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Crosswords

Crusader Crossword (Daily Express)

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The Daily Express cryptic crossword, new every day.

Play Crusader Crossword (Daily Express)

on games.express.co.uk

The Crusader Crossword of 26 October 2026 on a desktop: an empty 15 by 15 cryptic grid with the Across and Down clue lists, a timer and a hint button

The Crusader Crossword is the Daily Express's cryptic crossword, named after the paper's crusader emblem. A new puzzle appears daily on the Express games site, with cryptic clues to crack, free to play online.

About Crusader Crossword (Daily Express)

The Daily Express takes its puzzle mascot from the crusader on its masthead, and its cryptic crossword carries the same name. Each day a new Crusader grid appears on games.express.co.uk, the same for every reader.

The clues are cryptic: each combines a definition with wordplay, such as anagrams, hidden words or charades, and the answer satisfies both. You solve in the browser, picking clues and entering answers, with crossing letters confirming your guesses. The online player includes instructions, tips and a high score.

The site also hosts the Express Quick Crossword and an Arrow Word. It is free with ads and needs no download.

It suits cryptic solvers who want a daily British puzzle.

How to play Crusader Crossword (Daily Express)

  1. Open the Crusader Crossword page, press Play Now and close the welcome notice once the game has loaded.
  2. Pick a clue from the Across or Down list, or tap a square in the grid. The clue also shows in the bar under the board.
  3. Find the definition, usually at the start or the end of the clue, and work out the wordplay that builds the answer.
  4. Type the answer. On a phone, use the keyboard the game draws under the grid.
  5. Use the light bulb menu to check or reveal a letter, a word or the whole puzzle when you are stuck.
  6. Use the arrows beside the date to go back to the grids of earlier days.

Screenshots

The Crusader Crossword of 26 October 2026 at phone size: the grid, the first clue in a bar and the game's own on-screen keyboard
The Crusader Crossword teaser: a crossword grid with the Express crusader

Tips

  • The definition is usually at the start or the end of the clue.
  • Look for anagram indicators like mixed or broken.
  • Start with the shortest clues to get crossing letters.

Questions

Is the Crusader Crossword cryptic?

Yes. Each clue mixes a definition with wordplay such as an anagram, a hidden word or a charade, and the answer fits both.

Is it free?

Yes. It needs no account or download. The page around the game carries ads.

Can I play earlier puzzles?

Yes. The arrows beside the date above the grid step back to earlier days.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. At phone size the grid fills the screen and the game shows its own keyboard below it.

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