What is Trailblaze?
Trailblaze is a daily 7×7 path-tracing word game. You trace words across a grid of letters by connecting adjacent cells — including diagonals — and each word's ending cell determines where the next word must begin. One fresh board is published every day, and your score is based on how many cells you can chain together.
How is it different from Boggle or SpellTower?
Two things set Trailblaze apart. First, the Trailblaze rule: once you submit a word, your next word must start on a cell adjacent to where that word ended. You are not picking isolated words from a soup of letters — you are plotting a continuous route through the board. Second, Trailblaze uses a fixed daily grid where cells are permanently eliminated after use, so every decision is irreversible. Strategy about routing and coverage matters as much as vocabulary.
What exactly is the "Trailblaze rule"?
After you submit your first word (which may start on any cell), every subsequent word must begin on a cell that is 8-way adjacent to the cell where your previous word ended — that is, directly above, below, left, right, or on any diagonal. The endpoint of each word becomes the anchor for the start of the next one, creating a chain that winds its way across the board.
What are burns?
You receive three burns per game. Using a burn permanently sacrifices one cell that is adjacent to your current trail endpoint — without forming a word — and advances your trail onto that cell. Burns are designed to rescue you from true dead ends, letting you bridge to a fresh region of the board when no valid word is reachable. Each game gives you exactly three; they do not refill.
How is my score calculated?
Your score has three parts: +1 per letter for every cell used in a submitted word; a +10 long-word bonus for any single word of 7 or more letters; and a +50 Sweep bonus if you use all 49 cells before the game ends. Your final score is the sum of all word scores plus any bonuses earned.
What's a "Sweep"?
A Sweep is awarded when you successfully use every one of the 49 cells across your submitted words. It earns you a +50 point bonus and marks your shareable result with a special Sweep indicator so others know you cleared the board completely. It is the hardest achievement in Trailblaze and requires careful routing from the very first word.
Is there a new puzzle every day?
Yes. One new board is published each day, and it is the same board for every player worldwide — so you can compare scores and results with friends. If you want more, you can also play unlimited practice boards at any time; practice results are not counted toward your streak or daily stats.
Do I need an account?
No. Trailblaze is completely free to play with no login required. Your stats, streak, and game history are stored locally in your browser. This means your data stays on your device — but it also means it is tied to the browser you play in; clearing browser data or switching devices will reset your local stats.
What dictionary does Trailblaze use?
Trailblaze uses a curated English word list. Proper nouns, abbreviations, and highly obscure or offensive terms are excluded. The list is weighted toward common, playable vocabulary — the goal is a fair challenge, not a gotcha. If you believe a common word is missing, feedback is welcome.