NYT Crossplay Cheat & Solver

What is NYT Crossplay?

Crossplay is the New York Times' first-ever 2-player word game, launched globally on January 21, 2026. Unlike Wordle or Connections, Crossplay puts you head-to-head against friends, family, or random opponents in real-time word battles.

Think Scrabble meets Words With Friends — but with unique tile values, a stricter dictionary, and exclusive features like Cross Bot, NYT's AI coach that analyzes your games and helps you improve. 

Key Crossplay Features

• Cross Bot: AI-powered postgame analysis highlights your best moves and missed opportunities
• In-game chat: Message opponents during matches (first NYT game with this feature)
• Smart matchmaking: Get paired with players at your skill level
• Leaderboards: Add up to 100 friends and track who's on top
• Standalone app: Download the dedicated Crossplay app (not inside the main NYT Games app)
• No ads: Distraction-free gameplay, unlike Scrabble GO or WWF

How to Play NYT Crossplay: Rules & Strategy Guide

Crossplay is a strategic, two-player tile game from The New York Times. Players take turns forming words on a shared gameboard using letter tiles worth different points. Like Scrabble, every move interacts with tiles already on the board, but Crossplay introduces unique scoring twists, rules, and a tile set you won't find anywhere else.

Getting Started with Crossplay

Crossplay is a two-player word board game where opponents take turns creating words on a shared grid. Each player draws from the same tile bag, places words for points, and competes to build the highest score. The first word must touch the center tile, and every word after must connect to existing tiles.

Understanding Tiles, Racks & Scoring

• You start with 7 hidden tiles your opponent can't see.
• After playing a word, new tiles refill your rack until the bag is empty.
• Tile values are unique to Crossplay—mid-tier consonants like K, V, W, Y are worth 5–6 points, while common letters (N, R, S, T) score just 1 point.
• Bonus board squares (2x letter, 3x word, etc.) multiply your score.
• Equal turns rule: Both players get one final turn after the bag runs out—even if you empty your rack first, your opponent still plays.

Crossplay Strategies for Higher Scores

• Play short, high-value words using mid-tier letters (K, V, W, Y).
• Save powerful tiles (Q, Z, X, J) for premium board spaces.
• Use rare letters in parallel builds to score multiple words at once.
• Block your opponent by limiting access to bonus squares.
• Expand from anchor tiles to create multi-word combos.

Game-Winning Tile Tactics

• Track remaining tiles in the bag for end-game planning.
• Use flexible letters (S, R, T, N, E) to extend existing words.
• Don't hoard high-value letters too long—you may get stuck with them.
• Avoid holding low-impact vowels near the endgame.

Crossplay Tips & Strategy

Winning at Crossplay requires more than vocabulary. Tile values, board control, and timing your high-value plays matter as much as the words you choose.

Top Strategy Tips

• Prioritize multipliers: Save high-value letters (J, Q, X, Z) for double/triple word squares.
• Use parallel plays: Place words alongside existing ones to score multiple short words in one move.
• Play defense: If you can't use a bonus square, block it. Don't leave triple words open for your opponent.
• Build chains: Common letters (R, S, T, N) help extend words and set up your next turn.
• Short beats long: A 4-letter word with K, V, or W on a multiplier often outscores a 7-letter word with common tiles.
• Use Cross Bot: After each game, review Cross Bot's analysis to see moves you missed.F

NYT Crossplay FAQ

What is NYT Crossplay?

Crossplay is The New York Times' first 2-player word game. Compete against friends or get matched with opponents at your skill level. Build words on a shared board, earn points, and use Cross Bot to improve your game.

Is Crossplay free?

Yes. You can download the app and play against the computer for free. Multiplayer, stats tracking, and Cross Bot analysis require a free NYT Games account. Some advanced features may require an NYT Games subscription.

Where can I play Crossplay?

Download the official NYT Crossplay app for iOS or Android. Unlike other NYT games, Crossplay has its own standalone app — it's not inside the main NYT Games app.

Do Crossplay letter values match Scrabble?

No. Crossplay uses unique tile values. Mid-tier letters like K, V, W, and Y are worth 5–6 points (compared to 4–5 in Scrabble), while common consonants like N, R, S, T are only 1 point. This changes strategy significantly.

What dictionary does Crossplay use?

Crossplay uses a curated word list based on NWL23 but removes certain words that are valid in Scrabble and Words With Friends. If a word you know gets rejected, that's likely why.

Why can't I play certain words?

Crossplay's dictionary is stricter than Scrabble or WWF. Some commonly accepted words have been removed. The app dictionary is the final authority—if it's rejected, try a different word.

Why do both players get a final turn?

Crossplay enforces an equal turn count. Once the tile bag is empty, both players complete one final turn before scoring — even if you emptied your rack first. If you have no tiles, you'll pass while your opponent plays. This prevents first-player advantage from deciding close games.

What is Cross Bot?

Cross Bot is Crossplay's built-in AI coach. After every 2-player game, Cross Bot reviews your match and highlights key moments, missed opportunities, and strategic insights to help you improve.

Why did I lose when I had more points?

There's a known display bug where the winner shows as the loser at the end of some games. NYT is aware and working on fixes. Check your stats page for accurate results.

Does the app save my stats?

Yes, but only multiplayer matches count toward your stats. Games against the computer are excluded.

How can I get hints without spoilers?

Use our Crossplay solver's tiered reveal system—unlock single letters, tile placements, or full solutions only when you need them.