Words with Friends is an incredible word game and finding alternatives is not easy. For centuries, word games have been among the most popular competitions among players of all ages. In the digital age, online and digital word games are many players’ games of choice. Words With Friends is often one of the first online word games to come to mind, but if you’re looking to change it up, plenty of other fun word games can help you build vocabulary, learn new words and phrases, and improve your English language skills all at the same time. Break out your smartphone or desktop computer and give these alternative games to Words With Friends a try!
Classic Word Games
If you’re a big fan of word games, you’ll definitely want to play the classics. Scrabble is one of the most widely-played English language word games of all time, and the beloved board game was turned into a mobile game called Scrabble GO. Scrabble GO has very similar rules to the original board game in that players have to use their tiles to form words both horizontally and vertically. Each letter has a designated value, and players earn points based on the letters they play. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Scrabble GO is a great choice for anyone trying to learn English or strengthen their language skills. Other classic word games that now come in digital or mobile form include word searches, hangman, and traditional crossword puzzles.
Modern Digital Word Games
Last Letter First is a brand new, free digital word game that is fun for players of all ages and can even help you become a better English speaker. Gameplay rules are simple, but the possibilities for each round are endless, and anyone with a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer can play. To play, one player enters a word. Then, the next player must play a word that begins with the last letter of the previous player’s word. You can choose to play for points or just for fun, with friends or by yourself. Last Letter First can be enjoyed anywhere with an internet connection and offers a great way to stay connected to family and friends and practice English at the same time. There are new word games popping up all the time, and other great modern word games include Wordle, Word Connect, and Word Brain.
Educational Word Games
Even if you don’t realize it, word games are always helping you learn new words, expand your vocabulary, and improve your spelling. Educational word games are one of the most effective ways to expand your knowledge of the English language.
You probably know Merriam-Webster best for its English dictionary, but Merriam-Webster’s Games and Quizzes are so much fun and are updated regularly, ensuring you’re always learning something new. There are dozens of quizzes and games to choose from, and they challenge not only your vocabulary but also your spelling, problem-solving, and literature skills.
Did you know you could learn new words, have fun, and help people around the world all by playing a word game? Freerice is a free-to-play online word game that can be enjoyed via your desktop web browser. Gameplay is as easy as matching a word to its definition. What makes Freerice truly special is that for every question you answer correctly, ten grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Programme.
What About the Words With Friends Dictionary?
One important factor in any word game is the dictionary it uses. The Words With Friends dictionary is slightly more flexible than traditional Scrabble dictionaries, allowing certain modern slang and less formal words. This makes gameplay more accessible, especially for casual players and English learners. However, it can also create confusion when switching between games, since not all word games accept the same vocabulary.
Last Letter First avoids this friction by focusing on broadly accepted English words, making it a smoother experience for players who want to build real-world vocabulary without worrying about obscure or disputed entries.
Feature Comparison: Words With Friends vs Alternatives
| Feature | Words With Friends | Last Letter First | Wordle | Scrabble GO |
| Gameplay Style | Turn-based board | Word chain | Daily puzzle | Tile board |
| Multiplayer | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Scoring | Tile values + bonuses | Letter values | None | Tile values |
| Speed | Slow to moderate | Flexible | Quick | Moderate |
| Vocabulary Growth | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Strong |
| Accessibility | High | Very high | Very high | Moderate |
Scoring Comparison: WWF vs Other Word Games
Words With Friends scoring is based on letter tiles and bonus squares, which reward strategic placement on the board. While this is satisfying, it often slows gameplay as players wait for turns.
In contrast, Last Letter First uses a simpler scoring system based on letter values alone. This creates faster rounds and encourages players to think creatively about word choice rather than board positioning. Games like Wordle do not use scoring at all, focusing instead on puzzle-solving. Scrabble GO remains closest to WWF in structure but often includes additional features that can feel more complex for casual players.
Best Word Game Apps 2026: A Fresh Look
As we move into 2026, the landscape of word games continues to evolve. Players are looking for games that are not only fun but also flexible, social, and educational. Words With Friends remains a staple, but newer games like Last Letter First are gaining traction because they offer faster gameplay, easier access, and stronger vocabulary-building benefits.
Modern players want options: quick games during a break, longer sessions with friends, and tools to improve language skills. That is where Last Letter First stands out. It blends simplicity with depth, making it one of the best word game apps for 2026 and beyond.
Offline Alternatives for Word Game Lovers
Not every moment calls for a screen. If you are traveling, unplugging, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, offline word games are a great option. Classic choices include:
- Scrabble (board game version)
- Bananagrams
- Crossword puzzle books
- Word search books
These games offer the same vocabulary benefits without requiring an internet connection. However, when you return online, Last Letter First provides that same accessibility with added flexibility for solo or group play.
FAQ
What is a really fun game to play with your friends?
If you’re in search of a fun game to play with your friends, download Last Letter First. Last Letter First is a free online word game that you can play by yourself or with up to 10 players, for points or just for fun. Last Letter First is for players of all ages, and it’s easy to play. Playing Last Letter First offers countless hours of entertainment, and it can even help you learn new English words with each round.
What games are similar to Words With Friends?
Words With Friends is fun, but it is definitely not the only online word game. Last Letter First is a great alternative to Words With Friends, and it is free, easy to play, and designed for players of all ages. You can play Last Letter First any time, anywhere, by yourself or with anyone who has an internet connection. Last Letter First is not only fun, but it also helps improve vocabulary skills, especially for those new to speaking English.
What games can you play with your friends on your phone?
There are so many games to play on your phone with your friends, but Last Letter First is definitely one of the best. Last Letter First is free to play and fun for people of any age. You can play Last Letter First independently or with up to nine of your friends, for points or just for fun. The rules of the game are simple, but the possibilities for gameplay are limitless. Best of all, Last Letter First can be played on both Apple and Android devices.
What games are like Words With Friends?
Games similar to Words With Friends include Scrabble GO, Wordle, Bananagrams, and Last Letter First. Each offers a different style of gameplay, from board-based strategy to fast-paced word chaining.
Is Words With Friends shutting down?
No, Words With Friends is not shutting down. It remains one of the most popular digital word games, though many players explore alternatives for new challenges and gameplay styles.
What is the best free word game app?
The best free word game app depends on your play style. Words With Friends is great for strategy, Wordle is ideal for quick puzzles, and Last Letter First is one of the best all-around options for flexible, social, and vocabulary-building gameplay.
Your Next Favorite Word Game Is Waiting
If you’re a big fan of playing online games, you’ve probably heard of Words With Friends, but there are also plenty of excellent alternatives whenever you’re ready to try something new. Classics like Scrabble and crossword puzzles are timeless, and Last Letter First is on its way to becoming one of the most popular modern digital word games. Whether you like to play by yourself or with friends, to build vocabulary or just to have fun, there is no shortage of mobile games to keep you entertained when you’re taking a break or moving on from Words With Friends.
While Words With Friends helped define digital word gaming, players today are looking for more flexibility and variety. Last Letter First fits perfectly into this evolving space by offering a game that is easy to learn, quick to play, and highly effective for building vocabulary.
Download Last Letter First for iPhone or Android today, or play it directly in your web browser!
