How to play an arrowword
An arrowword, also called a Swedish-style crossword, is a crossword where the clues sit inside the grid instead of in a list beside it. Each clue square has an arrow that shows where its answer starts and which way it runs. Write the answer letter by letter until the next clue square or the edge of the grid.
The rules of an arrowword
- Every shaded square with text is a clue. The arrow in it points right or down, to the square where the answer begins.
- Write the answer one letter per square, following the arrow, until the next clue square or the edge of the grid.
- Count the empty squares first: that is the number of letters in the answer.
- Where two answers cross they share a letter, so every answer you find helps with its neighbours.
- In Vellara, the squares with a red border and a small number together spell the solution word.
There is no separate list of clues: everything you need is printed in the grid itself, just as in a puzzle magazine.
How to solve an arrowword
Arrowwords are solved with vocabulary and patience rather than logic, so a few habits make the difference.
Start with the short, easy answers
Short answers of three or four letters often have a clear clue, and they give you letters for the longer words that cross them. Fill in everything you are sure of first, then come back to the harder clues. Skipping a clue costs you nothing.
Read the clue like a code
The form of a clue hints at the form of the answer. A plural clue usually wants a plural answer, a clue in the past tense wants a past tense, and a clue marked as an abbreviation wants an abbreviation. Match the length of the free squares against your guess before you write it in.
Let the crossing letters do the work
When a word is stuck, look at the letters you already have from crossing answers. Two or three known letters in a row often make the word obvious. In Vellara you can also reveal a single letter with the hint button when you are really stuck.
Playing Arrowword in Vellara
In Vellara the clue for the answer you are working on always appears in full above the grid, even when the text inside a small square is cut off. Tap a clue square to jump to its answer. Squares with a red border and a small number form the solution word, and those letters appear by themselves in the strip above the grid.
- Above the grid: smaller, larger and fit to screen, a type button that brings up the keyboard, a check button and a hint that reveals a letter.
- In Settings you can have the keyboard open automatically. If the text is too small, enlarge the grid with A+.
- Five levels, from a gentle 9×9 grid up to a wide expert grid with many short words. At the two lowest levels the clue text fits inside the grid.
- No time pressure: a clock runs along, but you can take as long as you like.
Questions about arrowwords
What is the difference between an arrowword and a crossword?
In a classic crossword the clues are listed beside the grid and the squares are numbered. In an arrowword the clues are written in squares inside the grid, and arrows show where each answer goes.
Is a Swedish crossword the same as an arrowword?
Yes. Swedish-style crossword is another name for the same puzzle, with clues in the grid and no separate clue list.
Where does the answer start?
In the square the arrow points to, next to the clue square. The answer runs in the direction of the arrow until the next clue square or the edge of the grid.
What is the solution word?
In Vellara, some squares have a red border and a small number. Their letters spell the solution word, which fills the strip above the grid as you go.
Is Arrowword in Vellara free?
Yes. Vellara is free to download, needs no account and works offline.
Play Arrowword free in Vellara
Vellara is calm, free and works offline. It sends no notifications and puts no time pressure on you.
More puzzles in Vellara
If you like arrowwords, you may also like these word puzzles: