The Best Word Games to Play in 2025
If your favorite tab is the “Games” section of the New York Times, you’re not alone. There’s an entire ecosystem of clever word games that take just a few minutes a day but stick with you all week.
This page highlights some of the best daily word and logic games you can add to your rotation — from classics like Wordle to newer games like Cross Ladder.
Daily word games worth playing
Guess a hidden five-letter word in six tries. Simple rules, massive cultural impact, and still one of the cleanest designs in puzzle gaming.
You’re given sixteen words and asked to group them into four related sets. It’s all about pattern recognition, lateral thinking, and “ohhhh” moments.
A twist on the word search format: uncover thematic words on a jumbled grid while discovering the hidden theme along the way.
Use a seven-letter hive to build as many words as possible, always including the center letter. Addictive if you like open-ended word lists and score-chasing.
Fill in criss-crossing letter regions using deduction instead of clues. It’s great if you love crosswords but want something more rule-driven and minimal.
Solve six clue-based words where each answer builds from the last by adding or removing letters.
It’s part word ladder, part riddle, and part letter-management puzzle.
Play today’s Cross Ladder puzzle →
If you enjoy multi-board stress, Quordle and similar variants let you play several Wordle-style grids simultaneously with shared guesses.
How to build a daily word game routine
A good daily routine usually mixes fast wins with a bit of stretch. For example:
- Start with something quick like Wordle or Cross Ladder.
- Move to a grouping or logic game like Connections or Strands.
- Finish with a deeper challenge like Spelling Bee or a crossword.
Cross Ladder is designed to sit comfortably in the “quick but clever” slot — something you can solve in a few minutes but still think about afterward.