Playing word games has become a common hobby for many enthusiasts all over the world. Through research, WordsRated looks at the most popular word games of all time and their ability to attract and retain users.
- 4 Pics 1 Word has been played by over 400 million people worldwide.
- As of 2020, the Words With Friends database was estimated to host over 170 million users.
- Well known for strengthening vocabulary and spelling, Scrabble is estimated to have sold around 150 million physical copies globally.
- Around 1 in 3 American households own a scrabble set.
- Additionally, this increases to 1 in 2 for British households.
- Further solidifying the games’ worldwide popularity, there are around 4,000 Scrabble clubs known to exist.
- Wordle was estimated to have brought tens of millions of new players to the New York Times following their acquisition of the popular game in 2022.
- At least 14 million people had played Wordscapes as of 2020.
- The popularity of Wordle in 2023 is 4x bigger than the 14 other most popular word games combined.
- Although Scrabble is a widely-known household name, it ranks 2nd in popularity out of word games as of 2023.
If you are looking for help on a word game, why not try our word finder? Simply enter the letters available to you plus the number of letters the solution contains and the tool will do the rest. Alternatively, visit our words lists to give you some inspiration!
Comparison of popular word games
- Wordle’s popularity in 2023 is 4x bigger than all other 14 games combined.
- Wordle is also the most popular word game on average over the given period, despite not ranking for 2020 and 2021.
- Scrabble was the 2nd most popular word game in 2023 and on average during the given period.
- This was followed by Quordle, which was the 3rd most popular word game in 2023 and also on average.
- Three of the top 5 ranked games on average over the period are Wordle (#1) and its two variants, Quordle (#3) and Octordle (#5).
- As with Wordle, Quordle and Octordle both did not even rank during 2020 and 2021.
By rank
| Word game | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Average (2020-2023) |
| Wordle | N/A | N/A | #1 | #1 | #1 |
| Scrabble | #1 | #1 | #2 | #2 | #2 |
| Quordle | N/A | N/A | #3 | #3 | #3 |
| Wordscapes | #2 | #2 | #4 | #4 | #4 |
| Octordle | N/A | N/A | #5 | #5 | #5 |
| Words With Friends | #3 | #3 | #6 | #7 | #6 |
| Wordfeud | #4 | #4 | #7 | #6 | #7 |
| 4 Pics 1 Word | #6 | #5 | #8 | #8 | #8 |
| Word Cookies | #5 | #6 | #9 | #9 | #9 |
| Word Connect | #7 | #7 | #10 | #10 | #10 |
| Words of Wonders | #9 | #11 | #11 | #11 | #11 |
| Word Collect | #8 | #8 | #13 | #13 | #12 |
| Text Twist | #10 | #9 | #12 | #12 | #13 |
| Scrabble GO | #11 | #10 | #14 | #14 | #14 |
| Word Chums | #12 | #12 | #15 | #15 | #15 |
A graph is given below to compare the average rank of word games from 2020 – 2023:
By value
| Word game | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Average (2020-2023) |
| Wordle | N/A | N/A | 51.88 | 31.20 | 42.29 |
| Scrabble | 5.35 | 4.29 | 3.66 | 3.31 | 4.18 |
| Quordle | N/A | N/A | 2.74 | 1.93 | 2.34 |
| Wordscapes | 0.87 | 0.83 | 0.79 | 0.74 | 0.81 |
| Octordle | N/A | N/A | 0.69 | 0.54 | 0.61 |
| Words With Friends | 0.80 | 0.60 | 0.39 | 0.33 | 0.54 |
| Wordfeud | 0.57 | 0.54 | 0.39 | 0.38 | 0.48 |
| 4 Pics 1 Word | 0.16 | 0.17 | 0.16 | 0.13 | 0.16 |
| Word Cookies | 0.19 | 0.14 | 0.11 | 0.10 | 0.13 |
| Word Connect | 0.12 | 0.09 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.09 |
| Words of Wonders | 0.07 | 0.04 | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.06 |
| Word Collect | 0.08 | 0.06 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.05 |
| Text Twist | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.04 | 0.05 |
| Scrabble GO | 0.05 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.04 |
| Word Chums | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 |
A graph is given below to compare the top 10 word games by their relative popularity from 2020 – 2023:
Wordle
Wordle became a smash hit game in early 2022, although its level of popularity has been gradually decreasing since.
- Wordle is ranked #1 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- Wordle’s average popularity reached its highest level during the first quarter of 2022.
- Its maximum monthly popularity was also reached during February of the quarter.
- After Q1 2022, Wordle’s average popularity decreased each quarter during the given period.
- As of Q3 2023, Wordle’s average popularity is less than half of what it was during its peak.
