Word games can be pretty addictive. They are mental workouts and excellent ways to challenge your vocabulary and memory. While the OG titles still stand strong, there is a word game app for everyone these days.
Free word games for adults even skyrocketed further in terms of popularity after Wordle took off in 2022. Most word games feature classic crossword-inspired mechanics, but some experiment with unique mechanics to offer more engaging experiences.
If you’ve been searching for word games online or wondering what the best free word games for adults are, this list highlights five apps that stand out on both iOS and Android.
With so many options available, it can be hard to decide which word games are worth downloading. Whether you’re into word challenges, daily puzzles, or even betting apps, there should be an app tailored to your interests.
1. SpellTower+
SpellTower+ offers a decent mix of wordplay and strategy. Tiles rise from the bottom of the screen, and your job is to form words that keep the stack from overflowing. It’s a great game for quick thinkers, as you need to make decisions on the fly.
SpellTower+ features eleven game modes, including Daily Tower, Puzzle, and Rush. If you’ve played other word games and are now looking for something dynamic, then SpellTower+ can be worth a try.
2. Wordle
Wordle is the go-to word game for many. Its rules are simple, and its puzzles make players come back for more. You get six chances to guess a five-letter word, with color-coded hints showing how close you are. Wordle challenges reset daily, which allowed it to become a routine for many.
If the daily challenge mode isn’t your thing, you can also try Wordle’s unlimited puzzles or timed challenges. You can even challenge your friends in the game, which is my favourite game mode.
3. Waffle
Waffle looks like a typical word puzzle game, but it comes with a twist. In this game, you rearrange scrambled letters on a waffle instead of filling in blanks. You’ll need to line up six words correctly to complete levels in Waffle.
Waffle’s fun take on the genre and its replayability turn it into a great alternative to Wordle and Scrabble. There are daily puzzles and an archive filled with previously released challenges.
4. Scrabble GO
If you’ve ever played physical Scrabble, then Scrabble GO needs no introduction. This mobile word puzzle game brings the classic board game to Android and iOS devices. Scrabble GO is packed with the official rules and dictionaries, alongside new game modes like Duels, Word Drop, and Tumbler.
Scrabble GO is one of the easier word games to play with friends and other players since it has community-focused features and even weekly leagues.
5. Word Search Explorer
Players get to swipe through letter grids to uncover hidden words in the Word Search Explorer app. Themes change and difficulty levels increase as you progress through the game.
Word Search Explorer is free to play, and it also works offline, making it even more accessible and versatile. There are hundreds of puzzles to complete in Word Search Explorer, making it a nice distraction from the titans of the genre for a decent amount of time.
If you’re looking for some tag-team action, you can also check out the best word board games that offer a more cooperative experience. There are also cooperative board games for two players for smaller groups.
