Hi, I’m Ray Thomas, and I play Letter Boxed every single day. I get asked this a lot—“Is Letter Boxed really that hard?” And to be honest, I get why people ask. The puzzle doesn’t look intimidating at first.
It’s just twelve letters arranged on the edges of a square. How tough could it be?
But then you try it. You start connecting a few words. Suddenly, you’ve used up eight letters, and now you’re stuck with a Z and a Q that don’t seem to go anywhere. That’s when it hits you—Letter Boxed is trickier than it seems.
So is it hard? Yes and no. Let me explain.
Why It Feels Hard at First
Letter Boxed plays by its own rules. You can’t just string together random words or guess your way to a solution. You have to:
- Use every single letter at least once
- Follow the rule that you can’t use two letters from the same side
- Make sure each word connects to the next through the last and first letters
That combination of rules throws most people off. Even if you have a strong vocabulary, it’s easy to get stuck if you don’t think strategically.
What makes it feel harder is that you could be just one word away from winning, but if that word doesn’t connect properly—or skips a leftover letter—you’re back to square one. That kind of pressure adds up.
The Puzzle Isn’t Just About Words—It’s About Flow
When I first started playing, I focused too much on finding cool or long words. But I’d end up hitting dead ends. The real challenge isn’t just knowing words—it’s knowing how to link them.
You have to see words as puzzle pieces, not standalone answers. The trick is building a chain where every letter fits naturally into a flow. That’s why it feels hard: your brain isn’t just spelling—it’s solving a logic maze.
But Here’s the Truth: It Gets Easier
Once you’ve played for a few weeks, the patterns start to show up. You begin to recognize which types of words work best, how to start with tough letters, and how to build toward efficient two- or three-word solutions.
It stops feeling like a guessing game and starts feeling like a strategy game. That shift is where the fun really begins.
I remember the first time I solved a puzzle in two words. It felt like a personal win. I didn’t get there by accident—I got there by practicing, thinking ahead, and learning how the game works.
What Makes It Easier (If You Stick With It)
From experience, here’s what helps:
- Learn to spot bridges. Always think about how one word ends and how the next can begin.
- Target rare letters early. Don’t save Q, X, or Z for last.
- Use longer words first. They clear more letters and reduce your risk of getting stuck.
- Play with intent. Don’t rush. Take a minute to visualize the full letter path.
It’s not about being a walking dictionary—it’s about being a flexible thinker.
So, Is It Hard?
Yes, at first. But not forever. Like most good puzzles, Letter Boxed challenges you until you figure it out. And when you do, it becomes one of the most rewarding daily games out there.
I wouldn’t play it every day if it didn’t keep me sharp, curious, and just a little bit competitive. It’s tough, but it’s fair—and that’s what makes it worth playing.
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t give up. Take a breath, look at the board again, and ask yourself: “What letter do I need to solve this?” Sometimes, that’s all it takes to crack it.