Wordle And Hurdle Challenge Players With Tricky Puzzles

Word puzzle enthusiasts woke up on January 19, 2026, to a fresh batch of brain teasers and a growing appetite for daily word games. The New York Times’ Wordle, now a staple in the digital morning routine for millions, delivered its 1675th puzzle—one that had solvers scratching their heads and reaching for clues. Meanwhile, the increasingly popular Hurdle game offered its own set of challenges, with a five-round format that’s quickly winning over fans of wordplay. Let’s dive into the details of these puzzles, the strategies behind them, and why word games continue to capture our collective imagination.

For those who haven’t yet played today’s Wordle or want to avoid spoilers, consider this a fair warning: the answer is coming up soon. According to Mashable, the hints for Wordle #1675 were as follows: the word contains two vowels, features a rare consonant, and is associated with something moldable or a certain kind of surface. These clues set the stage for what many considered a tricky word.

As revealed by Mashable, the answer to today’s Wordle is “WAXEN.” It’s a word that might not crop up in everyday conversation, but it’s certainly evocative—bringing to mind the smooth, slightly shiny surface of a candle or a figure made from wax. The presence of the rare consonant “X” no doubt tripped up more than a few players, as did the word’s less common usage. If you found yourself staring blankly at the keyboard, you weren’t alone.

Wordle’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity: six guesses to find a five-letter word, with color-coded feedback guiding each attempt. But not all guesses are created equal. The New York Times’ WordleBot, a statistical analysis tool for the game, has weighed in on the best starting words to maximize your odds. According to the Times, “CRANE” stands out as the optimal opener, leveraging a strong mix of common consonants and vowels. Other solid choices include “ADIEU,” which packs in four vowels, “STARE,” and “ROAST.” Each of these words helps players quickly narrow down possible letter combinations, setting the stage for a more strategic approach.

Of course, Wordle isn’t the only daily word game vying for attention. Hurdle, highlighted by Mashable, has been steadily gaining fans thanks to its unique format. Unlike Wordle’s single-word challenge, Hurdle unfolds over five rounds, each with its own word to guess. The feedback system is familiar—correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters are highlighted after each guess—but the twist comes in how each round builds on the last.

The first round of Hurdle is straightforward: players guess the word, and the game provides feedback. If you guess correctly, the answer becomes your starting point for the next hurdle. This can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how much overlap there is between the words. By the final round, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with their correct and misplaced letters clearly marked. But there’s a catch: as Mashable points out, just because a letter is highlighted in a previous guess doesn’t mean it appears that many times in the final word. It’s a subtlety that keeps even seasoned players on their toes.

For January 19, 2026, Mashable offered a full rundown of Hurdle’s hints and answers. The first word, hinted at with “Over her,” was “THESE.” Next up, “An East-Asian country” led to the answer “CHINA.” The third round prompted players to think of a word meaning “To jot down,” resulting in “WRITE.” The fourth hurdle, “To brag,” pointed to “GLOAT.” Finally, the last hint—“An injury”—yielded the answer “WOUND.” Each clue required a different kind of thinking, from geography to action verbs to emotional states.

The rise of games like Wordle and Hurdle reflects a broader trend in digital entertainment: the search for quick, mentally stimulating diversions that fit neatly into daily routines. These games are accessible—requiring nothing more than a smartphone or computer—and they offer a satisfying sense of accomplishment in just a few minutes. For many, they’re as much a part of the morning ritual as a cup of coffee.

But what keeps players coming back, day after day? Part of the answer lies in the social aspect. Wordle, in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon, with users sharing their results (and sometimes their frustrations) on social media. The familiar grid of green, yellow, and gray boxes is instantly recognizable, and comparing strategies or marveling at a lucky guess has become a way to connect with friends and strangers alike.

Strategy, too, plays a role. As Mashable notes, starting with a word like “CRANE” or “ADIEU” isn’t just about luck—it’s a calculated move based on letter frequency and position. Players debate the merits of their favorite openers, analyze patterns in their guesses, and even consult tools like WordleBot to refine their approach. For some, the challenge is less about vocabulary and more about logic and deduction.

The appeal of Hurdle, meanwhile, lies in its layered complexity. Each round builds on the last, and the interplay between previous answers and new guesses adds a dimension of strategy that sets it apart from Wordle. The need to interpret clues, remember previous answers, and adjust tactics on the fly keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

Of course, not every day brings a word as tricky as “WAXEN” or a sequence as varied as Hurdle’s “THESE,” “CHINA,” “WRITE,” “GLOAT,” and “WOUND.” But the unpredictability is part of the fun. Some days, the answer seems to leap off the screen; other days, it remains maddeningly elusive. Either way, the sense of satisfaction that comes from cracking the code is undeniable.

For those looking to expand their repertoire, Mashable’s games hub offers a wealth of options, from Mahjong to Sudoku to free crosswords. The world of word games is bigger than ever, and there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a casual dabbler or a dedicated puzzler.

As January 19, 2026, demonstrated, the appetite for word games shows no sign of waning. With new puzzles, evolving strategies, and a vibrant community of players, the daily ritual of guessing, deducing, and celebrating small victories continues to bring joy to millions around the world.