In 2025, INBOX (April 19) was identified as the hardest Wordle puzzle in the United States, topping difficulty charts in 24 states. While millions of players tackle the game daily, New England states consistently struggle the most, with Maine ranking as the state most likely to search for hints.
Wordle difficulty is measured by two key metrics: the number of streaks broken (when players fail to solve the puzzle within six guesses) and the volume of Google searches for "Wordle hint". These data points provide insight into which puzzles challenged players the most across the United States.
Hardest Wordle Puzzles (2024–2025)
The following puzzles proved to be the most challenging for Wordle enthusiasts, breaking streaks and driving millions to search for hints:
The Toughest Words
Number of streaks broken by BONGO on May 14, 2025 - the year's biggest streak buster according to the New York Times.
Other Difficult 2025 Words
Beyond the top four, several other words challenged players throughout 2025:
- EDIFY (June 6) - Uncommon vocabulary word that stumped many players
- KEFIR (August 13) - Difficult due to unfamiliar spelling of this fermented milk drink
- KNELL (August 14) - The silent "K" and double "L" proved challenging
- LORIS (July 18) - Obscure animal name that broke many streaks
States That Struggled Most
Data based on per-capita Google searches for Wordle hints reveals a strong New England trend in difficulty. These states had the highest search volumes for help:
Interestingly, four of the top five states that search for Wordle hints are in New England. While the exact reason remains unclear, some theories suggest it could be related to regional vocabulary differences, higher engagement with daily puzzles, or simply a greater willingness to seek help rather than lose a streak.
Specific State Struggles
Certain words proved uniquely difficult in specific regions, revealing interesting patterns in regional knowledge and vocabulary:
Regional Difficulty Patterns
Understanding Wordle Difficulty
What makes a Wordle puzzle particularly challenging? Several factors contribute to difficulty:
1. Uncommon Letters
Words containing uncommon letters like X, Q, or Z tend to be harder. INBOX's difficulty stemmed largely from the unexpected "X" at the end, which players rarely guess early in their attempts.
2. Multiple Valid Options
EAGER's low 49% solve rate was due to numerous valid alternatives following the same pattern: LAGER, WAGER, PAGER, CAGER, RAGER. Players often exhaust their six guesses testing different first letters.
3. Double Letters
CORER's double "R" caught many players off guard. The "_O_ER" pattern has many possibilities (COVER, CODER, COPER, COWER, BOXER, HOVER), and testing for double letters uses precious guesses.
4. Unfamiliar Vocabulary
Words like KEFIR, LORIS, and EDIFY challenge players' vocabulary. Even those who know these words may not think of them during the limited guess window.
5. Silent Letters
KNELL's silent "K" makes it harder to identify through phonetic reasoning, particularly for players who rely on sounding out possibilities.
Tips for Tackling Tough Wordles
Based on 2025's toughest puzzles, here are strategies to improve your success rate:
- Test uncommon letters early: Include letters like X, Z, or Q in your starting words when green/yellow clues suggest they might fit
- Consider double letters: When you have a pattern like "_O_ER", remember that letters can repeat
- Expand your vocabulary: Read widely to encounter uncommon words like KEFIR or LORIS
- Think beyond obvious rhymes: When facing "_AGER" patterns, systematically test different first letters
- Don't forget silent letters: Remember words can start with silent K or have other unusual spellings
- Use elimination wisely: Strategic guessing to eliminate multiple letters at once can be more valuable than testing a likely answer
The Growing Wordle Phenomenon
These difficulty statistics highlight Wordle's continued cultural impact. With millions of daily players and detailed tracking of regional performance, Wordle has become more than just a game—it's a shared cultural experience that reveals fascinating patterns in language use, regional differences, and problem-solving approaches.
Number of streaks broken by CORER in October 2024 - one of the most devastating Wordle puzzles in the game's history.
Looking Ahead
As Wordle continues into 2026, players can expect more challenging puzzles that test vocabulary, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking. Whether you're in Maine searching for daily hints or confidently maintaining your streak elsewhere, understanding what makes puzzles difficult can help you improve your game.
Will 2026 bring a puzzle tougher than INBOX? Only time will tell. Until then, keep playing, keep learning, and don't be afraid to expand your vocabulary—you never know when knowing what a KEFIR or LORIS is might save your streak!