How to Play Word Drop!

Objective

The main goal is to find as many words as possible within the grid of letters. Score points by forming words, using special tiles strategically, and finding longer words. The game ends when time runs out (on timed difficulties), you choose to give up, or no more valid words can be formed on the grid.

Starting a Game

From the main menu or the navigation bar, select "New Game". This will open a modal where you can choose your preferred difficulty level or resume a previous game.

Difficulty Levels:

  • Easy: A smaller 6x6 grid, 3-minute time limit, 3+ letter words required, no infections. Great for beginners!
  • Medium: A standard 8x8 grid, no time limit, 3+ letter words, low chance of "Infected" tiles (if implemented). A balanced experience.
  • Hard: A larger 10x10 grid, no time limit, 4+ letter words, medium chance of infections. For experienced players.
  • Expert: The ultimate challenge on a 12x12 grid, no time limit, 5+ letter words, high chance of infections.

You can also choose the "Daily Challenge" for a unique puzzle that's the same for all players each day.

Playing the Game

Selecting Letters

Click or tap on adjacent letter tiles (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) in sequence to form a word. The selected path will be highlighted. You cannot use the same tile more than once within a single word.

Tiles falling after word found

Submitting Words

Once you've selected the letters for your word, click the "Submit Word" button.

  • If the word is valid (according to the game's dictionary and minimum length for the difficulty), it will be accepted.
  • If the word is invalid or too short, you'll receive a notification, and your selection will be cleared.

Clearing Tiles

When a valid word is submitted:

  • The tiles used for that word will be removed from the grid.
  • Any tiles positioned above the removed ones will drop down to fill the empty spaces.
  • Points are added to your score.
  • The word appears in the "Words Found" list.
Tiles falling after word found

Scoring

Base Word Points

Longer words score more points! The base points are awarded as follows:

  • 3 Letters: 100 points
  • 4 Letters: 150 points
  • 5 Letters: 250 points
  • 6 Letters: 400 points
  • 7 Letters: 600 points
  • 8 Letters: 850 points
  • 9 Letters: 1100 points
  • 10 Letters: 1400 points
  • 11 Letters: 1750 points
  • 12 Letters: 2100 points

Special Tiles

Some tiles have special multipliers or effects that activate when they are used in a valid word:

  • 2L Double Letter: Doubles the point value of the letter on this tile *before* word multipliers are applied.
  • 3L Triple Letter: Triples the point value of the letter on this tile *before* word multipliers are applied.
  • 2W Double Word: Doubles the total score for the entire word (applied after letter scores/multipliers). Multiple 2W tiles stack (e.g., two 2W tiles = 4x word score).
  • 3W Triple Word: Triples the total score for the entire word (applied after letter scores/multipliers). Stacks with other word multipliers.
  • 💣 Bomb: When used in a word, this tile explodes, clearing itself and all 8 surrounding tiles. You score points for the word *and* get bonus points for each extra tile cleared by the bomb.

Game Controls

  • Submit Word: Submits the currently selected sequence of letters.
  • Clear: Deselects the currently highlighted letters, allowing you to start a new path.
  • Give Up: Ends the current game immediately and shows your final score.

Mulitplayer Option

  • Pass Turn: You can pass your turn if you are unable to find a word.

Multiplayer Games

Invite your friends to a custom multiplayer Word Drop game! Simply select "New Game" and then choose "Invite Friends" to create your personalized match. Customize your experience by selecting:

  • Grid Size: Select from various grid sizes (6x6, 8x8, 10x10, or 12x12) to suit your preferred difficulty level.
  • Turn Timer: Set a time limit for each player's turn or opt for unlimited time to play at a relaxed pace.
  • Special Tiles: Decide whether or not to include special multiplier and bomb tiles for added strategy.

Share the invite link with friends and start playing instantly!

Playing Against Bots

If you want to practice or play at your own pace, try challenging a bot opponent! From the "New Game" menu, select "Play vs. Bot". Choose your preferred difficulty level to match against bots of varying skill:

  • Easy Bots: Ideal for beginners, they provide gentle competition.
  • Medium Bots: Offer a balanced and competitive challenge for regular players.
  • Hard Bots: Designed to test advanced players, these bots use more strategic moves and advanced vocabulary.
  • Expert Bots: The ultimate challenge with exceptional speed and vocabulary. Perfect for honing your Word Drop skills!

Playing against bots is a great way to sharpen your skills and strategies before diving into multiplayer matches!

Game End

Your game ends when one of the following occurs:

  • Time runs out (on timed difficulties like Easy).
  • You click the "Give Up" button.
  • The game determines that no more valid words (meeting the minimum length requirement) can be formed on the current grid.
  • In multiplayer -- The game ends if the turns are passed back and forth 6 times.

Your final score is recorded, and you'll have the option to play again or leave.

Tips for High Scores

  • Look for longer words – they score exponentially more points!
  • Utilize special tiles effectively. Try to include multiplier tiles (especially word multipliers) in high-scoring or long words.
  • Don't neglect short words if they help clear the board or set up longer words.
  • Manage bombs carefully – they can clear space but might remove valuable letters or special tiles needed for other words.