Inspiration
We were inspired by two of the most popular daily puzzles: Wordle and Zip. We wanted to merge their strengths into something original, interactive, and Reddit-native. The result is a puzzle that challenges players in two ways: first by identifying the hidden word, and then by finding the correct path across a grid to build it while using all tiles. This dual-layered challenge fits naturally into Reddit’s puzzle-loving culture and encourages repeat daily play.
What it does
Build-The-Word is a daily logic and word puzzle combined. Players must:
Identify the hidden word.
Trace the correct path through the grid to spell it out.
The game tracks both moves and time to give players a score, allowing them to see how they rank against others. This creates a competitive yet casual experience that players can return to every day.
How we built it
We built the game using a mix of programming and AI-assisted prompting, leveraging Claude Code and Devvit. Devvit provided the framework to host and run the game natively on Reddit, while AI helped accelerate coding and iteration. In about a week, we created a working, polished puzzle experience that blends UI, game logic, and Reddit’s ecosystem.
Challenges we ran into
Learning the Devvit framework and its ecosystem in a very short timeframe.
Designing game mechanics that combine elements of Wordle and Zip while ensuring gameplay stays simple, fair, and fun.
Balancing scope vs. polish, we wanted daily puzzles, scoring, and a leaderboard, but also needed to prioritize what could be completed within the hackathon window.
Accomplishments that we’re proud of
Shipping a fully playable and reasonably polished game in just one week.
Successfully combining two popular puzzle styles into a unique format that feels fresh and Reddit-native.
Building and deploying our first Devvit app to Reddit, and seeing it run smoothly inside posts.
What we learned
How to use the Devvit framework effectively and publish interactive games directly on Reddit.
How to combine game design, programming, and AI-assisted development into a fast, iterative workflow.
The importance of scoping features under time pressure while still delivering something fun and engaging.
What’s next for Build-The-Word
Our immediate next steps:
Quality of life improvements – making it run automatically in the browser without requiring a manual click, polishing UI/UX, and adding “juice” so interactions feel more punchy and satisfying.
Expanded systems – improving leaderboards, enhancing hint mechanics, and adding retention hooks to bring players back daily.
Community-driven puzzles (UGC) – allowing users to submit their own words and paths, opening up endless replayability and player creativity.
Ultimately, we see Build-The-Word as a daily puzzle experience that grows alongside Reddit’s community, encouraging competition, collaboration, and creativity.## Inspiration
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