Word Search Explorer
About Word Search Explorer
Word Search Explorer is a free online word search puzzle game inspired by the popular mobile classic. Hidden inside every letter grid are words that all belong to one theme - your job is to find them all by swiping across the letters with your finger or mouse.
Words can be hidden in any of 8 directions - up, down, left, right and all four diagonals, forwards or backwards. The game works as a 20+ level challenge: you start on a 6x6 grid, and win 5 levels there to automatically jump to 7x7, then 8x8 and finally 9x9. Every level hands you a fresh set of words from a rotating pack of 6 themes (Animals, Food, Travel, Sports, Colors and Nature), and your progress is saved automatically so you can continue anytime.
How to Play Word Search Puzzle
- Pick a start theme. Win the level to unlock the next one - new words every time.
- Look at the word list, then drag or swipe across the grid in a straight line to spell a word.
- If you hit the right letters the word lights up and gets crossed off the list.
- Stuck? Use the Hint button - it flashes and reveals the first letter of a hidden word.
- Find all the words to complete the puzzle and set your best time.
Features of Word Search Explorer
- 6 themed word packs: Animals, Food, Sports, Travel, Colors and Nature
- 20+ level challenge: 5 levels on 6x6, then auto-jump to 7x7, 8x8 and 9x9
- Every level deals all-new words so no two rounds ever look the same
- Progress auto-saves - close the page and continue where you left off
- Smooth swipe controls for mobile and drag controls for desktop
- Words hidden in all 8 directions - diagonals and backwards
- 2 hints per puzzle plus a shuffle button to re-mix the board
- Live word counter, progress bar and timer
- Confetti celebration when you complete a puzzle
- 100% free, no download, no signup, no in-game ads
Word Search Puzzle FAQ
How do the levels work?
You start on a 6x6 grid. Complete 5 levels there and the game automatically moves you up to 7x7, then 8x8 and finally 9x9 - and it keeps going with more words per board. Every level comes with a completely fresh word list.
How do I select a word in the grid?
Swipe your finger (on a phone) or click, hold and drag your mouse (on a computer) across the letters in a straight line. The selected letters stay highlighted as you drag, and the word is checked when you release.
Can words go backwards or diagonally?
Yes. Every puzzle hides words in 8 directions - horizontally, vertically and diagonally, and each direction can be forwards or backwards. You must swipe the exact path from the first to the last letter.
How do hints work?
Each puzzle gives you 2 hints. Pressing Hint flashes the cells of a hidden word (the longest one still missing) and permanently reveals its first letter, making it much easier to spot.
What does Shuffle do?
Shuffle re-arranges the letters into a fresh board using the same words, so you get a different layout to search through.
Is this word search game really free?
Yes, completely free. There are no downloads, no signups and no ads inside the game.
Does it work on mobile phones?
Yes. The board scales to fit any screen and swiping was built for touchscreens, so it feels just like a mobile app.