For millions of puzzle fans around the world, daily word games have become as much a part of the morning routine as a cup of coffee or the latest headlines. On January 6, 2026, two of the most popular contenders in this digital pastime—Wordle and Hurdle—offered up fresh challenges, each with their own unique twists and a devoted following eager for clues, answers, and a chance to test their wits.
Wordle, the game that first took the internet by storm in late 2021, continues to captivate players with its simple yet addictive premise. According to Mashable, the game was originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner. Its meteoric rise saw it morph from a personal project into a global phenomenon, with countless imitators and spin-offs springing up online. Eventually, the New York Times acquired Wordle, integrating it into its suite of digital puzzles and even launching a subscriber-only archive for those who want to revisit past conundrums.
On January 3, 2026, Wordle served up a puzzle that was both a nod to world music and a test of vocabulary. The day’s answer was a five-letter word starting with ‘S,’ and the hint provided was “An Indian instrument.” For those still scratching their heads, the solution was “SITAR.” As Mashable reported, “There are no recurring letters in this Wordle answer,” adding a layer of difficulty for players who lean on double-letter guesses. The publication also noted that “the best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you,” but recommended choosing options with multiple vowels and common consonants to maximize the odds of a quick solve.
Wordle’s evolution hasn’t been without a few bumps. The original archive of puzzles, once freely available, was later taken down at the request of the New York Times, as Mashable explained. The Times eventually introduced its own archive, but access is now limited to subscribers—a move that sparked some disappointment among longtime fans. Still, the game’s daily challenge remains unchanged in difficulty, though players can opt into “Hard Mode” for an extra layer of complexity.
Meanwhile, Hurdle—a newer word game that’s been steadily gaining traction—offered its own multi-stage puzzle on January 6, 2026. Unlike Wordle’s single-word challenge, Hurdle consists of five consecutive rounds, each requiring players to guess a word with hints and color-coded feedback indicating correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters. What sets Hurdle apart is its cumulative structure: the answer to each hurdle becomes the starting guess for the next, culminating in a final round where all previous answers are displayed as clues.
According to Mashable, the first hurdle of the day came with the hint “A stench,” and the answer was “SMELL.” The second hurdle’s clue, “To frown,” led to the word “SCOWL.” For the third round, “Vulgar” was the prompt, with “CRUDE” as the solution. The fourth hurdle asked for “A small sweet fruit,” and “BERRY” fit the bill. Finally, the last hurdle presented the clue “An art stand,” with “EASEL” as the answer. Players were reminded that “the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does not necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle,” a subtle point that can trip up even seasoned word game enthusiasts.
The growing popularity of Hurdle highlights the appetite for variety among puzzle fans. Its multi-stage structure and use of previous answers as clues create a sense of progression and continuity, offering a different flavor from Wordle’s singular daily challenge. For those who love the thrill of deduction, each round is a mini-mystery, and the final hurdle brings all the threads together in a satisfying conclusion.
Both games have fostered vibrant online communities, with players sharing hints, strategies, and the occasional gripe over particularly tricky words. TikTok creators have even begun livestreaming their Wordle attempts, turning what was once a solitary pursuit into a shared spectacle. As Mashable’s team of reporters, including Chance Townsend and Caitlin Welsh, have pointed out, the social aspect is a big part of what keeps these games fresh and engaging.
For those who want to up their game, Mashable recommends starting Wordle with words that contain at least two different vowels and common consonants such as S, T, R, or N. This strategic approach can quickly narrow down possibilities and increase the chances of a speedy solve. Hurdle, on the other hand, rewards players who pay close attention to the evolving set of clues, as each round builds on the last.
The enduring appeal of these games lies in their accessibility and the sense of accomplishment they provide. Whether it’s the satisfaction of solving Wordle’s daily puzzle or the thrill of clearing all five hurdles, players keep coming back for more. And with new puzzles released each day, the challenge is never quite the same twice.
For those who missed out on today’s answers, there’s always tomorrow. Mashable encourages players not to get discouraged if they didn’t guess SITAR or make it through all of Hurdle’s rounds. “There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints,” the site reassures its audience.
Beyond Wordle and Hurdle, the digital puzzle landscape is more crowded than ever. Mashable’s games hub now features classics like Mahjong and Sudoku alongside newer offerings such as Strands and Quordle, ensuring there’s something for every taste and skill level. The proliferation of these games speaks to a broader trend: in an age of constant distraction, the simple pleasure of solving a word puzzle remains a cherished ritual for many.
As the calendar turns and new puzzles await, fans can rest assured that the world of daily word games will continue to evolve. Whether you’re a Wordle purist, a Hurdle enthusiast, or just someone looking for a quick mental workout, there’s never been a better time to join the global community of puzzlers—one word at a time.
