Octordle is the ultimate test for Wordle lovers. With eight words to solve in 13 tries, your first few guesses can make or break your game. But don’t stress—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide packed with the best starting words, crowd-sourced strategies, and tips to boost your win rate.
Why Starting Words Matter in Octordle
In Octordle, you’re not just solving one puzzle—you’re juggling eight! A strong opener helps you:
Uncover vowels (A, E, I, O, U) and common consonants (S, T, R, N).
Eliminate letters that don’t appear in any of the eight words.
Reveal patterns to solve words faster.
Pro Tip: Combine vowel-heavy words with common consonants early to maximize clues!
Best Octordle Starting Words
Below are handpicked words used by experts, Reddit communities, and top YouTubers. These words are chosen for their balance of vowels, common letters, and strategic value.
Vowel-Packed Starters
Words with 3–4 vowels help you identify critical letters quickly.
4 Vowels | 3 Vowels |
AUDIO | ARISE |
ADIEU | ROATE |
OUIJA | SOARE |
AUREI | CRANE |
OURIE | GUIDE |
MIAOU | QUITE |
LOUIE | PATIO |
Why These Work: Words like AUDIO and ADIEU test four vowels in one guess, letting you rule out possibilities fast.
Common Consonant Combos
Pair vowels with high-frequency consonants (S, T, R, L, N) to cover more ground.
First Word | Second Word | Why It Works |
STARE | CLOUD | Tests S, T, R + C, L, D |
CRANE | SPLIT | Covers C, R, N + S, P, L |
ROATE | SLING | Hits R, T, S, L, G |
SALET | CRONY | Includes S, L, T + C, R, Y |
TRAIN | CHOSE | Combines T, R, N + C, H, S |
Pro Tip: Use ROATE (a fan favorite) followed by SLING to test 10 unique letters in two guesses!
Community Favorites from Reddit & YouTube
Here’s what Octordle addicts swear by:
- “ARISE + YOUTH”: Covers A, E, I, O, U, Y, T, H.
- “SOARE + CLINT”: Tests S, O, A, R, E + C, L, I, N, T.
- “STARE + DOUGH”: Hits S, T, A, R, E + D, O, U, G, H.
Reddit Wisdom: Many players use 3-word combos like RATIO, MENDS, LUCKY to test 15 letters upfront.
Advanced Strategies for Octordle Pros
3-Word Opening Moves
Deploy these to narrow down letters rapidly:
- SCALY, GUIDE, THORN
- INLET, SHARP, DUCKY
- SPINE, LOATH, MURKY
Avoid Repeat Letters
Use words with unique letters to test more possibilities. For example:
- CRWTH (rare, but uses C, R, W, T, H).
- GYPSY (tests G, Y, P, S).
Adjust Based on Feedback
- If your first guess hits 2 vowels, focus on consonants next.
- If multiple words share a letter (like S), prioritize words ending with S.
The Ultimate Octordle Word List
Save this cheat sheet for your next game!
Vowel-Heavy Starters
- ADIEU, AUDIO, OUIJA, AUREI, LOUIE, OURIE, MIAOU
- ARISE, ROATE, SOARE, GUIDE, QUITE, PATIO, CRANE
Consonant-Rich Starters
- STARE, CRANE, ROAST, CLINE, SALET, TRAIN, CHOSE
- SLING, CRWTH, GYPSY, NYMPH, BRICK
3-Word Power Combos
- RATIO, MENDS, LUCKY
- SCALP, TIGER, MOUND
- HATES, CLIMB, ROUND
Why These Words Work (And What to Avoid)
Avoid Obscure Words: Octordle uses common words. Skip terms like “ZYMIC” or “XYLYL.”
Double Letters: Words like “BOOKS” or “BEEFY” can waste guesses unless you’ve already confirmed a repeat letter.
Focus on Flexibility: Use words that let you pivot. For example, SOARE (S, O, A, R, E) leaves room to test B, C, D in the next guess.
Final Tips from Octordle Champions
Practice Daily: The more you play, the better you’ll spot patterns.
Stay Calm: Even if you’re stuck on word #8, use process of elimination.
Mix Strategies: Alternate between vowel-heavy and consonant-focused words.