CrossCraze - Word strategy blend

Enhance your vocabulary with this highly adaptable version of the traditional crossword puzzle board game. Compete against the computer in solo mode or enjoy offline play with a friend. Elevate your gameplay strategy and improve your scores by utilizing Double Word and Triple Word bonuses.

Game Rules

Start Square / Double Word Bonus

Double Letter Bonus

Triple Letter Bonus

Double Word Bonus

Triple Word Bonus

At the start, all tiles are held in the 'Tile Bank'. Each tile is marked with a letter and its value, except for two blank tiles, which can represent any letter. Each player is randomly allocated 7 tiles from the Bank. One player is chosen at random to start the game.

Players take turns to place their tiles on empty board squares to form new words. The tiles must be in a straight line without any empty squares between them. At least one of the new tiles must be on a start square or next to an existing tile.

If 'Tile Stacking' is allowed, new tiles can also be placed on top of existing ones so long as they represent different letters.

Words must be at least two letters long and can be formed either horizontally (left to right) or vertically (top to bottom), but not diagonally or backwards.

Most words found in a standard dictionary are allowed (including inflections), except those requiring a capital letter, hyphen, apostrophe or full stop.

If you attempt to play a word that turns out to be invalid, and you've enabled 'penalties', the word's value will be subtracted from your score. You then re-take your turn.

Moves are scored by adding up the tile values for all the new words formed. If a tile is placed on an empty Double or Triple Letter Square then that tile's value is multiplied accordingly. Similarly, the scores for all words covering a Double or Triple Word Square are also multiplied.

Players earn a 'bingo' bonus if they play 7 new tiles at once (you can set the bonus size on the 'OPTIONS' menu).

After each turn, the player is allocated new tiles from the Bank.

Instead of placing a word, a player can pass or swap tiles on their rack with random tiles from the Bank.

The game ends when a player has used all their tiles and the Bank is also empty, or when both players have passed twice. Any tiles remaining on a player's rack are deducted from that player's score.

The winner is the player with the highest score.

◆ 2 GAME MODES

Select between classic gameplay, where new letters must connect with existing words, or choose ‘Tile Stacking’ mode, which allows you to modify words by placing new tiles on top of old ones.

◆ 9 LANGUAGES

Play in various languages including English (both US and International), French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish. CrossCraze contains a word database of over 5 million entries. You can easily access definitions for English, French, and Italian words with just a swipe.

◆ 10 SKILL LEVELS

In single-player mode, pick a computer opponent that matches your skill level. Unlike online multiplayer games, the intelligent AI plays fairly, taking only moments to make its move, and it never gives up before the end or sends you inappropriate messages. How refreshing!

◆ 28 BOARD LAYOUTS

Seeking variety? Opt for different layouts, ranging from the classic 15x15 squares to larger 21x21 boards, or let the computer select one randomly.

◆ 10 BOARD STYLES

Customize the look of the board according to your personal preferences, including selecting your own colors.

◆ CUSTOMIZABLE TILE SETS

The tile editor in CrossCraze allows you to adjust the number and scoring of any letter.

◆ CHOOSE YOUR WORDS

If you wish to include names or other typically restricted words, the ‘Flexible Vocabulary’ option enables you to alter the default word list. You can even question the computer's word selection.

◆ TEACHER MODE

Enhance your crossword strategy by rewinding and reviewing the optimal word you could have played.

◆ LOST FOR WORDS?

CrossCraze features a unique hint system that helps you discover the best word options. You can decide how many hints to allow during a game—CrossCraze can reveal the complete word or simply indicate where to focus.

◆ NO MORE IMPOSSIBLE RACKS

Select from three methods of tile distribution based on your skill: ‘Random’ provides a chance approach; ‘Balanced’ offers more predictable selections; or ‘Helpful’ to ensure a fair mix of letters.

◆ SORT OR SCRAMBLE

Automatic rack sorting enables you to arrange your tiles alphabetically or divide them into vowels and consonants. Alternatively, a quick double-tap will scramble your tiles.

◆ PREPARE FOR TOTAL WORD DOMINATION

CrossCraze serves as an excellent educational resource for all ages. Challenge your mind, perfect your spelling, broaden your vocabulary, or even practice a foreign language. It's also a fantastic training tool for enthusiasts of anagrams, word puzzles, and other classic word-building games. Enjoy playing at home or on the go. Impress your friends and embark on your journey from amateur to tournament-level word master today.

◆ GO PRO

This version includes minimal, non-intrusive advertisements. There are no in-app purchases, but you can opt for CrossCraze PRO for a small one-time fee to enjoy an ad-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I shuffle my tiles?

Double-tap anywhere on your tile rack.

Why isn't my word recognised?

A common mistake is trying to play names, such as for months, days of the week, countries, cities and brands. Almost any combination of letters could be the name for something or someone, so names are not allowed. If a word can only be spelled using a capital letter, you can't play it (German nouns excepted).

That said, if you want to be able to override the game's default word list and play whatever words you believe are valid, just select the 'flexible vocabulary' option.

Why does the computer make up words?

It doesn't. All languages contain many rare and unlikely-looking words. If you don't recognise a word, try swiping along its length to see a definition. If you want the computer to stick to the more common words, select the 'avoid rare words' option.

Why does the computer miss words?

If you're wondering why the computer sometimes passes when there is a word it could have played, it's probably because you have the 'avoid rare words' option selected.

How can I skip my turn?

Press the 'swap' button, then 'pass' without selecting any tiles.