Layers (Hidden Layer Labs)
Four mini word games unlock the last tiles of a 16-word grouping puzzle, once a day.
Every day: One dated puzzle a day, the same for every player: solve four mini-games (LetterLock, Anagram, Crossword and Word Search) to unlock four words, then sort all sixteen words on the final board into four hidden groups with a limited number of mistakes. New puzzle: Once a day (the site does not state the hour).
Play Layers in the browserLayers on the App StoreLayers on Google Play
Layers is a daily word puzzle from Hidden Layer Labs, in the browser and on iPhone and Android. The day's board holds sixteen words in four hidden groups, but four of its tiles are locked behind mini-games: a LetterLock, an anagram, a small crossword and a word search. Solve them, then group the words, with three mistakes allowed.
About Layers (Hidden Layer Labs)
Layers combines a Connections-style grouping puzzle with four small word games. The final board is a 4x4 grid of words to sort into four groups of four, such as dog breeds or dog-walking gear. Twelve words are visible from the start; the other four tiles show a mini-game instead. LetterLock, Anagram, Crossword and Word Search each give up one word when solved, and that word joins the board.
Once all sixteen are in place you pick four words and confirm a group. Solved groups slide to the top with their category name. Some words seem to fit more than one group, and the board shows three hearts for mistakes, so careful choices matter. Shuffle and hint buttons sit under the grid.
Everyone gets the same puzzle each day, dated at the top of the board, with a streak counter for consecutive days. Hidden Layer Labs is an independent studio that makes Layers as its main game; the iPhone app came out in May 2026 and is free, and the browser version is the same puzzle.
It suits players who finish Connections quickly and want a longer daily session with more variety.
How to play Layers (Hidden Layer Labs)
- Open Layers in the browser or the app; today's dated board appears.
- Tap a locked tile and solve its mini-game: LetterLock, Anagram, Crossword or Word Search.
- Each solved mini-game reveals a word on the 16-word board.
- Select four words you think belong together and press Confirm.
- Sort all four groups before you run out of hearts, then keep your streak going tomorrow.
Screenshots
Tips
- Solve the mini-games first; the unlocked words often settle which group a doubtful word belongs to.
- Look for words that could fit two categories and leave them until the end.
- Start with the group you are surest of to protect your hearts.
Questions
Is Layers the same puzzle for everyone?
Yes. Everyone gets the same puzzle each day.
Where can I play Layers?
In the browser at hiddenlayerlabs.com/play, or in the free iPhone and Android apps.
How many mistakes can I make?
The final board allows a limited number, shown as three hearts.
Games like Layers (Hidden Layer Labs)
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