Updated: 25 May 2026 · Reading time: 7 minutes
You’ve solved today’s Wordle® in three. It’s only 7:02am. What now?
If you’re a Kiwi who’s caught the daily word-puzzle bug, the good news is there’s an entire ecosystem of Wordle®-style games out there — most free, all browser-playable, and a few that genuinely improve on the original formula.
1. Quordle
Play at: quordle.com — Four Wordle® puzzles at once. Same six guesses. You have to solve all four.
Quordle is the natural next step up. Every guess gives feedback on all four words at the same time, so you’re constantly making trade-off decisions. Perfect for that morning coffee or a longer commute.
2. Octordle
Play at: octordle.com — Eight Wordle® puzzles at once. 13 guesses.
Hard. Plan to spend 15-20 minutes per puzzle. Octordle rewards thoughtful play and methodical letter elimination.
3. Sedecordle
Play at: sedecordle.com — Sixteen Wordle® puzzles at once. 21 guesses. A weekend project rather than a daily habit.
4. Connections (NYT)
Play at: nytimes.com/games/connections — Group 16 words into 4 themed categories.
Connections is the NYT’s second-most-popular daily puzzle. Less about letter patterns, more about lateral thinking. Free, brilliant, and the categories range from gentle (Mondays) to brutal (Thursdays).
5. Spelling Bee (NYT)
Play at: nytimes.com/puzzles/spelling-bee — Make words from seven letters. One must appear in every word.
Free version gives the daily puzzle and a “Genius” target. Queen Bee rank needs the NYT Games subscription.
6. Wordscapes
App stores (iOS, Android) — Crossword-style word puzzles. More relaxed than the Wordle® race. Free with banner ads.
7. Heardle (now Spotify Music Quiz)
In the Spotify app — Guess the song from a 1-second clip. The audio Wordle®: six guesses, daily reset, shareable results.
8. Worldle
Play at: worldle.teuteuf.fr — Guess the country from its outline. Note the spelling (extra L). Distance hints get you close but you still need to know your atlas. NZ comes up regularly.
9. Crosswordle
Play at: crosswordle.vercel.app — A reverse Wordle®. You’re given the final guess pattern and work out the word backwards. Unique.
Honourable Kiwi mentions
- NZ Herald Cryptic Crossword — subscription-based, the gold standard.
- Stuff.co.nz Daily Quiz — five general knowledge questions, weekday mornings.
- The Listener Quiz — long-form, weekly, more challenging.
A workable Kiwi puzzle routine
- 6–9am: Wordle® → Connections → Heardle. Three games, 10 minutes total.
- Smoko: Quordle, 5-10 minutes.
- Lunchtime: Spelling Bee, dip in and out.
- Evening: Worldle or Crosswordle.
Total: 25-35 minutes a day if you want them all. Half that if you’re picky.
FAQ
Q: Are any of these free? Wordle®, Quordle, Octordle, Sedecordle, Crosswordle, Worldle are completely free. NYT Connections is free. Spelling Bee Queen Bee mode needs the NYT subscription.
Q: Closest to Wordle® for Kiwis who want more of the same? Quordle. Same five-letter mechanic, four boards instead of one.
Q: Best for sharing on WhatsApp? Wordle® and Connections both copy clean emoji results.
The takeaway
Start with Quordle, Connections, and Heardle. Three completely different mental flavours, all hitting that 5-to-15 minute sweet spot.
When you’re stuck back on Wordle® itself, our Wordle® Hint Solver is here. NZ-first, no spoilers until you tap.
Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. This site is an independent fan companion not affiliated with The New York Times Company.