a correct letter and if it is in the right place. What makes Wordle unique is the fact that you get only one daily puzzle to solve – and it’s the same puzzle for everyone. Players can share their results on social media giving it a fun competitive edge. The game has spawned an array of exciting spin-off versions including Quordle (a game that challenges players to solve four words at once), Sweardle (a cheeky version of Wordle that uses swear words) and Absurdle (a challenging variant where you must guess a nonsense word).
Contexto
Contexto is a unique online word game that challenges players to guess a word based on its contextual meaning. You have unlimited attempts to guess the mystery word and each guess is ranked according to its similarity to the target word. This requires you to narrow down the word by exploring the breadth of your vocabulary and applying critical thinking skills. The aim is to guess the word in as few attempts as possible. Like Wordle, you get one word to solve per day and can share your results online. You can play Contexto via a website or by downloading the app.
Words with Friends
Words with Friends is based off of Scrabble and is very similar in its gameplay. However, the board is slightly different, as is the scoring method. You can also score a ‘bingo!’ bonus by using all of your letters at once. As the name of this app suggests, this is a great game for playing with friends, although you also have the option to play against random opponents. It is a great game for Scrabble fans to try – some prefer it to Scrabble Go, while others prefer the original.
Bananagrams
This fast-paced word game requires you to race against a clock with the goal of forming interconnected words on a grid using a set of letter tiles. It’s a mixture of Scrabble and Countdown that began as a physical word game, but has now moved online. You can still buy the physical version of this game, which consists of tile letters in a zip-up banana-shaped pouch (hence the name Bananagrams).
Wordscapes
Wordscapes is a relaxing anagram-solving game that has become one of the more popular word-based app games. Players are given a set of letters per round and must use them to build various words on a crossword-like grid. The game gets more challenging as you go through the levels. Throughout the game, you are treated by stunning landscape backdrops that give the game a very calming feel. It’s a good app to download if you’re looking for a stressbuster.
Conclusion
All of these online games are free to play and can be fantastic for exercising the brain. By trying out different games, you can test different mental skills. They’re also an opportunity to build one’s vocabulary and become better at general problem solving.