- Q3 2023 also resulted in Wordle’s lowest maximum monthly popularity (both July and August).
| Quarter | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| Q4 2021 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Q1 2022 | 75.67 | 100.00 |
| Q2 2022 | 70.00 | 85.00 |
| Q3 2022 | 44.33 | 50.00 |
| Q4 2022 | 37.33 | 38.00 |
| Q1 2023 | 35.67 | 36.00 |
| Q2 2023 | 34.33 | 35.00 |
| Q3 2023 | 33.33 | 34.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Wordle over time:
Scrabble
Scrabble, known for its famous 7-letter rack, maintains its status as a household name, although its average popularity shows great levels of variation from year-to-year.
- Scrabble is ranked #2 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- As a game that has existed for several decades, Scrabble achieved its highest average popularity for the given data during 2011.
- This coincided with the release of Scrabble Showdown, a TV variation of the popular board game.
- However, its highest maximum popularity for a month was recorded during January 2012.
- Although Scrabble’s level of popularity fluctuates greatly, in 2020 the release of Scrabble Go also contributed to another peak in interest.
- As of 2023, Scrabble is significantly more popular on average than it was at the start of the given period.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2004 | 18.33 | 24.00 |
| 2005 | 15.75 | 20.00 |
| 2006 | 14.50 | 21.00 |
| 2007 | 25.25 | 48.00 |
| 2008 | 32.17 | 47.00 |
| 2009 | 28.50 | 36.00 |
| 2010 | 38.83 | 49.00 |
| 2011 | 71.67 | 89.00 |
| 2012 | 67.67 | 100.00 |
| 2013 | 42.83 | 61.00 |
| 2014 | 26.25 | 33.00 |
| 2015 | 22.75 | 28.00 |
| 2016 | 21.75 | 26.00 |
| 2017 | 26.75 | 35.00 |
| 2018 | 33.83 | 39.00 |
| 2019 | 34.42 | 40.00 |
| 2020 | 47.83 | 81.00 |
| 2021 | 39.33 | 50.00 |
| 2022 | 33.17 | 41.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 31.83 | 36.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Scrabble over time:
Quordle
Created as a Wordle variation, Quordle has retained its popularity since its initial release.
- Quordle is ranked #3 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- During March 2022, Quordle achieved its maximum popularity for a month.
- However, its highest average popularity was achieved in Q2 2022.
- In the quarters that followed, Quordle’s average popularity dropped and eventually maintained levels around those of its initial release.
- As of Q3 2023, average popularity dipped to its lowest ever level.
| Quarter | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| Q1 2022 | 53.33 | 100.00 |
| Q2 2022 | 81.33 | 93.00 |
| Q3 2022 | 62.00 | 68.00 |
| Q4 2022 | 52.00 | 53.00 |
| Q1 2023 | 51.33 | 52.00 |
| Q2 2023 | 52.00 | 52.00 |
| Q3 2023 | 45.00 | 48.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Quordle over time:
Wordscapes
Wordscapes and its multiple spin-offs reached a peak level of popularity in 2019 and this has since leveled-off at a lower level.
- Wordscapes is ranked #4 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After its release in 2017, Wordscapes’ popularity continued to rise, before reaching its peak in 2019.
- April 2019 also saw Wordscapes reach its highest monthly popularity.
- Following years saw popularity decline and stabilize.
- However, these levels are still more than double those seen in the game’s initial year.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2017 (H2) | 23.83 | 52.00 |
| 2018 | 58.83 | 75.00 |
| 2019 | 80.83 | 100.00 |
| 2020 | 54.50 | 68.00 |
| 2021 | 51.58 | 56.00 |
| 2022 | 48.75 | 58.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 49.17 | 52.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Wordscapes over time:
Octordle
Also based on Wordle, Octordle has maintained a steady level of popularity since its release.
- Octordle is ranked #5 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- Octordle achieved its maximum popularity for a month during March 2022.
- In the second quarter of 2022, Octordle achieved its highest ever average popularity.
- Although the game’s average popularity has since dropped, it has maintained a steady level slightly higher than that of Q1 2022.
| Quarter | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| Q1 2022 | 40.00 | 100.00 |
| Q2 2022 | 72.67 | 89.00 |
| Q3 2022 | 49.67 | 53.00 |
| Q4 2022 | 44.67 | 45.00 |
| Q1 2023 | 49.33 | 50.00 |
| Q2 2023 | 51.67 | 53.00 |
| Q3 2023 | 41.00 | 45.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Octordle over time:
Words With Friends
After hitting its peak in 2012, Words With Friends has shown a decreasing trend in terms of its popularity.
- Words With Friends is ranked #6 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After its release in July 2009, Words With Friends took some time to gain mass-popularity.
- Its highest average popularity was seen during 2012.
- This was also the year where the highest monthly popularity was seen (January).
- Following years saw the game’s popularity decline drastically.
