Learn to solve cryptic crosswords with interactive lessons and practice. Features daily puzzles, unlimited solving across difficulty levels, and real-time multiplayer duels. Track your progress and access a reference library of indicators and abbreviations.
2.1.0
October 3, 2026
Your Daily Clue rewards now lock in the moment you solve -- XP and streak are saved instantly, even if you close the puzzle straight away. IMPROVED - Daily Clue: brand-new players now see it on the Play tab, and if you're offline you'll get a "Try again" card instead of an empty space. - Lessons: XP is saved as soon as you finish a section, and a module completes once every section in it is done. - Anagram Solver and Thesaurus: XP is charged once, when you use them, so a correct solve always pays out in full. - Stats: "Sections done" and "Lessons done" now reflect your real progress. - Widget: recovers after being offline, catches up when you solve on another device, and shows 0 once a streak has lapsed. - Purchases: a new Purchases section in Settings lets you check your status, restore purchases or manage your subscription, with clearer messages when buying or restoring. FIXED - Streaks no longer break when daylight saving changes overnight. - Long clues scroll within their card, and Help Me reads better at large text sizes. - Settings shows the correct version number. - Fixed a rare crash at launch. Thanks for playing -- now go get cracking!
MoreGet access full learning content and full solve history
CrypticCrab uses a four-phase lesson system: Teach (dissected clues), Guided Solve (interactive clue breakdown), Assisted Solve (progressive hints), and Solo Solve (independent solving with feedback). This hands-on approach breaks down concepts like definitions and wordplay.
Lessons in CrypticCrab can be played offline. However, features like the daily clue, the past clue archive, and multiplayer require an internet connection to function.
CrypticCrab is free to start with no ads. An optional Premium unlock is available as a one-time Lifetime purchase or through monthly/quarterly subscriptions, which grants access to the full past-clue archive, all learning modules, and unlimited solving.
Yes, CrypticCrab offers head-to-head duels where you can race a friend or rival in real time on the same clue. It also includes ranked matches with Game Center rankings and achievements.
CrypticCrab has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide audience, including children, due to its non-violent and educational nature.
The latest version, 2.0.1, was last updated on June 17, 2026. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the release of a major 2.0 version suggests ongoing development and improvements.
Currently, CrypticCrab is supported on iPhones. Progress can sync across your devices using iCloud.
CrypticCrab focuses specifically on teaching the mechanics of cryptic crosswords through interactive lessons and guided practice, rather than just providing puzzles. It offers a structured learning path and unique multiplayer modes.
