CrossWords
Free GameAbout CrossWords
CrossWords is played by the same rules as a famous word-formation board game. (This site's policies prohibit my mentioning its name.) CrossWords supports games between from one to four human or robot players, in most European languages via downloadable dictionaries, and between smartphones and tablets over the wireless network, Bluetooth, or using SMS/text messages. CrossWords is free/open source software, and has no annoying ads.
In fact, my Friends say I should call it Words Without Ads.
You may wonder why CrossWords requires so many permissions. Here are the ones you're most likely to question:
* Receive/send SMS messages
If, and only if, you have explicitly enabled the "Allow games via SMS" feature, CrossWords lets you exchange moves transparently via SMS so you don't require a server. The ability to send and receive SMS messages is required for this (even though the type of SMS messages CrossWords uses, "data" messages, does not show up in messaging apps.) If you do not enable this feature CrossWords will not use SMS-related permissions.
* Read call log/contacts
These permissions are also used only if you explicitly enable play via SMS. They allow CrossWords to let you lookup the phone number of someone to invite/challenge.
* Run at startup
If you are playing games via the internet/relay and don't have "Google Cloud Messaging" enabled then periodically CrossWords checks to see if there are any moves waiting for you. Without this permission it could not start checking after you rebooted your phone until you actually started it, which not everybody thinks to do.
* Prevent phone from sleeping
There is an optional setting, disabled by default, that keeps the screen on for a longer period. It was requested by users who found the board going dark while they were studying it. If you do not enable this setting this permission is not used.
*** Resources ***
You can view or download the source code for CrossWords here: http://xwords.sourceforge.net/source.php
Report bugs or request features here: https://sourceforge.net/p/xwords/_list/tickets?source=navbar
Help with translations here: https://hosted.weblate.org/projects/xwords/android/
In fact, my Friends say I should call it Words Without Ads.
You may wonder why CrossWords requires so many permissions. Here are the ones you're most likely to question:
* Receive/send SMS messages
If, and only if, you have explicitly enabled the "Allow games via SMS" feature, CrossWords lets you exchange moves transparently via SMS so you don't require a server. The ability to send and receive SMS messages is required for this (even though the type of SMS messages CrossWords uses, "data" messages, does not show up in messaging apps.) If you do not enable this feature CrossWords will not use SMS-related permissions.
* Read call log/contacts
These permissions are also used only if you explicitly enable play via SMS. They allow CrossWords to let you lookup the phone number of someone to invite/challenge.
* Run at startup
If you are playing games via the internet/relay and don't have "Google Cloud Messaging" enabled then periodically CrossWords checks to see if there are any moves waiting for you. Without this permission it could not start checking after you rebooted your phone until you actually started it, which not everybody thinks to do.
* Prevent phone from sleeping
There is an optional setting, disabled by default, that keeps the screen on for a longer period. It was requested by users who found the board going dark while they were studying it. If you do not enable this setting this permission is not used.
*** Resources ***
You can view or download the source code for CrossWords here: http://xwords.sourceforge.net/source.php
Report bugs or request features here: https://sourceforge.net/p/xwords/_list/tickets?source=navbar
Help with translations here: https://hosted.weblate.org/projects/xwords/android/
All Application Badges
Free
downl.
downl.
Android
2.1+
2.1+
Android game
Game History & Updates
What's Changed
• Address crashes reported through Google (thanks!)
• Don't offer to upgrade F-Droid builds (since I can't)
• Pretty-up expander buttons on main games list
• Address crashes reported through Google (thanks!)
• Don't offer to upgrade F-Droid builds (since I can't)
• Pretty-up expander buttons on main games list
Version update CrossWords was updated to version 4.4.119
Name changed Name changed! Crosswords now is known as CrossWords.
Version update CrossWords was updated to version 4.4.108
Version update CrossWords was updated to version 4.4
What are users saying about CrossWords
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
Good
U
by U####:
by U####:
Je ne peux plus m'en passer. Super appli! Permet même de s'entraîner au duplicate.
H
by H####:
by H####:
Updated: Still the best game available. I play against my wife all the time. Some reviewers are concerned about weird words.This is a function of the dictionary that you use. The larger ones contain real words that are rarely used outside of crosswords and scrabble. I play against the robot with a very hard dictionary. I almost always lose, but my game has improved tremendously. Give the robot a lower level dictionary if you don't like to lose.
