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Letter Boxed hints today

Letter Boxed answers today — hints, solver & 2-word solution

We map the box layout every morning, track par goals, and record potential two-word finishes. Reveal the solution when you are ready, browse the complete word list, and learn how to route your chain efficiently.

What is Letter Boxed? Letter Boxed is a daily NYT puzzle with 12 letters on the sides of a square. Form words by connecting letters from different sides, chaining each new word from the last letter of the previous one. The goal is to use all 12 letters in as few words as possible, ideally two.

Box layout and parTwo-word chaseFull word list
Updated dailyVerified solutions2-word answers confirmed

NYT Letter Boxed • February 19, 2026

Explore the box, plan the loop, then reveal the perfect chain

Study the four sides, note tricky letters, and decide how you will exit each edge before you start typing. When you are ready, flip the two-word chase, inspect every valid word, and log today's score against par.

RLU
CNA
IHE
QZS

Quick stats

6

Par words

2

Our path

1008

Valid words

Yes

Two-word finish

Reveal our solution

Ready to confirm your route? Tap reveal to see the path we used today, then compare it against your chain.

Browse every valid word

Need to practice alternative chains? Reveal the full dictionary to explore different paths and improve tomorrow's solve.

How to play

Letter Boxed rules in a glance

Connect letters from different sides to form words. The final letter of each word must start the next, and you win once every letter on the box has been used at least once.

  • Words must be at least three letters long and cannot repeat consecutive letters from the same side.
  • Track par and aim to finish in as few words as possible - two is the gold standard.
  • When stuck, reshuffle the sides mentally or work backwards from a strong ending word.

Strategy notes

Advanced tips for consistent wins

  • Handle rare letters (Q, X, Z, J) early so you do not scramble to place them at the end of the chain.
  • Keep an eye out for plural endings like S or ED to jump between sides and cover stray letters.
  • Capture links you discover. Building a personal library of strong connectors speeds up future solves.
  • Mix in practice puzzles via the Letter Boxed archive to see how editors recycle letter patterns.

Tip: chasing a two-word finish? Try writing down promising starters and endings, then connect them with a middle pivot.

Letter Boxed vs. other NYT word games

  • Letter Boxed blends spatial planning with vocabulary: loop through all 12 letters in the fewest words possible.
  • Wordle rewards deduction. Guess the hidden five-letter word in six attempts.
  • Spelling Bee turns seven letters into as many high-scoring words as you can find.
  • Mini Crossword keeps your clue instincts sharp with a daily 5x5 grid.

Rotate between these modes to keep your solving muscles fresh and your streaks secure.

Letter Boxed answers, solver & strategy

Letter Boxed rewards flexible word chaining and early planning. We catalogue letter pairings, dead-end traps, and patterns that frequently lead to two-word finishes. Use the insights below to refine your routing instincts and keep your streak intact.

Scout the sides

Identify difficult letters and plan how you will enter and exit each side before you start typing.

Chain efficiently

Favor consonant clusters like str or tion to pivot and cover multiple letters at once.

Cross-train

Rotate in Spelling Bee, Wordle, and Connections to sharpen your vocabulary toolbox.

Is a 2-word Letter Boxed solution always possible?

Not always. Some Letter Boxed puzzles have a 2-word solution, but many require 3 or more words. The NYT sets a par score (usually 3-5 words) for each puzzle. A 2-word finish is the community gold standard, but it depends on the specific letter arrangement. Our solver checks for 2-word solutions first, then shows the shortest path if none exists.

What time does Letter Boxed reset?

NYT Letter Boxed resets daily at 3:00 AM Eastern Time. Unlike most other NYT puzzles that reset at midnight ET, Letter Boxed uses a later refresh time. Our hints and answers update shortly after the new puzzle goes live.

How to play Letter Boxed

  1. 1

    Read the letter square

    12 letters in groups of 3 on each side. Use every letter in as few words as possible.

  2. 2

    Connect letters from different sides

    Consecutive letters must come from different sides of the square. Same-side sequences are not allowed.

  3. 3

    Chain words together

    Each new word starts with the last letter of the previous word, creating a linked chain.

  4. 4

    Cover all 12 letters

    Keep adding words until every letter from all four sides has been used at least once.

  5. 5

    Aim for a 2-word solution

    The game accepts up to 5 words, but 2-word answers are the gold standard.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Letter Boxed

Learn the rules, find optimal 2-word solutions, and master the art of chaining words efficiently in NYT Letter Boxed.

  • Use all 12 letters (3 per side of a square) to form words. Each word must start with the last letter of the previous word. You can't use consecutive letters from the same side.
  • Solving in 2 words is optimal and always impressive. 3 words is great, 4-5 is solid. The NYT's target is usually 5 words or fewer.
  • Not always, but usually. Some letter combinations don't allow for a 2-word solution. Our solver shows when 3 or more words are required.
  • Letter Boxed resets at midnight Eastern Time with a new set of 12 letters arranged around the square.
  • Yes, you can use any letter multiple times within a word or across words. The only restriction is not using consecutive letters from the same side of the box.
  • In Letter Boxed, each side of the square holds three letters. You cannot use two letters from the same side back-to-back within a word. After using a letter from one side, your next letter must come from a different side.
  • Yes, Letter Boxed is completely free to play daily. It is part of the NYT Games suite and does not require a subscription. A new puzzle with fresh letters is available every day at midnight ET.
  • Letter Boxed is unique because it combines spatial reasoning with vocabulary. Instead of guessing hidden words, you choose from visible letters arranged on a square, chaining words where each new word starts with the last letter of the previous one.

Sources & References

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