Crossword Seeds: a free browser game
Crossword Seeds is a mini crossword game with twelve original themed grids. Each puzzle has four clues: three across entries and one down entry. Shared letters connect the answers, giving you a way to check a guess without immediately revealing it. The themes range from plants and music to water, home and baking. These are independent Joywisp clues and grids, not the New York Times Mini or another publisher’s daily crossword.
How to play Crossword Seeds
- Fill every open square so both across and down answers satisfy their clues. Shared squares belong to both entries.
- Checking does not fill blank squares or reveal answers. It only marks currently incorrect letters.
- A hint fills one focused square. Undo restores its previous letter; hint and check use remain visible in the current puzzle’s record.
Crossword Seeds strategy
Begin with the clearest clue
A familiar answer supplies crossing letters for another entry. You do not have to solve the clues in number order, and leaving an uncertain entry blank can be useful.
Compare the crossing letter
If an across answer conflicts with a down answer, reconsider the clue interpretation or spelling. The shared square must hold the same letter for both words.
Check after a few useful entries
Checking every letter immediately can reduce the puzzle to trial and error. Try filling an answer from its clue, then use crossings to evaluate it before requesting direct help.
A worked example
The plant-themed grid connects PLANT downward with MAPLE, GRASS and ROOTS across. The P in PLANT also belongs to MAPLE. You enter that shared letter once, and it contributes to both answers.
Questions about Crossword Seeds
How large are these mini crosswords?
Each grid uses a compact nine-column, seven-row field with four connected answers and unused squares. It is not a reproduction of a publisher’s five-by-five daily format.
Is this the official NYT Mini?
No. Crossword Seeds has original clues, independently assembled grids and its own twelve-puzzle order. No publisher feed or account is connected.
What does Check letters reveal?
It marks wrong letters you have already entered. Empty squares stay empty, and correct letters remain in place.
Can I finish without hints?
Yes. Each answer is supported by an original clue and crossing letters. Hints are optional and their use is recorded beside the player.
Local progress, keyboard play and privacy
This original player runs in your browser. Refreshing the same tab restores the puzzle and its bounded undo history; closing the tab ends that session. If tab storage is blocked, the live round remains playable and the player explains the limitation. Keyboard users can reach controls with Tab and activate buttons with Enter or Space. The player sends no guesses, word groups, moves or hint requests to a remote game service. Read the storage details →