Layers (Hidden Layer Labs)
Rate itFour mini word games unlock the last tiles of a 16-word grouping puzzle, once a day.
on hiddenlayerlabs.com
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: 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. Twelve words are visible from the start; the other four tiles show a mini-game instead. LetterLock (guess a five-letter word in six tries), Anagram, Crossword and Word Search each give up one word when solved, and that word joins the board. On 21 October 2026 the open words included BLOCKBUSTER, GAMECUBE, CAPE, LAIR and ATMOSPHERE, with the anagram tile scrambling SIDEKICK.
Once all sixteen are in place you pick four words and confirm a group. Solved groups move 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. A shuffle button sits under the grid.
Everyone gets the same puzzle each day, dated at the top of the board, with a streak counter. The browser version needs no download or account and keeps your streak in that browser; it has no hints or past puzzles. The free iPhone and Android apps add hints, and the Layers+ subscription adds the full archive, streak recovery and no ads. The web page and the Android app show ads. Hidden Layer Labs released the iPhone app in May 2026 and has updated it since.
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 dated puzzle each day, in the browser and in the apps.
Where can I play Layers?
In the browser at hiddenlayerlabs.com/play with no account, or in the free iPhone and Android apps.
How many mistakes can I make?
The Final Board allows three, shown as hearts.
Does Layers have ads?
Yes. The web page loads Google ads and the Android app lists ads. The Layers+ subscription in the apps removes them and adds the archive, hints and streak recovery.
Ratings and reviews
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