The link-the-words game
Word Chain Game
Rain, bow, tie, break, fast. Each word joins the next. Find the missing links before the letters run out.
Quick picks
Pick a game and start linking
Word Chain UnlimitedEndless chains at the difficulty you pick. Keep the streak going.
Chain Reaction Word GameThe game-show format. Work in from both ends, alone or with a friend.
Last Letter GameStart your word with the last letter of the computer's. 15 seconds a turn.
Word Association GameSpot which word belongs with the prompt, or run a party round.
Compound Word GameSixty seconds to build as many compound words as you can.
Word Chain GeneratorMake a chain, edit it, then print it or send it as a playable link.
Challenge a FriendPlay a chain, send the link, and see who solves it with fewer hints.
ShiritoriThe Japanese last-syllable game, played in English with the classic N rule.
Word Chain ExamplesReady-made chains with answers, sorted from easy to hard.
Daily word chain · #1
A fresh chain every day
One puzzle for everyone, a streak to protect, and a result you can share without spoilers.
- RAIN
- BOW= rainbow
- TIE= bow tie
- BREAK= tiebreak
- FAST= breakfast
How it works
What is a word chain?
A word chain links words one after another so each pair makes something real. Rain and bow make rainbow. Bow and tie make bow tie. Keep going and you can get from RAIN to FAST in four steps.
In our puzzles you see the first and last word plus the first letter of every word in between. Guess wrong and another letter appears, so a chain is never impossible, just more or less elegant. The full rules are on the how to play page.
People also use “word chain” for the spoken game where each word starts with the last letter of the one before: cat, tiger, rabbit. That one lives here too as the last letter game, and its Japanese cousin as shiritori.
Read both ends
The top and bottom words are given. Every word in between starts with the letter you can see.
Link downwards
Type a word that joins the one above it: SNOW then BALL, BALL then ROOM. Phrases and compound words both count.
Share the squares
Green for clean guesses, yellow when you needed letters, red when it was revealed. No answers in the share.
For classrooms and parties
Make your own chain
The word chain generator builds a chain from any start word, or finds a route between two words you pick. Edit it, print a worksheet with an answer key, or send it as a link your friends can play. Need inspiration first? Browse word chain examples with answers.
FAQ
Everything you need to know
What is a word chain game?
A word chain is a list of words where each one connects to the next. In our main game the connection is a compound word or common phrase: RAIN BOW, BOW TIE, TIE BREAK, BREAK FAST. In the classic spoken version, each word starts with the last letter of the one before, like CAT, TIGER, RABBIT.
Is Word Chain Games free?
Yes. Every game on the site is free, there is no account to create, and there is no cap on how many chains you can play.
How do you play word chain?
You get the first and last word of a chain and the first letter of each word in between. Type the word that pairs with the one above it. If you guess wrong, another letter appears. Finish the chain with as few extra letters as you can.
Can I play word chain with friends?
Yes, three ways. Send a challenge link after any chain and compare results. Play Chain Reaction on one device and take turns. Or use the generator to make your own chain and send it as a playable link.
Is there a new word chain every day?
Yes. The daily puzzle changes at 00:00 UTC and is the same for everyone. Older puzzles stay playable in the archive.
Does it work on phones?
Yes. The games run in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. Nothing to download.
How long can your chain get?
Start an unlimited run, or send a chain to a friend.