Available on: iPhone
Version 2.4.0Tue Feb 17 2026
This version contains new animations celebrating high-scoring words, and a new setting to disable automatic zooming when placing letter tiles on the game board.
Have feedback? Email us.
nytgames@nytimes.com
Requires iOS 18.1 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.Play with friends, compete and connect with Crossplay, the first 2-player word game from NYT Games that blends socializing and strategy. Play distraction-free, build words and use built-in tools to learn, improve and win, or simply enjoy the challenge.
App Features:
COMPETE
• Take turns by placing letter tiles on a shared game board to build words and score points.
• Start a friendly competition with the leaderboard.
• Spell and sharpen your word game skills against the computer.
CONNECT
• Easily play with friends and family.
• Get matched up with equal opponents.
• Share strategies and friendly banter with in-game chats.
IMPROVE
• Get tips from Cross Bot after every 2-player game.
• Expand your vocabulary with the word of the day and a built-in dictionary.
• Check your game history and review your moves.
STATS
• Track your progress and lifetime stats, including wins and losses, average scores, longest words and more.
DISTRACTION-FREE
• Focus on your word game strategy with easy-to-play, focused gameplay.
BY DOWNLOADING THE NEW YORK TIMES CROSSPLAY APP, you agree to:
• The New York Times Privacy Policy: https://www.nytimes.com/privacy/privacy-policy
• The New York Times Cookie Policy: https://www.nytimes.com/privacy/cookie-policy
• The New York Times California Privacy Notices: https://www.nytimes.com/privacy/california-notice
• The New York Times Terms of Service: https://www.nytimes.com/content/help/rights/terms/terms-of-service.html
• Crossplay Acceptable Use Policy: https://help.nytimes.com/35116654771220-Crossplay-Acceptable-Use-Policy
• Apple Terms of Sale: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/us/terms.html








NYT Crossplay: Play and Spell reimagines the solitary experience of word puzzles as a social event. Players can invite friends to collaborate on grids, combining their vocabulary skills to unlock new levels. Designed with the high standards of New York Times Games, it offers a polished interface and curated puzzles that range from casual fun to brain-teasing difficulty. It’s the perfect way to stay connected while sharpening your mind.
Multiplayer Co-op
Curated Word Lists
Daily Challenges
Cross-device Sync
Use the built-in chat to coordinate which section of the board each player is tackling to avoid double-entry and save time.
Crossplay, the first of its kind from The Times, pits puzzlers against each other on a shared board.
The New York Times Tue Feb 03 2026
Get ready to bring your A-to-Z game. We're launching our first-ever 2-player game, Crossplay, designed for real-time competition and social...
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This new Scrabble-inspired game is a distraction-free alternative to ad-loaded competitors like Words With Friends.
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Crossplay is a Scrabble-like electronic feature that represents The New York Times' first multiplayer game.
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Cross Bot will analyze your games in Crossplay, a new two-player word game from The Times.
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Look for common prefixes and suffixes first. Clearing the smaller words often provides the necessary letters to solve the main theme words.
While designed for social play, you can enjoy various solo modes and practice rounds.