- As of 2023, the game is around 7 times less popular than it was at its peak.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2010 | 6.17 | 10.00 |
| 2011 | 50.17 | 83.00 |
| 2012 | 59.92 | 100.00 |
| 2013 | 34.00 | 53.00 |
| 2014 | 20.33 | 24.00 |
| 2015 | 15.83 | 23.00 |
| 2016 | 15.67 | 19.00 |
| 2017 | 16.58 | 22.00 |
| 2018 | 20.08 | 24.00 |
| 2019 | 18.92 | 21.00 |
| 2020 | 17.33 | 25.00 |
| 2021 | 13.67 | 16.00 |
| 2022 | 9.25 | 11.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 8.50 | 9.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Words With Friends over time:
Wordfeud
Wordfeud shot to success in 2012 and has since shown fluctuations in its levels of popularity.
- Wordfeud is ranked #7 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After its release, Wordfeud gained a significant level of popularity
- The game achieved its highest average popularity during 2012.
- During the year, it also achieved its highest ever monthly popularity during January.
- Popularity continued to dip through to the end of 2015, before showing a resurgence up to 2021.
- As of 2023, Wordfeud shows a lower, stable level of popularity.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2011 (H2) | 38.83 | 68.00 |
| 2012 | 66.75 | 100.00 |
| 2013 | 48.42 | 69.00 |
| 2014 | 27.83 | 36.00 |
| 2015 | 22.83 | 29.00 |
| 2016 | 24.08 | 31.00 |
| 2017 | 25.33 | 30.00 |
| 2018 | 28.92 | 32.00 |
| 2019 | 29.33 | 35.00 |
| 2020 | 32.08 | 38.00 |
| 2021 | 30.33 | 34.00 |
| 2022 | 22.25 | 25.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 22.67 | 25.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Wordfeud over time:
4 Pics 1 Word
4 Pics 1 Word’s popularity soared around the time of its release and now it maintains a smaller number of regular players.
- 4 Pics 1 Word is ranked #8 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- 4 Pics 1 Word reached its peak average popularity during 2013.
- 2013 also demonstrated the game’s maximum popularity during March.
- The popularity of 4 Pics 1 Word dropped greatly the following year, and continued to decline further in later years.
- As of 2023, its average popularity is at its lowest ever level.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2013 | 31.33 | 100.00 |
| 2014 | 7.00 | 11.00 |
| 2015 | 4.42 | 5.00 |
| 2016 | 5.25 | 6.00 |
| 2017 | 5.25 | 6.00 |
| 2018 | 3.50 | 5.00 |
| 2019 | 2.08 | 3.00 |
| 2020 | 1.67 | 2.00 |
| 2021 | 1.75 | 2.00 |
| 2022 | 1.67 | 2.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 1.33 | 2.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of 4 Pics 1 Word over time:
Word Cookies
After gaining its highest levels in 2017, Word Cookies popularity has since significantly dropped-off. However, it is still favored by many players.
- Word Cookies is ranked #9 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After its release in late-2016, Word Cookies rose to its highest average popularity during 2017.
- 2017 was also the year that the game recorded monthly maximum popularity in both July and August.
- Since 2017, the average popularity of Word Cookies has decreased year-on-year.
- However, as of 2023, it still retains a steady baseline level of popularity (around a tenth compared to when the game was at its peak).
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2016 (H2) | 2.67 | 11.00 |
| 2017 | 83.50 | 100.00 |
| 2018 | 35.08 | 60.00 |
| 2019 | 20.00 | 24.00 |
| 2020 | 15.50 | 19.00 |
| 2021 | 10.75 | 13.00 |
| 2022 | 8.58 | 9.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 8.00 | 8.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Word Cookies over time:
Word Connect
Word Connect proved to be an immediate success upon its release. Although its popularity has slightly dropped off since then, it still remains a well-loved game.
- Word Connect is ranked #10 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- 2017 was the year that Word Connect showed its highest average popularity.
- It was also the year that recorded the maximum popularity for a month, during August.
- The average popularity for Word Connect continued to decline in following years, before stabilizing from 2021 onwards.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2017 | 43.33 | 100.00 |
| 2018 | 40.92 | 76.00 |
| 2019 | 22.75 | 27.00 |
| 2020 | 19.92 | 25.00 |
| 2021 | 15.75 | 18.00 |
| 2022 | 14.42 | 16.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 14.83 | 16.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Word Connect over time:
Words of Wonders
In 2019 Words of Wonders reached its highest level of popularity and in following years its favorability with users has varied.
- Words of Wonders is ranked #11 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After achieving a good level of popularity in its initial year, Words of Wonders achieved its highest average popularity during 2019.
- However, February 2020 gave the highest recorded popularity for a month.
- 2021 saw the game’s popularity fall to levels lower than those just after its release.
