Crossword Master is a turn-based competitive crossword game for adults, developed by Easybrain. It differentiates itself through Scandinavian-style grids (clues inside cells) and picture-based puzzles. While it holds a strong market position at #10 Free in its category with over 730k ratings, it is currently facing a declining sentiment trend due to aggressive ad frequency and a high $15 ad-removal price point.
Product velocity
Maintenance
Daily rank 🇺🇸
#192
Games · free
Sentiment
4.7
730k reviews
Nemesis
Crossword Jam: Fun Word Search
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
For Adult casual puzzle players seeking daily brain training and competitive word-building exercises.
Key features
Clues embedded directly within crossword cells, including picture-based clues.
Players compete against virtual opponents on a shared board for high scores.
Assists players by showing possible letter placements when stuck.
How much does it cost?
The app uses a high-volume ad model. The $15 ad-removal fee is significantly higher than industry averages for casual games, leading to user resentment.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceShow more...
The app is currently in maintenance mode, as the most recent updates for both iOS and Android consist exclusively of performance and stability improvements. There have been no significant feature releases or content additions recorded in the observed data. Development appears to be focused solely on technical upkeep rather than product expansion.
Who built it?
Easybrain
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Solitaire – Classic Card Games
Differences - Find & Spot Them
Easy Game - Brain PuzzlesUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
The recent review mood reads excited. Users appreciate cognitive stimulation and engaging gameplay, but report excessive ad frequency.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Cognitive Stimulation
- Engaging Gameplay
Unlock 2 more frustration themes, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for Crossword Master - Word Puzzle
How's the Games market?
The rivals identified
By PlaySimple Games Pte Ltd
Both apps compete for casual puzzle players seeking daily mental stimulation, clashing directly over ad-supported word game sessions and retention.
- Supports offline play, removing the connectivity requirement of Crossword Master
- Uses a landscape-themed progression loop to sustain daily session length
- Includes Facebook-sync persistence to reduce multi-device data loss
Crossword Puzzle RedstoneContender
Crossword Go!Contender
Wordgrams - Crossword & PuzzleContender
Daily Themed Crossword PuzzlesContender
Crossword - Word HikeContender
Crossword - by puzzling.comContender
Crossword ChallengeContender
Crozzle - Crossword PuzzlesContender
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Crossword Master - Word Puzzle
Where is it heading?
- Users report: Declining sentiment trend driven by 'greed' and 'rigged' AI complaints.
- Recent updates (March 2026) focused only on stability, suggesting a lack of active feature investment.
- Maintains #10 Free ranking in Category 7019, indicating strong top-of-funnel acquisition.
The SWOT
- Unique Scandinavian-style grid UI
- High rating volume (730k+) and social proof
- Strong 'Brain Training' brand positioning
- Minimalist, high-performance app design
- Introduce tiered or subscription monetization
- Add social features (chat, rematches, friend lists)
- Develop a puzzle archive/calendar for power users
- Implement narrative progression mechanics
Next best moves
Rebalance Ad Frequency
+ 2 more prioritized movesFeature gaps
Social graph/Facebook integration (available in Crosswords With Friends) +3
Since the last report: The app is experiencing a decline in sentiment due to aggressive ad-monetization and new user concerns regarding the fairness of the AI-driven competitive loop.
Bottom line
Crossword Master has a winning core mechanic and strong acquisition, but its aggressive monetization is cannibalizing user sentiment. To defend its #10 category rank, the PM must shift from a 'burn-and-churn' ad strategy to a more sustainable social-competitive model with fairer AI and flexible pricing.
Unlock 4 critical frictions, 3 market threats, 2 more prioritized moves and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Crossword Master good for brain training?
Crossword Master vs Crosswords With Friends?
Can I play Crossword Master for free without ads?
What is a more relaxing alternative to Crossword Master?
Report last updated