Screenshot of nytimes.com captured 2026-10-30.
Letter Boxed puts twelve letters around the sides of a square, three per side. You connect them into words, where each new word starts with the last letter of the previous one, and the goal is to use every letter within a target number of words.
| Type | Word games |
|---|---|
| Time per game | 5-15 minutes |
| Publisher | The New York Times |
| Platform | Web browser, no install needed |
| Play on DLE Arena | No, official site only |
| Official site | nytimes.com |
How to play Letter Boxed
- Spell words by tapping letters; consecutive letters cannot come from the same side.
- Each word must start with the last letter of the previous word.
- Use all twelve letters, ideally within the suggested word count.
Letter Boxed tips
- Look for one long word that uses most of the box, then finish with a short one.
- Letters like Q, X and Z are best used early, in the middle of long words.
Who will like Letter Boxed
Letter Boxed fits in our word games collection. Word games are the heart of the daily puzzle boom. If you play several dailies each morning, Letter Boxed takes about 5-15 minutes, so it pairs well with a quick word game and a knowledge game like Arena Rank.
Games like Letter Boxed
- Wordle Guess the hidden five-letter word in six tries.
- Connections Sort sixteen words into four hidden groups of four.
- Strands Find themed words hidden in a letter grid, plus the spangram.
- Spelling Bee Make as many words as you can from seven letters.
- The Mini Crossword A tiny daily crossword you can finish in about a minute.
- ▶ Play here Quordle Solve four Wordles at once in nine guesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is Letter Boxed?
Letter Boxed puts twelve letters around the sides of a square, three per side. You connect them into words, where each new word starts with the last letter of the previous one, and the goal is to use every letter within a target number of words.
Where can I play Letter Boxed?
Letter Boxed is played in the browser on its official site, nytimes.com. It does not allow other sites to embed it, so DLE Arena links there directly.
How long does a game of Letter Boxed take?
Most players finish a round in about 5-15 minutes.
What games are like Letter Boxed?
If you enjoy Letter Boxed, try Wordle, Connections, Strands, or play Arena Rank, our own daily ranking puzzle on DLE Arena.
Letter Boxed is a trademark of its owner. DLE Arena is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Letter Boxed. Details were checked on 2026-10-30; rules can change, so the official site is the final word.