Online word games have become a favourite pastime in the UK, combining fun, mental exercise, and friendly competition. We at BritishGambler researched the popularity of these games by analysing monthly search volumes to determine which ones Brits love the most (we used ahrefs tool). From the global phenomenon Wordle to the clever Connections game, our list highlights the top word games along with how many people search for them each month and tips on how to play.
Wordle
With a massive 292,000 monthly searches in the UK, Wordle is a staple in the word game world. Its simple daily puzzle format, where players guess a five-letter word within six tries, has captured the imagination of British players since its launch in 2021. The game’s viral nature keeps players returning every day, often sharing results and tips with friends. Wordle’s popularity lies in its accessibility and its ability to spark friendly competition. You can play it online here and check out tips at Wordle Tips.
How to Play: Guess a five-letter word in six tries, with feedback on correct letters and placement after each guess.
Tip: Start with a word that has commonly used vowels and consonants, like “audio” or “stare.”
Connections Word Game
Word game Connections has quickly become a favourite among UK players, with 205,000 monthly searches reflecting its growing fan base. This 2023 release challenges players to group words into categories, a concept reminiscent of British quiz shows like Only Connect. Loved for its creative puzzles, it offers hours of entertainment for those who enjoy lateral thinking. Play it here.
How to Play: Group words into four categories based on hidden themes within a grid.
Tip: Look for obvious connections first, like sports teams or colours, to narrow down choices.
Blossom Word Game
With 95,000 searches every month in the UK, Blossom Word Game is a hit for players seeking a calm yet engaging word challenge. This floral-themed puzzle, launched in 2022, lets players connect letters in a flower-shaped grid to form words. Its visually appealing design and relaxing gameplay make it perfect for winding down after a busy day. Give it a try here.
How to Play: Connect adjacent letters in a flower-shaped grid to form words. Longer words score more points.
Tip: Focus on common prefixes and suffixes to find longer words.
Spelling Bee Word Game
Online game Spelling Bee garners 32,000 monthly searches in the UK, proving its appeal to those who enjoy a mix of education and entertainment. The game challenges players to create as many words as possible from seven letters, with one central letter being mandatory. First launched in 2018, it’s particularly popular among players who enjoy expanding their vocabulary and linguistic skills. Play it here.
How to Play: Create words from seven letters, with the central letter required in each word.
Tip: Start with four-letter words to warm up, then build up to longer ones.
Suika Game
Suika Game, with its unique Japanese aesthetic, attracts 32,000 monthly searches from UK players who enjoy word puzzles with a cultural twist. Suika, meaning “watermelon” in Japanese, blends logic and word-building in a fast-paced format. Its minimalistic yet engaging design has made it a niche favourite since its release in 2023. Play it here.
How to Play: Match Japanese characters to form valid words within a time limit.
Tip: Speed is key—don’t overthink; start with simple words and progress to complex ones.
Strands Word Game
While newer to the scene, Strands Game has been gaining popularity as a challenging and satisfying puzzle. Players connect letters tangled in a web to form words, offering a fresh twist on traditional word puzzles. Though specific search volume data is limited, its innovative concept has made it a rising star in 2023. You can play this word game online it here.
How to Play: Connect letters tangled in a web to form words and clear the strands.
Tip: Look for easy, shorter words first to untangle letters and reveal more options.
These statistics show that word games continue to captivate UK players, offering everything from daily challenges to unique, creative formats. Whether for relaxation, mental stimulation, or a bit of competitive fun, these games have something for everyone.
Here’s a list of popular online word games for 2025:
- Wordle – popular in UK
- Connections Word Game
- Blossom Word Game
- Spelling Bee Game
- Scrabble Go
- Words with Friends
- Crossword Puzzles (NYT, Guardian)
- Quordle
- Wordscapes
- Letterpress
- Boggle With Friends
- Word Collect
- Suika Game
- Strands Game
Why Are Word Games Popular in the UK?
Word games are beloved in the UK for their ability to blend entertainment and education. Here’s why they’re so popular:
- Cognitive Challenge: They engage the brain, improving vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills.
- Social Interaction: Many games allow players to share scores, fostering friendly competition.
- Accessibility: Most games are free to play online and require no downloads, making them easy for everyone to access.
- Relaxation: The right game can provide a calming escape from daily stress while still being engaging.
As of 2024, the UK Apple App Store’s top free word games for iPhone include:
- Crossword Master – Word Puzzle by Easybrain Ltd
- Zen Word® – Relax Puzzle Game by Oakever Games
- Cryptogram: Word Brain Puzzle by Joyteractive
- NYT Games: Word, Number, Logic by The New York Times Company
- Wordscapes by PeopleFun, Inc.
- Clue Master – Logic Puzzles by Lion Studios Plus
- Otium Word: Relax Puzzle Game by Palmax Group Limited
- Wordscapes Solitaire by PeopleFun, Inc.
- Associations Word Connect Game by Hitapps Games LTD
- Wordle! by Lion Studios Plus
- Charades – Best Party Game! by Dmytro Cheverda
- Everyday Puzzles: Mini Games by Fanatee
These games offer a variety of engaging word challenges, from traditional crosswords to innovative puzzles, catering to a wide range of preferences among UK players.
Why We Love Online Word Games (And a Few Downsides)
There’s plenty to love about online word games, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. For starters, they’re a brilliant way to keep your brain active while having a bit of fun. Games like Wordle offer a quick daily puzzle that gives you a proper sense of achievement when you crack it—and who doesn’t love that little buzz of victory?
Then there’s Connections, which gets you thinking creatively as you spot clever links between words. Best of all, these games are so easy to access—you can play on your phone during your commute, in bed before you sleep, or even with a cuppa in the morning. And let’s be honest, sharing your Wordle results with friends (and maybe rubbing in your streak) is almost as fun as solving the puzzle itself.
That said, they’re not without their drawbacks. It’s all too easy to lose track of time, especially with word games like Spelling Bee, where you’re convinced there’s just one more word to find. And some puzzles can be a tad frustrating—who hasn’t stared at a Wordle grid in despair, trying to think of a word that fits?
If you’re competitive, seeing a mate smash a puzzle faster than you might take the shine off your win. Still, for a mix of fun, mental stimulation, and a little bit of friendly rivalry, online word games are a winner!
Check out our casino list if you prefer real money games.
