Word Game Finder

Tag: grid

  • Typeshift

    Typeshift Introduction/History

    Typeshift is a daily online word puzzle that blends anagram solving with vertical column shifting to create horizontal words. Originally released in 2017 by Zach Gage and later integrated into the Puzzmo platform, the game has become popular for its satisfying mechanics where players slide letter columns up and down to spell words.

    Unlike many word games that ask you to guess or rearrange letters within a single word, Typeshift challenges you to use all available letters vertically and horizontally, turning every letter “solid” by incorporating it into at least one valid word.

    Rules of Typeshift

    Typeshift presents a set of vertical columns of letters that you can slide up or down to form valid words. Key mechanics include:

    • Slide Columns: Move each column of letters up or down so that horizontal words form in the highlighted row.
    • Turn Letters Solid: When a word you form uses a letter, that letter becomes “solid” (often shown by a visual change in the game). Your goal is to turn every letter solid by finding valid words that include each letter at least once.
    • Core vs Additional Words: Some puzzles provide core words that guarantee a solution, but you’re free to find any valid words — even uncommon ones — to make progress.
    • Scoring: You earn points for each solid letter. Points for solid letters decrease over time, so finding words earlier rather than later usually yields a higher score.
    • Keyboard Controls: You can play with your keyboard by typing; arrows or typing will move selections and help you construct words quickly.

    The puzzle is complete once all letters have been turned solid at least once during play.

    Typeshift Strategy

    Turn Solid Letters Early

    Start by forming words that include as many different letters as possible. Turning letters solid early boosts your score and reveals more options.

    Use Core Words Wisely

    Core words are usually common words that are guaranteed to exist in the puzzle. Finding these early can make solving the rest easier.

    Slide Efficiently

    Since all words are formed by sliding entire columns, plan moves to bring multiple potential letters into alignment at once.

    Try Unusual Words

    If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to try less common words — Typeshift allows any valid words, and these can help you turn stubborn letters solid.

    Typeshift Website

  • Waffle

    Waffle Introduction

    Waffle is a daily online word puzzle that mixes elements of Wordle with crossword-style solving. Instead of guessing a hidden word one letter at a time, you’re given a fully populated grid of letters that you must rearrange to spell a set of valid words within a limited number of moves.

    The standard daily puzzle is a 5×5 grid, but Waffle also offers 3×3 and 7×7 grids for different challenges: 3×3 requires forming four 3-letter words in seven moves, while 7×7 requires forming eight 7-letter words in 25 moves. The game has become popular for its clever use of color feedback and strategic letter swapping, appealing to both casual players and word puzzle enthusiasts.

    Rules of Waffle

    Waffle presents a grid with letters already placed, though often in the wrong positions. Your objective is to turn all letters green by forming the correct words. Key mechanics include:

    • Swap Letters: Drag or click to swap any two letters on the grid.
    • Colour Feedback: Letters change color after each move to show how close they are to the correct placement:
      • Green = letter in the correct position
      • Yellow = letter in the word but wrong position
      • Gray = letter not in that word line
    • Move Limits:
      • 3×3 grid → 7 moves to form four three-letter words
      • 5×5 grid → 15 moves to form six five-letter words
      • 7×7 grid → 25 moves to form eight seven-letter words
    • Daily & Unlimited Modes: Standard daily puzzles update every day, and unlimited mode lets you play extra grids without waiting.

    Waffle Strategy

    Lock in Correct Letters First

    Focus on green letters as a foundation — they’re already correct and won’t need to be moved.

    Use Feedback Effectively

    Yellow and gray letters provide vital clues about placement. Plan swaps to reduce uncertainty and maximize letter positioning.

    Optimize Swaps Across Words

    Every letter affects both horizontal and vertical words, so prioritize swaps that improve multiple words simultaneously.

    Manage Moves Carefully

    Work efficiently because you have a limited number of swaps. Solving multiple letters with a single move will conserve moves and improve your performance.

    Waffle website

  • Reunion

    Reunion Introduction

    Merriam-Webster’s Reunion is a free online word puzzle hosted on the Merriam-Webster website. Unlike classic word-search or crossword games, Reunion challenges players to rearrange letter tiles on a grid to form valid words in both rows and columns, earning stars by solving with as few moves as possible. While it doesn’t have a long historical lineage like Scrabble or Boggle, it fits into the modern family of daily word-puzzle games that test vocabulary and spatial reasoning. 

    Rules of Reunion

    Reunion presents a grid filled with scrambled letter tiles and two special animal tiles (a fox and a hedgehog). Your goal is to drag and reposition tiles so that every row and column forms valid words and every letter tile ends up in its correct spot, at which point the tile turns green. 

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Form Words: Create complete, continuous valid words in horizontal and vertical lines. 
    • Tile Colors: Green means the letter is in the correct location; white and yellow indicate a tile still needs adjustment to fit somewhere in that row or column. 
    • Animals as Markers: The fox and hedgehog split rows or columns — meaning some may contain two separate words. Completing the puzzle eventually reunites them on the board. 
    • Scoring: Fewer moves earn higher ratings (up to three stars typically for solving in under ~20 moves). 

    Reunion updates daily with a new puzzle, giving players a fresh challenge every day.

    Reunion Strategy

    Reunion isn’t just about knowing lots of words — it’s about placement and planning:

    Start with Certainties

    Move the letters you recognize first to spots where they must belong based on current feedback (especially green tiles). This reduces ambiguity early.

    Use Color Hints Wisely

    Yellow and white feedback gives valuable clues: yellow means the letter does belong in that row/column somewhere, so focus on shifting it toward potential correct spots.

    Look for Grid Patterns

    Scan for common letter clusters or endings (like -ING or -TER) that might anchor words, then build around those.

    Think Two Moves Ahead

    Avoid unnecessary back-and-forth on the same tiles — instead, plan sequences of moves that correct multiple problem areas.

    Practice Regularly

    Because Reunion’s puzzles shift daily, consistent play helps you recognise repeat patterns and common letter groupings faster.

    Reunion website