If you love word games, chances are you’ve heard of Words With Friends and Last Letter First. They’re both among the best word games for multiplayer, and they’re both beloved by players all around the world. But, they’re also very different in a number of ways, from gameplay mechanics to competitive elements, accessibility, and overall user experience. Ultimately, you may prefer playing one game over the other depending on your preferences and your mood.
Ready to dive into a comprehensive Last Letter First vs. Words With Friends analysis? Keep reading to explore our in-depth comparison of these two online multiplayer games so you can choose which game is best for you.
Table of Contents
Core Gameplay Comparison
First and most importantly, consider gameplay. While Last Letter First and Words With Friends are both fun multiplayer games that involve words and help improve vocabulary, they’re actually very different when it comes to how they’re played.
Last Letter First
Last Letter First is a simple online word game– and alternative to Words With Friends– that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. To start a game, the first player enters a word, and then the next player must enter a word that begins the last letter of the previous player’s word. For example, if the first player enters the word “truck,” the next player must play a word that begins with the last letter, which, in this case, is the letter K, like “kite.” This continues until each player has had a turn, and then the first player enters a word, starting the next cycle of turns.
Each player of the Last Letter First game earns points based on the words they play, as each word is worth a certain number of points. The point value of a word is calculated by adding up the points assigned to each letter. If a player misspells a word or enters a word that has already been played within that particular game, they earn a strike. The game ends when all players have earned three strikes, and the player with the most points is crowned the winner.
Words With Friends
If you’ve ever played the classic board game, Scrabble, you’ll find that Words With Friends is a very similar online word game app. At the beginning of each game, players are given a rack of 7 letter tiles, which they must use to form words on a blank, crossword-style game board. The player who starts the game is randomly selected, and they must place their first one in such a way that at least one letter touches the center square. Then, they will draw as many tiles as they played so their rack holds 7 tiles once again.
Next, the second player must use the 7 letter tiles in their rack to play a word that connects to the previously played word. This pattern continues until all of the letter tiles have been played. Each letter has a point value assigned to it, and each player earns points for the letters contained in the words they’ve played. The player with the highest score at the end of the game wins.
Multiplayer Features
Last Letter First and Words With Friends are both multiplayer games, but there are some key differences that might inform which game you prefer. Last Letter First allows you to play games that include up to ten players, while Words With Friends offers only a one on one gameplay model. Last Letter First allows you to invite friends via email, invite code, or with a public invitation to join your game. Words With Friends gives you the option to play with someone you know or can pair you up with a randomly selected opponent.
Last Letter First and Words With Friends both allow you to play multiple word games at the same time. Both games allow you to play solo rounds, though it’s worth noting that Words With Friends only offers solo play through its app, not the desktop version.
Accessibility and Platforms
The game itself isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing between Last Letter First and Words With friends. Accessibility and the platforms on which the game is available are just as important.
Last Letter First can be played via desktop in your web browser or on iPhone or Android by downloading the app from the App Store on iOS or Google Play Store on Android. Players can enjoy the same features and play with other players across all platforms from anywhere with an internet connection. Words With Friends, on the other hand, has two versions: a desktop version and app. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play, and offers more game modes than the desktop version of Words With Friends.
Both games are equally easy to set up, but Last Letter First might be a little bit easier to play. Words With Friends has more rules, so it also comes with a learning curve, especially for people who have never played Scrabble before. That said, both games are great options for players of all ages.
Last Letter First and Words With Friends are both free to play, however Words With Friends does offer in-app purchases to help supercharge your games. You don’t necessarily need to make any in-app purchases to play or enjoy the game, but it might make the game more exciting. Last Letter First is entirely free, delivering an equal playing field to all players.
In Summary
Whether you prefer the crossword-style format of Words With Friends or you like the stream-of-consciousness flow of Last Letter First, the most important thing is that you’re flexing your vocabulary muscles through fun word games. Even though the games are very different, they’re both great ways to enjoy quality time with family and friends, exercise your mind, and learn exciting new words with each and every round.
Last Letter First Features
Last Letter First is an easy-to-play word game that you can play with up to ten players. To play, the first player enters a word, and the next player must enter a word that begins with the last letter of the first player’s word. Players earn points based on the letters they use in each word, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Last Letter First includes lots and lots and lots of features to encourage friendly and competitive gameplay such as public games, timed games, tournaments, leaderboard, chat, guest play, themes, tours / help, and more!
Download Last Letter First today or play it directly in your web browser!