- However, popularity increased in 2022 and jumped even higher in 2023.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2018 (H2) | 40.67 | 70.00 |
| 2019 | 79.67 | 90.00 |
| 2020 | 64.00 | 100.00 |
| 2021 | 34.25 | 42.00 |
| 2022 | 59.75 | 73.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 70.17 | 79.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Words of Wonders over time:
Word Collect
Word Collect reached its highest level of popularity during 2020 but in following years this has dropped off significantly.
- Word Collect is ranked #12 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- For the given data, Word Collect achieved its lowest level of popularity in 2018, the year that followed its release.
- Its popularity jumped up drastically in 2019, before hitting a peak in 2020.
- During April 2020, Word Collect also received its maximum popularity for a month.
- In the years that followed, its popularity continued to drop.
- However, as of 2023, the game still remains more popular than it was during its first full calendar year.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2018 | 19.58 | 31.00 |
| 2019 | 40.75 | 62.00 |
| 2020 | 79.50 | 100.00 |
| 2021 | 55.67 | 74.00 |
| 2022 | 30.33 | 36.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 27.00 | 29.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Word Collect over time:
Text Twist
With multiple versions released since its initial release, Text Twist achieved a great deal of popularity. However, in recent years its level of demand has dwindled.
- Text Twist is ranked #13 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- December 2006 and March 2007 recorded maximum monthly popularity for Text Twist.
- From the given data Text Twist shows its peak average popularity was during 2007.
- Average popularity mostly declined in years that followed.
- As of 2023, the game’s popularity is significantly lower than it was at its peak.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2004 | 50.08 | 67.00 |
| 2005 | 62.83 | 76.00 |
| 2006 | 78.83 | 100.00 |
| 2007 | 80.92 | 100.00 |
| 2008 | 74.08 | 89.00 |
| 2009 | 65.75 | 79.00 |
| 2010 | 45.58 | 57.00 |
| 2011 | 32.08 | 42.00 |
| 2012 | 18.33 | 26.00 |
| 2013 | 10.08 | 14.00 |
| 2014 | 6.92 | 8.00 |
| 2015 | 5.67 | 7.00 |
| 2016 | 4.83 | 5.00 |
| 2017 | 5.00 | 6.00 |
| 2018 | 4.67 | 6.00 |
| 2019 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| 2020 | 3.33 | 4.00 |
| 2021 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| 2022 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 2.83 | 3.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Text Twist over time:
Scrabble GO
Scrabble GO was released in 2020 as a new variation on the hit word game and has since retained a strong level of popularity with players.
- Scrabble GO is ranked #14 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- The highest average popularity for Scrabble GO was achieved during Q2 2020.
- This quarter also recorded its highest maximum popularity for a month during April.
- Average popularity has since shown a steady declining trend into the late-2022.
- From 2023 onwards, the game’s popularity has remained mostly stable.
| Quarter | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| Q1 2020 | 24.00 | 55.00 |
| Q2 2020 | 86.00 | 100.00 |
| Q3 2020 | 55.00 | 59.00 |
| Q4 2020 | 51.67 | 53.00 |
| Q1 2021 | 53.67 | 59.00 |
| Q2 2021 | 41.33 | 46.00 |
| Q3 2021 | 36.00 | 38.00 |
| Q4 2021 | 33.33 | 36.00 |
| Q1 2022 | 35.00 | 36.00 |
| Q2 2022 | 29.00 | 30.00 |
| Q3 2022 | 27.33 | 30.00 |
| Q4 2022 | 25.00 | 26.00 |
| Q1 2023 | 27.67 | 30.00 |
| Q2 2023 | 25.00 | 27.00 |
| Q3 2023 | 25.67 | 27.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Scrabble GO over time:
Word Chums
Word Chums became a classic in the word games space, reaching peak popularity in 2017 and still maintaining a high number of fans in the years that followed.
- Word Chums is ranked #15 out of the most popular word games since 2020.
- After its release in 2012, Word Chums gradually built up a following, before reaching a peak in 2017.
- Since 2017, its popularity has shown a decreasing trend year-on-year.
- However, in January 2019 the game achieved its maximum popularity for a month.
- As of 2023, its popularity is still at a strong level, just under half that of its peak.
| Year | Average popularity | Max. popularity |
| 2012 (H2) | 2.67 | 7.00 |
| 2013 | 12.33 | 18.00 |
| 2014 | 41.00 | 63.00 |
| 2015 | 57.50 | 66.00 |
| 2016 | 73.50 | 82.00 |
| 2017 | 85.42 | 98.00 |
| 2018 | 84.58 | 91.00 |
| 2019 | 79.25 | 100.00 |
| 2020 | 69.58 | 87.00 |
| 2021 | 66.92 | 74.00 |
| 2022 | 42.58 | 49.00 |
| 2023 (H1) | 41.83 | 45.00 |
A graph is given below to show the average popularity of Word Chums over time:
