What is Word Trail?
Word Trail is a word puzzle in which you connect twelve words by shared meanings. You begin at a marked start, use every tile once and finish at a marked destination.
Each board has a set of allowed links. An accepted step shows the meaning shared by the two words. Word Trail is not available to play on Boardsmith yet.
Word Trail rules
- Begin with the marked start word.
- Choose an unused word with an allowed link to your current word. Tiles do not have to touch on the grid.
- Read the shared meaning shown for each accepted link.
- Use every tile exactly once and finish on the marked destination.
- If you reach a dead end, undo a step and try a different route. Any complete route that follows the board’s links counts.
Word Trail solving tips
Think of other everyday meanings of your current word. A word can have a link you missed when reading it in only one sense.
Keep the unused words in mind before choosing a step. A link can be allowed without being part of a route that visits all the remaining tiles.
Check the destination early, but save it for the end. Reaching it before using every other tile does not finish the puzzle.
Word Trail on Boardsmith
Word Trail is built but still needs play testing before release. It is not available to play yet, and there is no release date to announce. The current format is one twelve-word trail, rather than an Easy-to-Expert ladder.
For accounts, saved progress, timers and the daily streak, read the daily puzzle FAQs. See the games page for everything available to play.
Word Trail FAQ
Do linked tiles have to touch?
No. Word Trail links are based on meanings, not positions. You can choose an allowed linked word anywhere in the grid.
Do the words have to be exact synonyms?
They need a shared everyday meaning included in the board’s allowed links. They do not have to be interchangeable in every sentence. The accepted link explains the shared meaning.
Why might a plausible link be rejected?
A step must be one of the links included in that board. A broad association or a shared topic is not enough on its own. Two words can also have a meaning in common that is not included as an allowed link.
Can I use a word twice?
No. A completed Word Trail uses every tile exactly once. Use Undo to return to an earlier position rather than selecting a used tile again.
Can I finish at the destination early?
No. You must use every other tile before finishing on the destination. Reaching it with unused words left does not solve the trail.
Is there only one valid route?
Not necessarily. A board can have more than one complete route. Any route that follows its allowed links, uses every tile once and ends at the destination counts.