NYT Crossplay Cheat & Solver

Stuck with a tricky rack or a blocked board? Whether you’re a crossword veteran or a new fan of the NYT Games suite, our Crossplay Word Solver tool is your secret weapon. Easily unscramble your letters, discover high-value plays, and outsmart your opponent with the most accurate tool for the New York Times' newest head-to-head challenge.

How to Use Our Crossplay Cheat Tool

When you’re in a tight game with your Crossplay partner and you need a little edge, look no further than our Crossplay helper. It’s easy to use and won’t slow your game down at all! Here’s how:

1. ENTER LETTERS - Enter your letters in our search box. You can search up to 20 letters at a time.

2. TAILOR YOUR SEARCH - Let us know if you want your word to start with, or end in. These filters are your best strategy for hooking onto tiles already on the board to build high-scoring connections. Or, specify that the word should contain certain letters (please note that this field will only return results that include those letters in that exact, consecutive order).

3. SPECIFY WORD LENGTH - If you want to limit your word to a certain length, select the number of letters you want it to be.

4. FIND THE PERFECT WORD - When you’re ready, just click “Search.” We’ll show you all your playable words complete with helpful definitions and points based on the official NYT Crossplay scoring system, so you can dominate the board and win your game.

With just one simple search, you can find your next winning New York Times Crossplay word! It’s that easy!

How to Use the NYT Crossplay Cheat

What Is the New York Times Crossplay?

Crossplay is the first-ever head-to-head, two-player word game from The New York Times. If you’re a fan of the super-popular Wordle, Spelling Bee, and Connections, you already know how fun these games can be. And there’s always the king of all puzzles: the New York Times Daily Crossword. Long story short, the New York Times knows games.

While it feels familiar to fans of tile-based classics, NYT Crossplay introduces a custom-designed board and a fresh scoring balance built for modern digital play. Originally launched as a limited beta, NYT Crossplay is now open to players in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Cyprus, Europe, India, and Singapore. It is available as a standalone app for iOS and Android and features a curated dictionary, real-time social chat, and deep post-game insights powered by Cross Bot.

Where Can You Play the NYT Crossplay Game?

The New York Times has given Crossplay its own app. This means that to play, you need to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You’ll also need a free New York Times Games account to play Crossplay. The friends you already have in your account will transfer to Crossplay, so you probably already know who you’ll be challenging to your first game.

Download the Crossplay App

How to Play Crossplay and Basic Rules

Crossplay looks a lot like Scrabble (another of our favorite games). Basically, two players face off across a board that’s full of squares. Some of the squares offer bonuses for the letters or words played there.

Just like Scrabble, each player has a tray with seven letter tiles. Each tile is worth a certain number of points. Players must work with these letters and the tiles already on the board to make words.

1. On their turn, players play a word (if they can) and draw from the virtual bag to bring their tile tray back up to seven letters. The opening word must cover the center star on the board while every subsequent word must connect to at least one tile already on the board.

2. The Crossplay app adds up the points for the word they played, including any bonuses for the squares on the board.

3. Even if one player empties their rack at the end of the game, the other player receives one final turn to ensure both have had the same number of opportunities.

4. At the end of the game, the player with the highest score is the winner. Our Crossplay helper tool is here to help you make sure that winner is you.

Crossplay vs. Scrabble and Words With Friends: What’s Different?

If you're coming from Scrabble or Words With Friends, you’ll need to adjust your strategy. Here’s how Crossplay changes the rules:

• The Equal Turn Count: In many games, the first person to empty their rack wins instantly. In Crossplay, the game ensures fairness. Even if you play your last tile, your opponent receives one final turn to maximize their score.

• A Refined Dictionary: The NYT uses a specialized word list (based on the NASPA Word List 2023 or NWL23). It’s tighter than the dictionaries used in other mobile apps, so those "junk" words you’ve memorized might not fly here!

• Meet Cross Bot: This built-in AI assistant acts as a post-game coach, analyzing both players' performance to highlight high-scoring words you missed and identifying where your defense was weak. Note, however, that you need a NYT Games subscription to get full, unlimited access to Cross Bot.

