How does Letter Boxed work?

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.

What's a good Letter Boxed score?

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.

Is a 2-word solution always possible?

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.

What time does Letter Boxed reset?

Letter Boxed resets at midnight Eastern Time with a new set of 12 letters arranged around the square.

Can I reuse letters in Letter Boxed?

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.

Letter Boxed hints today

Chart today's NYT Letter Boxed solution path without spoiling the fun

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.

Box layout and parTwo-word chaseFull word list

NYT Letter Boxed • January 20, 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.

KFX

ADO

LHC

NUB

Quick stats

Par words

Our path

333

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.

Master the loop faster

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.

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.

Daily NYT Games Companion

Hints · Strategies · Answers

Chart today's NYT Letter Boxed solution path without spoiling the fun

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

Reveal our solution

Browse every valid word

Letter Boxed rules in a glance

Advanced tips for consistent wins

Letter Boxed vs. other NYT word games

Master the loop faster

Scout the sides

Chain efficiently

Cross-train

Daily NYT Games Companion

Connections

Wordle

Mini Crossword

Strands Hint

Spelling Bee

Letter Boxed

Sports Connections