Back to deals
CrypticCrab Crossword

Games

Free

CrypticCrab Crossword

by Rodney Telford

4.5 (6) v1.1.0 11 MB Universal 4+

Description

Ever stared at a cryptic crossword clue and wondered if it was written in another language? You're not alone. CrypticCrab cracks the code on cryptic crosswords, one clue at a time.

Most people think cryptic clues are impenetrable. The secret? Every cryptic clue has exactly two paths to the answer. Once you see the pattern, you'll never look at a crossword the same way again.

CrypticCrab teaches you to solve real cryptic crossword clues through hands-on practice, not passive reading. Our four-phase lesson system breaks down each concept:

TEACH: Watch as clues are dissected before your eyes. Colour-coded breakdowns show exactly how definition and wordplay work together.

GUIDED SOLVE: Tap the definition words, identify the wordplay, classify the technique. Immediate feedback on every tap -- green for right, shake for wrong.

ASSISTED SOLVE: Try solving with a safety net. Progressive hints available when you're stuck (technique type is free; letters cost XP).

SOLO SOLVE: You versus the clue. Enter your answer letter by letter. A detailed breakdown appears after every attempt, reinforcing what you've learned.

WHAT YOU GET:
- Two complete learning modules: The Golden Rule (double definitions) and Indicator Words (anagrams, hidden words, reversals, and more)
- A fresh daily puzzle to keep your skills sharp
- XP system with 8 levels from Novice to Grand Master
- Streak tracking that rewards consistency (never punishes missing a day)
- Three-star ratings on every lesson -- replay for perfection
- Searchable reference glossary of indicator words and abbreviations
- Technique summaries that unlock as you learn

CrypticCrab is a word puzzle game that teaches as you play. No subscription, no ads, no internet required. Your progress is saved locally on your device.

Whether you're a complete beginner who's never attempted a cryptic clue, or a casual solver looking to understand the method behind the madness, CrypticCrab meets you where you are and builds your skills one clue at a time.

The answer to the clue is always there. You just need to learn where to look.

For full terms and condition see https://crypticcrab.xyz/terms/
We are committed to maintaining your privacy, for details see https://crypticcrab.xyz/privacy/

What's new (v1.1.0)

What's New in v1.1

- New Help Tools: Reference Lookup, Anagram Solver, Thesaurus, and Letter Jumble now open as dedicated bottom sheets instead of inline in the solve screen, giving each tool more space and a cleaner solve experience
- Native Text Selection: Select words in the clue using standard iOS long-press in Reference Lookup and Thesaurus cards (requires iOS 18)
- Letter Jumble Card: Shuffle your letters visually in a dedicated card with a Shuffle button — tap Done when you're happy with the arrangement
- Smarter Anagram Solver: Hint-revealed letters are now locked to their positions when searching, so results only show words that fit
- Hint-Revealed Letters Stand Out: Letters given by the Letter hint now display in the theme colour (coral for daily, teal for archive) so you can tell them apart from letters you typed
- Letters Kept on Wrong Answer: Submitting an incorrect answer no longer clears your letterboxes, so you can keep using tools against what you've entered
- "Not Quite" Feedback on Past Clues: Archive puzzles now show the same "Not quite — try again!" card that daily puzzles show on a wrong answer
- Tool XP Costs: Using the Anagram Solver (−15 XP) or Thesaurus (−10 XP) now reduces the XP you earn when you solve the puzzle
- iOS 18 Minimum