• The 40-Point Bonus: In Crossplay, efficiency is rewarded. If you use all 7 tiles from your rack in a single turn, you receive a flat 40-point bonus added to your score.

• Clean, Focused Play: Unlike other popular word apps that are cluttered with ads and power-ups, Crossplay offers the sleek, premium experience you expect from the New York Times.

Note on Scoring: A critical difference to remember is that NYT Crossplay tile values do NOT match Scrabble. The point system has been completely rebalanced to favor digital strategy. Always check the point value on the tile before assuming its worth!

NYT Crossplay Tile Values & Distribution

To win at Crossplay, you have to rethink the value of your rack. The 100-tile bag has been rebalanced to make mid-tier letters more impactful. Here is the full breakdown of points and tile counts:

• 0 Points: Blank (3 tiles)

• 1 Point: A (9), E (12), I (8), N (5), O (8), R (6), S (5), T (6)

• 2 Points: D (4), L (4), U (3)

• 3 Points: C (2), H (3), M (2), P (2)

• 4 Points: B (2), F (2), G (3), Y (2)

• 5 Points: W (2)

• 6 Points: K (1), V (2)

• 8 Points: X (1)

• 10 Points: J (1), Q (1), Z (1)

Crossplay Letter Points

Score Big with the 40-Point Bonus

While individual tile points are essential, the secret to a massive score in NYT Crossplay is the 40-point bonus. This reward is granted whenever you play all seven tiles in a single turn. This flat bonus is added to your turn total after any board multipliers (like Double Letter or Triple Word squares) have been applied. Mastering the art of the 7-tile play is the most effective way to swing the momentum of a match and leave your opponent in the dust.

Tips and Tricks for a Winning Crossplay Strategy

Winning at Crossplay requires more than just a big vocabulary. It requires a deep understanding of the digital board. In a recent TechRadar interview, the game’s producers highlighted that the board was built from the ground up for modern competition:

"It is unique in its layout in the way that we distribute the tiles. The bonus squares, for instance, on the game board are distinct, and they were optimized for this sort of digital social play."

Because the board is optimized for social play, you’ll find that bonus squares are positioned to encourage high-scoring interactions. Use these strategies to take advantage of that layout:

• Prioritize the Mid-Value Powerhouses: In Crossplay, letters like V, W, and K are worth 5 or 6 points, which is higher than in most word games. Since the producers optimized the tile distribution, landing these on a bonus square can often outscore a much longer word.

• Master the Parallel Play: The board layout is designed to keep the game moving. Instead of just making one long word, try to layer a word parallel to one already on the board. This allows you to create multiple 2-letter words simultaneously, each hitting those distinct bonus squares.

• Save Your "S" Tiles for the Hooks: Since there are only five "S" tiles in the bag, they are incredibly precious. Use them to hook onto an opponent's word while playing your own high-scoring word perpendicular to it.

• Defensive Blocking: If you can’t reach a Triple Word score, try to play a word that makes it impossible for your opponent to reach it. The distinct layout means bonus squares are often grouped, so block one to protect the others.

• Manage the Bag: As the game nears the end, check the remaining tiles list. This helps you predict what your opponent might be holding so you can plan your final move under the Equal Turn Rule.

• Leverage the Bonus Squares: Maximize your score by picking letters that are near squares that will give you a bonus. 

• Use our Crossplay Cheat tool: Add the letters already on the board and the letters in your try into the Crossplay helper tool. Then pick the word with the highest score to play on your next turn.

• Play Valid Words: Double check a word with our Scrabble Dictionary Checker if you want to know the meaning and whether it’s playable.

Master Your Strategy with Cross Bot

The Cross Bot AI is your best tool for long-term improvement. After your match ends, take a moment to review the Bot’s analysis. It tracks:

• Your Best Move vs. The Actual Best Move: Did you settle for 20 points when 45 were available?

• Board Control: Cross Bot will show you if you accidentally opened up a Triple Word Score for your opponent.

• Bonus Tracking: The bot will highlight opportunities where you could have triggered the 40-point bonus by using more of your rack.

Strategy Tip: Combine Cross Bot’s feedback with our Crossplay Cheat to see exactly which words the AI is looking for!

