How to Play Wordle for Free after it’s Behind a Paywall

The Rise of Wordle

If you’re like millions of other Americans, you’ve probably played or at least heard of Wordle. This simple yet addictive word game skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its viral appeal, ad-free experience, and zero cost. However, that might change soon.

The New York Times Acquisition

In late January, the New York Times purchased Wordle, sparking concerns among players. Many fear the game will end up behind a paywall, similar to the Times’ other games and articles. The Times fueled this worry by stating that Wordle would “initially remain free” for new and existing users.

How to Keep Playing Wordle for Free

Fortunately, you can still play Wordle for free—even if it moves behind a paywall. Since Wordle runs in a browser, its code exists as plaintext on the game’s website. To save the game:

1. Right-click in your browser.
2. Select “Save Page As” and choose Webpage, Complete.
3. Save the file as an HTML document.

Once saved, you can open the HTML file in a browser and play offline anytime.

The Catch

While this offline version lets you enjoy Wordle indefinitely, it comes with a few drawbacks. You may not be able to save your streak, and sharing results could be difficult or even impossible. Still, with over 2,000 five-letter words in the game’s word bank, you could keep playing daily for nearly seven years.

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