How to Play

Quick rules

• Connect adjacent letters horizontally, vertically or diagonally, in any direction
• Words need three or more letters
• Each letter tile can only be used once per word
• You have two minutes. The clock starts when you press Start and the puzzle grid appears
• On a keyboard, type the letters or use the arrow keys and Space; Enter submits

Daily and Practice

Daily: The same grid for everyone on a given UTC date. A new Daily arrives at 00:00 UTC: midnight in the UK in winter (GMT) and 1am in summer (BST). Your Daily result counts towards your streak and best score.

Practice: A fresh random grid every time, as often as you like. Practice has its own best score and doesn't affect your Daily scores or streak.

Both have two-minute rounds.

How it works

1. Swipe to spell. Drag or swipe across adjacent letters to spell a word. Letters connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally, in any direction.
2. Submit your word. Release your swipe to submit instantly, or tap letters and press the Submit button. Both methods work.
3. Score before time runs out. You have two minutes. Longer words score more points. Find as many as you can.

Answer words and bonus words

Each grid has an answer list. Other valid words may also be hidden in the grid - these are bonus words. Every accepted word scores by its length, answer word or bonus word alike.

Your rank is determined by your total score, including bonus words, from Beginner up to Master. Answer words found is shown separately: how many of the grid's answer words you uncovered, for example 5 / 31. The points needed for each rank are set per grid, as a share of that grid's maximum answer-word score, so they vary from day to day.

After a round, open the Debrief to explore the grid without the clock. It never changes your official result.

Scoring

• 3 letters: 1 point
• 4 letters: 2 points
• 5 letters: 4 points
• 6 letters: 7 points
• 7 letters: 11 points
• 8 or more letters: 16 points

Tips to improve

Start with vowels

Most words need a vowel. Find yours first and look at what letters are touching them - you'll spot more paths than you expect.

Look in every direction

Letters connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally, in any direction, including backwards and upwards. Don't just read left to right.

Check common endings

If you find CARE, try CARES or CARED. The grid often contains related word groups.

Build from short words

A three-letter word often shows you the path to a longer one using the same tiles. Short words are starting points, not just points.

Use the final 30 seconds

It's easy to leave words on the board. Slow down near the end and scan each area of the grid methodically.

FAQ

What is Spypher?

Spypher is a free daily word hunt. Every day there's a new 4x4 letter grid, and you have two minutes to find as many words as you can.

Is Spypher free?

Yes. Spypher is completely free to play. No subscription and no in-app purchases.

Do I need to sign up?

No. You can play immediately without creating an account. Your streak and scores are saved on your device.

How long does a game take?

Each round lasts two minutes, in the Daily and in Practice. The clock starts when you press Start and the puzzle grid appears.

Do bonus words count towards my rank?

Yes. Your rank is determined by your total score, and every accepted word scores, including bonus words. Answer words found is shown separately: how many of the grid's answer words you uncovered, for example 5 / 31.

Can I reuse letters?

No. Each letter tile can only be used once per word.

Are letters connected diagonally?

Yes. Letters connect horizontally, vertically or diagonally, in any direction.

What is Practice?

Practice gives you a fresh random grid, different from the Daily, and you can play it as often as you like. Practice results don't affect your Daily scores or streak.

Is the grid the same for everyone?

Yes. Everyone plays the same Daily grid on a given UTC date. Compare results with anyone.