For millions of word puzzle enthusiasts across the globe, the morning ritual of tackling the daily Wordle has become as routine as a cup of coffee. On August 20, 2025, players were met with an extra challenge: the solution to Wordle puzzle #1523 proved to be a woolly conundrum, literally and figuratively. The answer? LLAMA.
According to The New York Times, which now hosts the game after acquiring it in February 2025, today's puzzle was described as tougher than usual, with many players (including seasoned solvers) needing five attempts or more to crack the code. For those not wanting the answer spoiled, a series of increasingly revealing hints were offered: the word starts with 'L', ends with 'A', contains a single vowel used twice, and features two repeated letters. If that didn't give it away, another clue—"found at a farm or a petting zoo"—surely nudged a few minds in the right direction.
But what is it about LLAMA that tripped up so many? As PC Gamer pointed out, "two of today's letters are used more than once, so watch out." Repeated letters often throw even the most analytical players off their game, especially when they're tucked into a word with only one vowel—used twice, no less. One hint described the solution as "hairy pack animals," while another noted its synonyms: guanaco and alpaca. The word's South American roots and its association with wool-bearing livestock added a touch of zoological flair to the linguistic challenge.
For those unfamiliar with the mechanics, Wordle is a deceptively simple game. Players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word. After each guess, colored tiles provide feedback: green for correct letters in the right place, yellow for correct letters in the wrong place, and gray for letters not in the word at all. The goal? To deduce the day's secret word using logic, vocabulary, and a bit of luck. As Parade explained, "the word contains two vowels and two double letters"—a combination that can stump even the most dedicated solvers.
Wordle's origin story is as charming as its gameplay. Created by software engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, the game quickly went viral, its minimalist design and once-a-day format making it a fixture in daily routines worldwide. According to PC Gamer, "Wordle is the creation of Josh Wardle, and began life as a small personal project before its public release in 2021. From there it's gone on to become a global phenomenon, attracting a dedicated daily audience, billions of plays, a whole host of competitors, and even a seven-figure sale to the New York Times."
The acquisition by The New York Times in early 2025 marked a new chapter for Wordle, integrating it into the Times' suite of digital games alongside iconic crosswords and the newer "Connections." The editorial hand of Tracy Bennett, who carefully selects the daily answers, has been noted for maintaining a balance between accessible and challenging words. Occasionally, as with today's LLAMA, the puzzle can veer into trickier territory—especially when repeated letters or less common word structures are involved.
Players are constantly debating the best strategies for tackling Wordle. Some swear by starting words packed with common consonants and vowels—think "SLATE," "CRANE," or "TRACE." Others, as The New York Times suggested, opt for words like "RAISE," "TOUCH," and "BLAND" to quickly eliminate possibilities. But as today's puzzle demonstrated, even the best-laid plans can be upended by an unexpected double letter. As one solver recounted, "I started with RAISE, TOUCH, and BLAND. Then I tried FRUMP to eliminate possible consonants, making LLAMA the best solution."
Of course, friendly competition is a huge part of Wordle's appeal. Players frequently share their results—often in the form of colored emoji grids—on social media, sparking debates, memes, and even livestream sessions. The viral nature of the game has inspired a legion of spin-offs, from the battle royale-style Squabble to the multi-word challenge Quordle. As Parade noted, "the game's success inspired fans to create various spin-offs, such as the battle royale-style Squabble, the music identification game Heardle, and multi-word challenges like Dordle and Quordle."
Today's answer, LLAMA, is more than just a quirky animal. Native to South America, llamas have been domesticated for thousands of years, valued for their wool, their gentle temperament, and their ability to carry heavy loads across mountainous terrain. Their cousins, the guanaco and alpaca, share many of these traits. The word's inclusion in Wordle not only tested players' vocabulary but also offered a subtle nod to the rich biodiversity of the Andes.
For those looking to sharpen their skills, experts recommend a few key tactics: pay close attention to repeated letters, use early guesses to eliminate as many possibilities as possible, and remember that the answer pool is curated—so obscure or archaic words are unlikely. As PC Gamer reminded readers, "Wordle is not getting harder! There will always be the occasional day where the answer is the name of a body part, has a sneaky double vowel, or a word obscure enough to send everyone rushing off to a dictionary. But the daily answers... are still a good mix of common terms and tougher challenges."
Wordle remains a daily delight for millions, blending logic, language, and a touch of serendipity. Whether today's LLAMA left you stumped or triumphant, tomorrow brings another chance to test your wits—and maybe, just maybe, to see your own colored grid lighting up green on the first try.