NYT Crossplay FAQ

Is NYT Crossplay free to play?

Yes, Crossplay is free to download and play but you need to create a New York Times account. While a New York Times Games subscription is not required to play, subscribers enjoy deeper performance statistics, and full access to the Cross Bot archive.

Where can I download the Crossplay app?

Crossplay is currently available as a standalone mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Unlike Wordle or Connections, it is not currently hosted within the main NYT Games app or web interface.

What is the "Equal Turn Rule" in Crossplay?

This is one of Crossplay’s most unique features. In traditional word games, the game ends the moment one player empties their rack. In Crossplay, the game ensures both players have had the same number of turns. If you play your final tile, your opponent still gets one last move to try and overtake your score.

How does the Cross Bot AI help me improve?

Cross Bot is your post-game analyst. After a match, it reviews the board and reveals the "Best Play" for every turn you took. It helps you identify high-scoring words you missed and teaches you how to better utilize the board’s bonus squares. Only NYT Games subscribers get full access to Cross Bot.

What dictionary does NYT Crossplay use?

Crossplay uses a specialized, curated word list based on the NASPA Word List (NWL23) 2025 Edition, while definitions come from Oxford Languages. The New York Times editors have refined this list to remove trademarks, obscenities, and common slurs.

Can I play Crossplay on my computer or browser?

As of now, Crossplay is a mobile-exclusive experience. However, the NYT Games team has hinted at future cross-platform updates. For now, you’ll need an iOS or Android device to join the action.

Why are the letter values different from Scrabble?

The producers redesigned the scoring to better fit digital play. By increasing the value of letters like V, W, and K, the game encourages more diverse word choices and prevents the stagnation that happens when players only hunt for rare letters like Q and Z.

How do I earn the 40-point bonus?

To earn the 40-point bonus, you must use all seven tiles from your rack in a single turn. This bonus is a flat addition to your score and is applied after any board multipliers.

Is there a way to see which tiles are left in the bag?

Yes! Within the app interface, you can view the Tile Bag to see exactly which letters have not yet been drawn. This is a vital strategy for high-level players to track whether high-value letters like the J or X are still in play.

Can I play against a random opponent?

Absolutely. Crossplay features a "Smart Matchmaking" system that pairs you with other players of a similar skill level, or you can challenge your existing NYT friends directly.

Can I play NYT Crossplay against the computer?

Yes! Crossplay features a "Practice against the computer" mode where you can select the difficulty: easy, medium or hard. This allows you to play offline or solo to sharpen your skills. It’s the perfect way to test new strategies or learn the board layout without the pressure of a timed multiplayer match.

Does Crossplay have in-game chat?

Yes, Crossplay is the first NYT game to feature a built-in social chat, allowing you to send friendly messages to your opponents during a match. To start a conversation, just tap the chat icon in the top right corner while in an active game with a friend. You always stay in control of your experience, so you can disable chat in your Settings or use the gear icon within a player's profile to mute messages or block match requests entirely.

Troubleshooting & Technical Help

Why am I getting a "Connection Error" in Crossplay?

Check your Wi-Fi or cellular data. Since Crossplay is a live multiplayer game, even a brief drop in signal can disconnect the match. If the problem persists, try clearing the app cache or restarting your device.

Why can't I change the difficulty level while playing the computer?

Currently, you cannot change the computer’s skill level once a match has already started. To switch between easy, medium, or hard, you must first end your active session by tapping More in the bottom left corner and selecting Cancel. Once the game is cleared, you can return to the Play tab to select your new desired difficulty and start a fresh match.

Why isn't my progress against the computer saving?

Matches played in practice mode against the computer are handled differently than multiplayer games. Currently, games against the computer are not saved across different devices, so you’ll need to finish the match on the same device where you started it. Additionally, while these matches are great for sharpening your skills, they are not saved to your overall player stats or win-loss record.

Trust Our Crossplay Helper With Your Next Game

We know word games. For more than a decade, we’ve been offering hints and tools to help you win. Our Wordle Hints are super popular and have catapulted thousands of players to victory. Same goes for our New York Times Hints & Answers. We love playing word games, and we’re your secret to success!