A quick field guide
How to play Lexcavate
Find three related words hidden in one shared 6×6 letter field. Connect touching tiles in order, then uncover each word's story.
Start today's free digNo account required. No ads, ever. Your first puzzle is ready to play.
The short version
- Read the clueIt points toward three related answers on today's board.
- Connect the lettersChoose touching tiles in order. A sequence can turn and move diagonally.
- Find all threeOne answer completes a quick dig; all three finish the board and reveal the word stories.
Follow a winding line
Each next letter must touch the previous tile, including diagonally. A route may zigzag in any direction. Activate tiles one at a time, or keep a finger or mouse button down while moving through neighbors.
A tile can appear in more than one answer, but you cannot use that same tile twice within a single word. The numbered sketch shows a route shape only; it contains no puzzle letters or answers.
Three finds, one board
Every daily board has one clue and three related answers. Find any one to complete the quick dig. Find all three to complete the full dig, lock the board, and open the sourced word histories. The histories are part of the reward, so they stay hidden until the full board is solved.
Before finding the third answer, you can also make other accepted words of four or more letters for bonus points. Bonus words are checked by the game server; not every dictionary word is accepted. Find bonus words before the final answer locks the board.
Use a nudge if you get stuck
Each answer has a word-specific clue and up to two free letter reveals. If you choose to reveal more, Plus includes a monthly allowance and letter credits are also available. Hints are optional: every puzzle can be completed without buying anything.
Hints can affect hint-free achievements. Read the hint panel before using a reveal; it shows which answer the clue applies to and what it will cost, if anything.
Come back for the weekly finale
Released daily boards stay in the archive, so a missed day does not erase your chance to play it. Future boards remain closed until their release. A new puzzle day begins at 00:00 UTC, which may still be the previous evening where you live.
Complete all three answers on each of the seven daily boards to earn seven shuffled letter tiles. Then arrange those tiles to solve the week's separate finale. Its clue and answer are checked by the server.
Play your way
- Touch: tap neighboring tiles in order, or keep your finger on the screen as you move to each one.
- Mouse: click neighboring tiles in order, or keep the button down while moving to each one.
- Keyboard: Tab and Shift+Tab move to the next or previous tile. Arrow keys move horizontally or vertically; hold Shift with an arrow key to move diagonally. Press Space or Enter to choose a tile, Backspace to remove the last tile, or Escape to clear your selection.
- Screen reader: each tile has a spoken name and selection state. In NVDA, press NVDA+Space to switch to Focus mode before using the arrow keys on the board.
Sound controls, reduced animation, high contrast, and vibration are available according to your browser and device. Progress is saved in this browser as you play.
Free to start, account optional
The daily game, archive, and weekly finale are free. You can play without signing up; an account is only needed for features such as cross-device account sync, public profiles, Plus, and purchases. Progress stays in this browser unless you choose account sync or a private sync link.
Use the spoiler-free share controls to invite a friend or show them the game in person. Shared results keep the answers hidden.
Common questions
Do I have to solve the words in order?
No. Find any of the three clue answers first, then choose either of the others. The shared theme connects them, but their board paths can use different tiles.
Can I play an older puzzle?
Yes. The archive lets you open released daily boards and past weeks. Future boards do not unlock early.
Do I need to share personal details to play?
No. You can play and share a spoiler-free result without an account or email address. An account is optional for syncing progress and community features.