How to play
How to play Smartle
Smartle is a free online word puzzle game where you rearrange letters by swapping them on a 5x5 grid to form words. Win the game by creating 5 horizontal 5-letter words on the field. There are multiple valid combinations of words which can win the game.
New to Smartle? Learn more about Smartle or check the latest tips and updates.
Quick start
- Swap letters on the 5x5 grid.
- Build five valid 5-letter words.
- Solve the daily puzzle and keep your streak alive.
Here's how you can enjoy playing Smartle in different word game modes:
Smartle Daily Word Puzzle Mode
Smartle Daily Word Puzzle Mode offers a soothing experience for players. Each day, you receive a new unique set of letters to create words from. This mode is perfect for those who enjoy daily brain exercise at their own pace.
This mode is calming and relaxing. You have 24 hours to win the daily word puzzle. After the clock hits midnight, a new puzzle will be served with the new set of letters. Play the game at your own speed and enjoy the experience.
Your score is based on how quickly and efficiently you form the words and how many hints you use along the way. Streaks are also taken into account.
It is possible to reach a “dead end” situation in the game, when it’s no longer possible to solve the whole board with the remaining unused letters. Then the “Advice” light bulb will turn yellow. In such cases you will need to break one or more solved words and build different words instead. Or use a hint where the game will solve one word for you.
Smartle Sprint Mode
Sprint mode challenges your word-forming skills under the time pressure. You have 10 minutes to solve 5 puzzles. Each puzzle has the same rules as the Daily Word puzzle. You need to rearrange letters on a 5x5 grid to form 5 meaningful 5-letter words as fast as you can. This mode tests your speed and efficiency, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience for quick thinkers.
You have 10 minutes to complete all 5 puzzles in the Sprint, however it needn’t be 10 consecutive minutes. Take breaks of arbitrary length between games as needed.
Unlike the Daily Word puzzle you can play an unlimited number of Sprint games per day. Play as many sprints as you wish. Each new Sprint will have its unique set of letters.
Scoring for the Sprint is also similar to the Daily word puzzle: higher speed, fewer used hints and fewer swaps brings a higher score. Difference is that you can play Sprint games again and again to improve today's score.
There are 3 hints given at the beginning of the Sprint and you’re free to use them all at once or leave them for later puzzles.
Smartle Archive Mode
Archive Mode lets you play or finish past daily games you missed. The puzzles follow the same rules as the Daily Word Puzzle, so you can practice without affecting today’s leaderboard.
Streaks & scoring
Your streak grows when you build at least one word in a daily puzzle. Scores reward efficient play: faster solves, fewer swaps, and fewer hints lead to higher results on the leaderboards.
FAQ
Is Smartle free to play?
Yes. You can play the daily puzzle for free in your browser, with optional mobile apps too.
How long does a puzzle take?
Most players finish in a few minutes. Check the leaderboard to see how they fared.
How do I keep my streak going?
You only need to build one word in any game mode to keep your streak.
How do I keep my progress when switching to the mobile app?
Log in with the same account on web and mobile and your progress will sync automatically.
Can I get reminders for unfinished daily games?
Reminder notifications are coming to the mobile apps in an upcoming update.
What if I do not finish my daily challenge on time?
You can finish it later in Archive mode with your progress saved, but it will not appear on the daily leaderboard.
Can I replay daily games I have finished?
Not yet. Completed daily games cannot be restarted or replayed at the moment.
Play Smartle's Daily Word Puzzle for a calming and meditative experience, or push your limits in the high-speed Sprint mode. Join our community of word enthusiasts on Discord.