Dave's Word Game looks to offer an indie alternative to Wordle when it arrives next month

Build, Shape, and Score Big in This Fresh Strategic Word Puzzler

• Dave's Word Game is a new release from indie studio Bearwaves
• Arriving next month, it offers a new take on the word puzzler format
• Shoot for the high score by building multiple scoring words and compete with friends

Ever since it hit the scene in 2021, Wordle has dominated daily puzzle habits worldwide. Riding the wave of renewed interest in classic brain teasers, the upcoming Dave's Word Game aims to claim its own place when it launches on iOS and Android on December 15th. This clever twist on the genre could easily appeal to fans seeking a strategic word puzzle challenge or players searching for a relaxing daily word game.

At first glance, Bearwaves' debut might look familiar—yet a closer look reveals deep mechanical differences. Instead of simply guessing words, you actively shape the board, crafting as many scoring words as possible to climb toward a high score. This blend of tactical tile placement and vocabulary strategy creates a uniquely replayable word-building experience perfect for long-tail puzzle fans.

Every move matters, too. A single misstep can cost you future opportunities, making each playthrough a satisfying mix of planning and creativity. Just like Wordle, the daily-challenge angle remains strong: invite friends, compare scores, and see who emerges as the ultimate wordsmith.

What wordsmithery

As someone who writes for a living, testing my vocabulary for fun isn't usually on the agenda. But if you enjoy flexing your linguistic skills, outscoring your friends, and exploring a more strategic mobile word puzzle, Dave's Word Game might be your next daily favorite.

Whoever Dave is, their Word Game certainly seems poised to stand out—especially if its smart board-shaping mechanics resonate with players. With so many contenders in the genre, this thoughtful twist could be the hook that draws in dedicated puzzle enthusiasts.

While you wait for launch day, you can always explore our list of the best puzzle games on Android to keep sharpening your brain.

• Strategic word-building with board-shaping mechanics
• Daily challenges to share and compare with friends
• High-score chasing for competitive puzzle fans
• Fresh twist on the classic word puzzler formula
• Ideal for players seeking a relaxing daily word game