Crossword vs Word Search: Which Game Challenges Word Players More?

In the battle of the puzzles, who comes out on top when you pit crosswords and word searches against one another? Both are word-based games that challenge you in unique ways, so let’s look at some of the key features to determine which one is harder.

Crosswords require more knowledge

To complete a crossword, you need to know a lot about loads of different topics. It requires way more knowledge than doing a word search, which makes it harder for most people. Word searches are relatively simple and you only need a decent vocabulary to do one. However, if you don’t know the answers to crossword clues, you’ll never fill the grid.

Lateral thinking is needed for crosswords

Completing a word search won’t require a great deal of deep thinking. You’re given a grid with words in and you have to find them. It’s as simple as it sounds - there’s also usually a theme to help you wind the different words too, which makes it even easier.

The point is, you don’t have to think very laterally. Everything is as it seems, which isn’t the case with some crosswords. Crossword puzzles include very vague clues at times that force you to do a bit of lateral thinking. You need to recognize certain elements of the clue or make connections in your brain to come up with the right answer. As such, a crossword is probably the more mentally demanding of the two puzzles.

Word searches include backward words

One of the big challenges of word searches is how the words are laid out on the grid. With a crossword, all of your words have to fit in the grid and align with one another - but they’re all spelled out in the right direction.

Word searches have the additional challenge of making you read backward at times or look for words going backward diagonally on the grid. This adds a new element of difficulty to the game and means some of the hardest word searches are on par with crosswords for toughness.

Some word searches don’t tell you what to find

While a lot of word search puzzles show the words under the grid, some will have none for you to find. Instead, you’re given a theme or a clue at the top of the grid and your task is to look for words that relate to it. It’s incredibly hard and can take longer to do than some crosswords!

Which is Harder: Word Searches or Crosswords?

After looking at both puzzles, which one would we deem harder? It depends on how your brain works, but most people find crosswords a wee bit more challenging. With that being said, you can still find some great word search games that keep you occupied for more than ten minutes at a time. Check out 247 Word Search to get started and try the Expert level if you’re hoping for a true challenge!

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