Hangman

About This Game

Hangman is a timeless word-guessing game that’s been a favorite since the 1890s, now reimagined as a digital delight by developers like MarketJS for Poki and Tellmewow for mobile apps. You’re tasked with guessing a hidden word or phrase, represented by blank spaces, by selecting letters before a stickman is drawn piece by piece—gallows, head, body, arms, and legs. With only seven wrong guesses allowed, you’ll need to think strategically, especially for tricky words like “quiz” or “rhythm.” The game offers themed word categories, such as animals, food, or jobs, and includes multiplayer modes for challenging friends or random players online. Its simple rules, colorful visuals, and educational value make it ideal for kids, adults, and language learners looking to boost vocabulary and spelling. Rated for ages 6 and up, Hangman combines brainy fun with quick, engaging rounds that keep you coming back for more.

How to Play

Playing Hangman is easy to pick up but keeps you guessing. Here’s how it works:

• Start with a Hidden Word: The game shows blank spaces for each letter in a secret word or phrase, like _ _ _ for “cat.” Some versions let you choose themes, such as animals, colors, or sports.
• Guess Letters: Click or tap letters from an on-screen keyboard (alphabet or QWERTY layout). Correct guesses fill in the blanks; wrong guesses add parts to the stickman, starting with the gallows.
• Win or Lose: Guess the word before the stickman is complete (seven wrong guesses) to win. If the stickman is fully drawn, you lose, but you can retry instantly.
• Multiplayer Modes: In two-player modes, one player sets a custom word for the other to guess, or compete head-to-head online to guess faster. Some versions offer Battle Mode for global opponents.
• Use Hints: If stuck, use hints to reveal a letter or suggest vowels (a, e, i, o, u), available via ads in free versions or coins in premium apps.
• Scoring: Earn points for correct guesses, speed, or remaining guesses. Some versions award trophies for five-round totals or quick solves. A timer adds challenge in certain versions, but most browser editions let you guess at your own pace. Strategic guessing, like starting with vowels, helps tackle tough words.

Platforms

Hangman is designed for easy access across multiple devices:

• Mobile: iOS and Android devices, including phones and tablets
• Tablet: iPad, Android tablets, and similar devices
• PC/Computer: Any web browser on Windows, macOS, or Linux, compatible with Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, and more
• Chrome Extension: Available for offline play via the Chrome Web Store The browser version on Skipthegame, Poki, Coolmath Games, or other platforms like Y8 and GamePix requires no downloads or logins—just open and play. Mobile apps and the Chrome extension support offline play. The game uses HTML5 for smooth performance, though some users reported ad-related crashes on mobile, fixed in updates like the November 2024 patch for Tellmewow’s app. Multiplayer modes support 2-4 players on the same device or online.

Pop Groups

Hangman appeals to a wide audience, but these groups are especially drawn to it:

• Puzzle Enthusiasts: Fans of word games like Words of Wonders or Daily Crossword will enjoy the spelling and deduction challenges.
• Kids and Families: Rated for ages 6 and up, it’s perfect for young players and families, boosting vocabulary and spelling, as parents note for its educational value.
• Language Learners: ESL students and adults use it to practice English or other languages, with versions supporting Spanish, French, and Italian.
• Casual Gamers: Its quick 2-5 minute rounds and simple rules make it ideal for low-pressure fun.
• Social Gamers: Players who like Guess Who? or competitive games will love the multiplayer modes for friendly word battles.

More Games Like This

If you’re hooked on Hangman, try these similar games for more word or puzzle fun:

• Guess Who? (Skipthegame): A Hasbro deduction game where you guess characters with yes-or-no questions, offering similar strategic gameplay.
• Shenzhen Mahjong (Skipthegame): An Adgard match-and-merge puzzle with animal tiles, great for casual puzzle solvers.
• Words of Wonders (Poki): A word-connect puzzle game that tests vocabulary, perfect for Hangman fans.
• Daily Crossword (Coolmath Games): A classic crossword puzzle for word enthusiasts, offering a deeper challenge.
• Cryptograms (Poki): A word-decoding game that challenges your puzzle-solving skills, ideal for word lovers.