B
by B####:
by B####:
Best scrabble game... and it's free (and open source).
T
by T####:
by T####:
I love the customisation and how you are allowed to have say whether or not a word is acceptable. These things are hard to find.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
Used to be my ONLY choice because it was the best. After the update it won't even open. Uninstalled. P. S. Please fix soon.
V
by V####:
by V####:
It'd be nice if it has a blacklist for the computer's words, though.
U
by U####:
by U####:
From Palm to Android, this still remains the best scrab app for serious Collins dictionary scrabblers! Be great if an update to CSW15 is available or may have to abandon this great app.
U
by U####:
by U####:
I want you to add an Offline Local WiFi LAN Multiplayer Mode. Thanks
U
by U####:
by U####:
Like the ability to choose wordlist. Would be better with a larger range of AI, including easy AI.
U
by U####:
by U####:
cool open source scrabble. word.
R
by R####:
by R####:
Best scrabble game... and it's free (and open source).
K
by K####:
by K####:
Great Scrabble clone.
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
Why is this called crosswords? It's scrabble! And a lame version at that. Should change the title of app, as most ppl would expect crossword puzzles.
K
by K####:
by K####:
Gets 5 stars from me. It's not flashy but it's a smart, addictive, highly customisable, well produced free game of scrabble which is very enjoyable to play against. Well done to the developer and I like the fact that it's regularly updated with new features.
K
by K####:
by K####:
An extraordinary venture into vocabulary. The simulator is excessively competitive and strategically educated. An exceedingly valuable application, free!
K
by K####:
by K####:
It's not flashy, it's just Scrabble. Pretty much all you need. Thanks to all concerned.
O
by O####:
by O####:
Very good app. However, make crosshairs optional (annoying!) and have option where last word played is in another color.
R
by R####:
by R####:
Versatile and thorough scrabbling experience.
K
by K####:
by K####:
Does not acknowledge actual words in it's so called dictionary...
G
by G####:
by G####:
Great app
K
by K####:
by K####:
Impossible 4 beginners
K
by K####:
by K####:
This is an excellent game. Be prepared to learn some crazy words. Great for using as a trainer.
K
by K####:
by K####:
Lots of updates I COULD suggest but at least it has the "proper" layout - something the other ones lack.
K
by K####:
by K####:
Was a great game. Recent versions are suck. Even Smart est bot is stupider than one, from older versions.
M
by M####:
by M####:
Its great when it works...but that is a rarity. Trying to play via the relay is an exercise in futility. Uninstalling until a working version availabl
K
by K####:
by K####:
The best single-player Scrabble app available for NSA tournament players. HTC Incredible.
K
by K####:
by K####:
Robot wins all time not easy Me think it fixed may uninstall.
U
by U####:
by U####:
Very good, and in no way homosexual as the previous author suggested. Use the college dict if you don't want quasi-words
K
by K####:
by K####:
I like this app. Closest I have ever come to winning was losing by 10 points. Feedback it would be nice to alternate first player vs robot always 1st
P
by P####:
by P####:
Mad props to the author for making this and keeping it free. I know apps take time and a lot of effort so thank you.
B
by B####:
by B####:
This is THE perfect scrabble-like game, can be played on a single device (you pass your phone/tablet from player to player). Huge range of features to suit different play styles, and it's down to the judgement of the players to decide if a word is valid. Highly recommend!
Z
by Z####:
by Z####:
this app has so many great options and features, I used to play words with friends and wordfeud once upon a time but this app blows the competition out of the water! if you ever have any questions or suggestions you can directly email the guy who made it, he listens to you and replies to your emails! :-)
D
by D####:
by D####:
Many enjoyable hours spent playing against smartest robot. Studylist excellent new addition to game. Made a perfect game even better. I would give it 10 stars!
R
by R####:
by R####:
From Palm to Android, this still remains the best scrab app for serious Collins dictionary scrabblers!
Q
by Q####:
by Q####:
Best scrabble game... and it's free (and open source).
X
by X####:
by X####:
Really enjoy this game with friends. Would love to be able to sync my games across devises though.
X
by X####:
by X####:
Recommended
X
by X####:
by X####:
Poor
by W####:
It'd be nice if it had a blacklist for the computer's words.