Wed Aug 26 2026
Words in Progress is a masterclass in 'simple to learn, difficult to master.' As a word game enthusiast, I’ve played everything from Scrabble to Wordle, but this feels uniquely modern. The tension comes not just from finding a word, but from managing the 'physical' space of the board.
The aesthetic is incredibly calming—muted colors and snappy animations make every successful submission feel rewarding. It’s the perfect 'waiting for the bus' game, yet I often find myself losing an hour to it on the couch. It avoids the clutter of most mobile games and focuses purely on the joy of language.
No ads or in-app purchases (Apple Arcade)
Sleek, minimalist UI
Daily global challenges
Dynamic letter-shifting mechanics
Comprehensive dictionary and word tracking
To excel in Words in Progress, focus on the middle columns first. Since new letters drop in as you clear words, keeping the center low gives you more flexibility to link letters from the outer edges. Always look for prefixes and suffixes like 'RE-', 'UN-', or '-ING' to extend your words and maximize points.
In Gameplay, you'll drag letters from the bottom of columns to the staging area. You can return letters if you change your mind, but once a word is submitted, the board shifts. The Challenge mode pits you against the community with a fixed set of letters, demanding peak efficiency.
Yes, you can play the standard modes offline, though global leaderboards require an internet connection.