What Are Arrow Word Puzzles? (Quick Intro)
If you love crosswords but want something new, you’ll love Arrow Word Puzzles! These clever puzzles replace traditional clue lists with mini-clues inside the puzzle grid—so you solve as you go, without flipping your eyes back and forth.
✅ Quick Answer: What are Arrow Word Puzzles?
Arrow Word puzzles are like crosswords—but the clues are inside the squares! Popular in the UK, these clever puzzles feature arrows that show you the direction to write your answer. Great for puzzle lovers seeking something a little different.
They’re hugely popular in the UK, and now you can enjoy them too.
These special puzzles are like Crosswords—but with a twist—the succinct clues take over the traditional ‘black squares’ in these puzzles!
The black arrows and flag arrows show the direction in which to write your answer to the clue!
Be careful; they're NOT as easy as they look. Patience, Grasshopper.
Click on the image below
to see it much larger.
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Above is an example of just what these puzzles look like. With the clues being directly on the puzzle, it enables you to keep your eye on the arrow word puzzle directly without having to go back and forth to the clues.
As mentioned at the top of the page, these intriguing puzzles are very popular overseas… and we can see why!
We’ve included different-sized arrow word puzzles to keep you even more entertained. Makes a splendid gift any time of the year.
Don’t forget to use our “cut-out bookmark” at the back of the book ~ no more dog-eared pages…
Brought to you by the Worker Bees over at Beesville Books.
Even though I love a challenge, sometimes our brain needs to have something a little easier to work on, right?
So I turn to my old standbys: A-Z Easy Word Search puzzle books (see the five covers, after the next headline).
Word Search puzzles are great for adults. And kids!
For seniors, (I'm getting up there too, now!) consider getting these handy books. These are 7" x 10" and can fit in a decent-sized purse for traveling. Keeping our minds active pays off. You don't want to get a mushy brain...
There are five volumes in this series:
Click on any individual image to go buy it!
On the other end of the age spectrum, kids love solving word search puzzles too! It's a great way for them to learn how to spell words, right?
I also have some special Word Search for kids on the site.
They are the Shapely Word Search Puzzles - for kids - shown below!
What better way to hunt for words, than in shapes of cars, churches, fish, leaves, and apples... to name a few.
I've also got a kiddie word search puzzle book
that ALSO contains the word definitions. Talk about a triple whammy! Search, learn how to spell, and see what the word means, too.
Check out the 36 Shapely Word Search Puzzles HERE or click the beige or blue covers below.
Check out the Word Search with Definitions HERE or click the yellow cover below.
Thanks!
Susan
Click on any of the covers below to LEARN more!
“I absolutely LOVE puzzles. Every night I solve a puzzle or two before turning out the light. Funny thing is: it relaxes me. You'd think solving puzzles would keep you awake, right?!”
Susan adds, "For instance, the arrow word puzzles at the top of this page. They are completely different. I find them to be quite intriguing. I wish you hours of puzzle-solving fun, too!"
Arrow Word puzzles are a type of word search puzzle where words are formed by following a sequence of lettered arrows on a grid. It is said that they were invented and first published in 2006 by New York Times crossword editor Will Shortz.
The puzzles were inspired by Masyu puzzles, a type of logic puzzle from Japan that involves creating a single continuous loop by tracing a path through a grid.
Rules and Gameplay:
Each Arrow Word puzzle features a grid of squares with 1-letter arrows pointing up, down, left, or right in the appropriate squares.
To form a word, you start at one letter and trace the arrow direction to the next letter, then keep following the arrows from letter to letter to spell out a word. The goal is to trace paths following the arrows to identify all the words hidden in the puzzle grid.
Are Arrow Word puzzles harder than regular crosswords?
Arrow Word puzzles can be trickier at first because the clues are inside the grid, not listed separately. But once you get the hang of it, many find them more fun and less frustrating than standard crosswords.
Who are Arrow Word puzzles best suited for?
These puzzles are perfect for adults and older kids who enjoy wordplay, logic, and trying something new. They're especially popular among fans of UK-style puzzle magazines.
Are solutions included in the Arrow Word Puzzle book?
Yes, full solutions are included at the back of the book, so you can check your answers or get a hint if you’re stuck.
Thanks so much for visiting this page! I hope you give Arrow Word Puzzles a try—and maybe even share them with a friend who loves a good challenge. Whether it’s part of your daily brain workout or a relaxing evening routine, these puzzles are sure to become a new favorite.