These games provide a mix of wordplay, deduction, and casual fun to keep your brain engaged.

Developer

Hangman’s digital versions are developed by various studios, including:

• MarketJS: Creators of Poki’s version, known for accessible HTML5 games like Match Arena and Solitaire Klondike 2.0, focusing on simple, engaging titles.
• Tellmewow: A Spanish studio behind mobile apps like Hangman Words, specializing in family-friendly games with multilingual support, including Word Search and Pastimes. The classic paper-and-pencil game, dating back to at least 1894, has no single creator but was popularized by children’s game collections. Digital versions add modern features like themes and multiplayer, though some players criticize frequent ads in Tellmewow’s app.

Features

Hangman is packed with features that make it a classic word game:

• Themed Word Sets: Choose from categories like animals, food, jobs, or sports, with 16-25 words per set for variety.
• Multiplayer Modes: Play 2-4 players on the same device or online, including custom word entry or Battle Mode for global duels.
• Educational Value: Enhances spelling, vocabulary, and language skills, ideal for kids and ESL learners.
• Hint System: Reveal letters or suggest vowels via ads in free versions or coins in premium apps.
• Scoring and Leaderboards: Earn points for correct guesses, speed, or streaks, with global leaderboards in some versions.
• Multilingual Support: Available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and more.
• Offline Play: Enjoy without Wi-Fi on mobile apps or the Chrome extension.
• Free and Premium Options: Browser versions are free with ads; mobile apps offer ad-free play for a small fee, typically $2.99.
• Cross-Platform Support: Play on mobile, tablet, or PC with smooth HTML5 performance.

Controls

The controls are simple and intuitive across devices:

• Mouse (PC): Click letters on the on-screen keyboard (alphabet or QWERTY). Click to select hints or navigate menus.
• Touchscreen (Mobile/Tablet): Tap letters, hints, or menu options. Some versions allow typing the full word.
• Keyboard (Optional): Type letters directly or use Enter to confirm guesses in some versions, like Coolmath Games’. Controls are responsive, though some players prefer alphabetical keyboards for easier tracking, as noted in reviews.

Release Date

Hangman’s digital versions vary by platform. The Poki version by MarketJS launched on July 30, 2020, while Tellmewow’s mobile app debuted in 2021, with updates as recent as November 19, 2024, fixing ad crashes and sound issues. The classic game traces back to at least 1894, with electronic versions emerging in the early 2000s. Its enduring popularity is evident across platforms like Poki, Coolmath Games, and Y8.

FAQ

Q: Is Hangman free to play?
A: Yes, browser versions on Skipthegame, Poki, and Coolmath Games are free with ads. Mobile apps offer ad-free play for a small fee, typically $2.99.

Q: Can I play offline?
A: Yes, mobile apps and the Chrome extension support offline play, ideal for gaming anywhere.

Q: Is this game suitable for kids?
A: It’s rated for ages 6 and up, with family-friendly content and educational benefits like vocabulary and spelling skills, perfect for kids and adults.

Q: How many wrong guesses do I get?
A: Typically seven (gallows, head, body, two arms, two legs), though some versions allow customization, like adding a face for extra guesses.

Q: What if I get stuck?
A: Use hints to reveal letters or start with vowels (a, e, i, o, u) for better odds. Online walkthroughs offer tips for tricky words like “rhythm.”

Q: Are there ads in the game?
A: Browser versions have minimal ads, often for hints. Mobile apps can have frequent ads, but ad-free options are available via purchase.

Q: Can I play on multiple devices?
A: Yes, play on mobile, tablet, or PC via browser, or use the Chrome extension. Progress doesn’t sync across devices.

Q: Can I play with friends?
A: Yes, some versions support 2-4 player modes, with one player setting a word or competing online in Battle Mode.

Q: Are there similar games on Skipthegame?
A: Try Guess Who? or Shenzhen Mahjong on Skipthegame for more deduction and puzzle fun.