Why I Built Variants

There are two reasons why I built Variants.

First, I genuinely love word games. They’re my version of coffee. While most people need caffeine to wake up their brain, I reach for a puzzle. That (healthy) obsession pushed me to create a word game of my own.

But if I was going to build one, it couldn’t be a copy of what already existed. It had to feel new. It had to be challenging. And most importantly, it had to be something I would actually want to play every single day. After countless late nights of brainstorming, Variants was born.

The first version was… a lot. Way too complicated. I even showed it to my mom, who stared at it like I’d handed her an alien language. After many iterations and simplifications, I landed on the version you see today: still challenging, but actually playable. And yes, my mom understands this one.

The second reason I built Variants goes beyond my love for word games. I wanted to create something that helps people keep their brain sharp and learn something new. With a background in teaching and training, I’ve always cared about learning, mental agility, and keeping the brain active through fun activities.

To play Variants well, you have to push the limits of your 5-letter word knowledge. Some days, the puzzle will stump you. That’s intentional. Struggling through it improves problem-solving skills, expands vocabulary, and deepens your understanding of the language.

Word games may not have the flash or hype of video games, but once you give them a real shot, you’ll realize they’re just as addictive. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes a day.

My hope is that Variants gives you the mental challenge you’re looking for, and that small but satisfying win when you crack the daily puzzle.