Puzzle Picks of the Week - Arrow Word

Last week we focused on Futoshiki. Now, this week, we’re diving into Arrow Word – a colourful twist on the classic crossword that blends visual flair with satisfying wordplay. We spoke with Peter Stirling, Head of Puzzles at PA Media, to uncover what sets Arrow Word apart, how its intuitive format appeals to casual puzzlers, and why it’s quickly becoming a standout in both print and digital formats.

Can you sum up to us what Arrow Word is all about?

Arrow Word is essentially a type of crossword. But the main difference is that, instead of having the clues listed separately from the grid, all the clues are embedded within the grid itself.

Typically, with an Arrow Word, you’ll find images – often of celebrities – included as well. It’s a slightly more colourful and engaging variation on the traditional crossword. Arrow Words originally gained popularity in puzzle magazines, but they’ve since become more common in newspapers too.

And what sets Arrow-word apart from other word games?

I think one key difference is the design of the grids. Unlike traditional crosswords, Arrow Words don’t have black squares. That makes them more challenging to create, but it also means they’re more interconnected.

Once you get one or two answers, it often helps you solve others because the letters work both across and down. So, it’s generally a bit more straightforward than a regular crossword – you’re less likely to get stuck, since everything tends to intersect and support the rest of the puzzle.

And what kind of puzzler does Arrow Word appeal to?

I think it probably appeals more to the casual word game fan. It’s perhaps a little less taxing than some traditional crosswords, though it’s still in a similar style. It tests your vocabulary, but in a more approachable way.

Overall, it’s a bit more straightforward, so it might attract someone who enjoys puzzles but doesn’t necessarily consider themselves a hardcore puzzler – more of a casual enthusiast looking for something fun and accessible.

Do you think a game like Arrow Word has any benefits when it comes to improving people’s skills with words, linguistics, or language in general?

Yes. Typically, there are a few straightforward clues to help you get started, but there will almost always be one or two that are trickier. These can challenge your vocabulary and lead you to less familiar words. So, in that sense, it’s educational.

As you progress, you might come across a clue where you half-know the word – you’re not 100% sure – but as you work through the grid, the answer gradually reveals itself. That process helps reinforce your understanding and expands your vocabulary, so yes, it absolutely supports language development.

And what platform do you think Arrow Word is best suited for?

Well, we have our own interactive version of it, and I don’t think there are many interactive versions out there. It works very well in print, but it also translates nicely to digital formats.

Some of the larger puzzle layouts might not work as well on small screens, but we’ve developed smaller versions specifically designed to fit neatly on a phone. So overall, I’d say Arrow Word suits both print and digital platforms quite well.

Does Arrow Word have the potential to be made bespoke?

Yes, to a point. We’ve created themed versions before – often based around entertainment or TV. While the nature of the grid means you can’t make every word relate directly to a theme, you can certainly give the puzzle a strong thematic flavour.

We’ve also done versions centred on broader themes like sport or general entertainment, which adds a nice layer of customisation without compromising the structure of the puzzle.

Finally, this is one of the revamped digital puzzles. What’s been the general reception of it so far?

Yes, I think the reception has been positive. People seem to like it – it offers something a bit more novel. There aren’t many Arrow Word puzzles available in the digital space, so it’s stood out. I’d say it’s been a hit.

To enquire about PA Media’s suite of digital puzzles, get in touch here.

Learn more about the power of puzzles and how you can best leverage their influence in a content strategy with the recent webinar Peter was part of. Watch the on-demand recording here.