Word Chain setup
Each word must start with the last letter of the word before it.
More games like Word Chain
Part of Party & Word Games ยท all 70 games
About Word Chain
Free online Word Chain game. Each new word must begin with the last letter of the previous word, before the timer runs out.
Word Chain (also called Word Ladder or Grab on Behind) is a quick-thinking vocabulary game. The rule is simple - your word must start with the last letter of the word before it - but under a ticking clock it gets surprisingly tense. It's a brilliant way to build spelling and vocabulary skills, and it works as a classroom warm-up, a road-trip game, or a party filler. The AI bar seeds the chain with themed starter words on any topic you type, and because the chain is spoken before it's typed, it plays perfectly well over a family video call with one person keeping the device.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Word Chain?๏ผ
Each player says or types a word that begins with the final letter of the previous word. Words must be at least two letters long and can't be repeated. Freeze up or run out of time and you're out.
Does the game check if my word is real?๏ผ
It checks that your entry uses letters only, is long enough, starts with the right letter, and hasn't been used. Players decide together whether a word is 'real' - so no made-up words!
Can I play by myself?๏ผ
Yes. Choose Solo mode to practice and see how long a chain you can build before the timer beats you.
How many players can play?๏ผ
From 1 (solo) up to 6 players taking turns on one device, with elimination until one player is left.
Can we play with family who aren't here?๏ผ
Yes - Word Chain is spoken out loud, so it works on a video call: one person keeps the page open and types each word the call agrees on, and the timer keeps everyone honest. Use the AI bar to seed the chain with words from any theme you type.
Ready for more?
Dozens of free family and party games - no sign-up, no downloads.
Browse all games โ