Wordle is one of those word games or puzzles that somehow becomes part of our daily routine before we even realize it. We prepared this guide for those new to Wordle and those looking for more Wordle-like games. Whether you are obsessed or curious, here, we break down Wordle rules, starting words, other NYT games, or just word games, and Wordle's rich and interesting history. Yes, someone invented Wordle, and it was not the New York Times.

Who Invented Wordle and Who Owns It Now?

Josh Wardle invented Wordle back in 2021 as a simple word game for his partner. It wasn’t meant to go viral, just a small personal project that anyone could play online. But things escalated quickly. Wordle exploded in popularity within a few months, with millions of players sharing their daily results on social media platforms like X and Reddit.

The New York Times saw its massive growth and acquired Wordle in early 2022. And now we all know Wordle is part of the New York Times’ puzzle lineup, alongside games like NYT Connections and NYT Strands.

Why Is Wordle So Popular?

But why is Wordle so popular? How did it go viral? Well, Wordle's success can be attributed to the COVID era. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, people were stuck at home and looking for ways to stay entertained without spending too much money. That’s where Wordle clicked. It was luck.

You get only one puzzle per day, which makes it feel quick and fresh, unlike most games. It is free, no ads, and you can finish it in just a few minutes. Feels good.

Another big reason? Sharing. The results people post online made it feel like a daily ritual. Basically, you’re not playing alone as you’re comparing scores with friends without spoiling the answer. I think it keeps making people come back because it's simple, social, and challenging.

Note: Did you know you can also play Wordle with Friends? Yes, there are simple workarounds.

More Word Games Like Wordle

Here is a list of other word-based games that you can play after your daily Wordle:

  • Minute Cryptic - Crack the answer by finding anagrams, hidden words or wordplay from the hint.
  • Jumble - Solve the jumbled words with a theme clue.
  • Spotle - Wordle but for Spotify users and music lovers.
  • All LinkedIn Games - Collection of mini puzzles.
  • Squardle - Connect adjacent letters in a 4x4 grid to form words.
  • Blossom Game - Create 12 words using a central letter and six surrounding letter petals.
  • Contexto - Find the hidden word by guessing random words.
  • Waffle - Swap scrambled letters in a grid to form six intersecting words.

How to Play Wordle

If you don't know how to play Wordle, it's very simple. Basically, you have to guess a five-letter word in six attempts. The game gives you color feedback to guide your next move after every guess.

Here’s what the colors mean:

  • 🟩 Green — The letter is correct and in the right position
  • 🟨 Yellow — The letter is in the word, but in the wrong position
  • ⬜ Gray — The letter is not in the word at all

You use these clues to refine your guesses and get closer to the correct answer within those six tries.

There’s no timer or pressure. Just logic, vocabulary, and a bit of luck. And if you ever get stuck, you can bookmark today’s and yesterday's Wordle answers or look at past Wordle answers pages to spot patterns.

Best Starting Words for Wordle

Your first word in Wordle can make a huge difference. A good starting word helps you quickly figure out which letters are in play and which ones you can ignore.

It’s smarter to start with words that include common vowels and consonants instead of guessing with random words. Here are some of the best starting words for Wordle that you can use:

  • CRANE
  • SLATE
  • AUDIO
  • TRACE
  • RAISE
  • STARE

These words cover frequently used letters like A, E, R, S, T, and vowels, which gives you better clues right from the first guess. You can also go through a full list of five-letter words starting and ending with letters A to Z to find better starting options.

One simple strategy to solve Wordle?

Start with a vowel-heavy word like AUDIO, then follow it up with something like SLATE or CRANE to cover more common consonants. It won’t guarantee a win every time, but it will definitely improve your chances of solving the puzzle faster.

FAQs

1. Is Wordle free, and do you need an account?

Yes, you don’t need to create an account to start playing. However, if you log in to The New York Times, your stats and streaks can be saved across devices.

2. Where to play Wordle?

You can play Wordle directly on the New York Times website or the New York Times' Crossword app on iOS and Android.

3. What are Wordle streaks, and how to see them?

Wordle streak shows how many days in a row you’ve solved the puzzle correctly. You need to create a free account to check your streak. You can check your Wordle streak by tapping on the stats 📊 icon after completing a puzzle.

4. Is Wordle good for your brain?

Yes, Wordle can be a great mental exercise. It helps improve your vocabulary, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.

5. Are there other word games like Wordle?

Yes, there are plenty of similar word games you can try if you enjoy Wordle. You can explore more puzzles and daily hints on our website, including games similar to Wordle that follow the same guessing style.

6. Are there other NYT puzzles?

Absolutely. Along with Wordle, The New York Times offers several popular puzzles like the mini crossword, Connections, Strands, Pips, and more.

That’s pretty much everything on who invented Wordle, how to play, tips, best starting words, and some questions about it. Happy Wordeling!