Wordle has become a global phenomenon since its release in 2021. The addictively simple word game gives players six chances to guess a five-letter word each day. However, some Wordle enthusiasts want more puzzles to solve when they’ve completed the daily challenge. Luckily, there are a few methods to access and play previous Wordle versions.
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Why Access the Wordle Archive?
Here are the main reasons you may want to play old Wordle puzzles:
- Continue your winning streak after finishing today’s Wordle
- Replay memorable past Wordle versions
- Make up for lost days if you forgot or didn’t have time to play
- Relive the early days of the game
- Have more Wordle puzzles to play if one a day isn’t enough
Methods to Play Past Wordle Versions
There are three main methods to access the Wordle archive:
Use a Wordle Archive Website
Unofficial Wordle archive websites store past Wordle puzzles, allowing you to play previous versions. Popular archives include:
- Wordle Archive – Play all past puzzles and access extra modes
- Wordle History – Select dates to play older Wordles
These sites update each day with the latest puzzle. They also track your stats and streaks on archived Wordles.
Change Your Device’s Date and Time Settings
You can manually adjust the date and time on your device to play past Wordle puzzles on the official website:
- Change your device’s date to the day of the Wordle version you want to play
- Go to the Wordle site and refresh the page
- You can now play the Wordle that was available on that date
This method provides access to puzzles from February 10, 2022 onwards. Make sure to change your clock back to the current date when done.
Use the Wayback Machine Website
The Wayback Machine archives websites over time. You can use it to load past versions of the Wordle site.
To play old Wordles on Wayback Machine:
- Go to archive.org
- Enter the Wordle website URL in the search bar
- Pick a date from the calendar to play the Wordle from that day
The earliest puzzle available is from June 19, 2021. Click the arrow buttons to move between calendar dates.
Tips for Playing Past Wordles
When using Wordle archives, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t search for solutions online, play fairly
- Start on older versions and move forward chronologically
- Note down memorable words to avoid accidental repeats
- Use easy mode if you need hints to jog your memory
Why Are There Limited Archive Options?
Originally, Wordle only released one puzzle per day to keep fans engaged over time. When the New York Times purchased Wordle in 2022 for an undisclosed seven-figure sum, they maintained this approach.
As Wordle’s new owners, the NYT has also taken efforts to limit unofficial archives replicating the game. This protects their intellectual property but reduces archive options for players.
The NYT may eventually release an official Wordle archive. But for now, fans have found creative workarounds to access old puzzles.
Enjoy Playing Through Wordle’s History
Part of Wordle’s charm is that entire countries guess the same word each day. But for enthusiasts seeking more puzzles, the archives provide a dose of extra fun.
Playing past Wordles lets you revisit the game’s origins, see how hard older versions were, and continue streaks. Just don’t forget to come up for air once in a while before diving back into this word puzzle paradise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about accessing past Wordle puzzles:
How many past Wordle versions can I play?
Unofficial archives store thousands of past Wordles dating back to the game’s beginning in June 2021. However, the number of accessible puzzles reduces daily as the NYT continues its efforts to limit Wordle copies.
What are some popular Wordle clone games?
Wordle alternatives to play more word puzzles include Dordle, Quordle, Octordle, Heardle, Absurdle, and Lewdle. These clones put unique twists on the Wordle format while retaining the core guessing elements.
Can I play previous Wordles on my mobile device?
You cannot access old NYT Wordle versions on the official iOS or Android apps. However, you can play puzzles on archive sites using a mobile browser. Some Wordle clones also have app versions to give you more daily word challenges.
What is the best starting word to play old Wordles?
Good opening words like “ADIEU” and “ROATE” remain solid choices when playing past Wordles. Having a consistent first guess gives you a strategic advantage. After your initial try, adapt guesses based on the feedback you receive.
Can I access deleted and future Wordle puzzles?
No official method allows playing deleted or unreleased Wordles. However, some clever fans have found ways to guess upcoming solutions by tampering with site code. This spoils the fun though, so avoid seeking out future puzzles!
