Play a word game against friends online

Real-time 1v1 matches against other players. Categorico has two ways to face an opponent: classic (three rounds of categories) and duel (one letter, turn by turn). Get matched with a random rival in seconds, or invite a friend from your list. Free, with no ads mid-match.

How to start a match

There are two ways to play against other people:

A random opponent in real time

The quick way. Tap a mode and Categorico matches you with another player looking for a game right now.

1. Open Categorico and pick a mode: classic 1v1 or duel.
2. Matching is automatic. The wait is usually just a few seconds.
3. The match starts the moment an opponent is found.

Invite a specific friend

To play a particular person, add them to your friends list first.

1. Add a friend by player tag. Every profile has a unique tag (a code) shown on the profile screen. Ask your friend for their tag and add them to your list.
2. Open your friends list, tap their name, and choose a mode: classic or duel.
3. The invite is sent inside the app. When they accept, the match starts right away.

Two 1v1 modes: how they differ

Classic 1v1

Three rounds, six categories each, winner on points.

• Three rounds. Each round draws one letter and six categories.
• Both players type at the same time for 90 seconds. Not in turns.
• A unique correct answer: 10 points. A shared answer: 5 points each.
• A wrong or empty answer: 0 points.
• The higher total after three rounds wins the match.

A balanced, orderly match. Good for seeing who is really faster and sharper.

Duel

A fast match on one letter, turn by turn, no repeats.

• One letter and one category are drawn for the whole match.
• Players take turns. On each turn you add a new word that starts with the letter and fits the category.
• You cannot repeat a word already used in the match.
• Each turn has a time limit. Fail to type a word in time and you lose.

A short, high-pressure match. Whoever knows more words, or thinks faster, wins.

More than two players? There is a room

When one friend is not enough, switch to party mode: open a room, invite up to 7 friends, and play three rounds on the same letters and categories. An answer only you gave is worth 10 points, one others gave too is worth 5, so think original. Short on players? Add bots or open the room to the world.

Everything about party mode.

Why play 1v1?

• Real pressure. The clock is running, the opponent is right there, and you might both be reaching for the same answer. Your speed decides it.
• Two styles. Classic tests you across several categories. Duel comes down to a single letter.
• Win on points (classic) or last standing (duel). No luck involved.
• No sign-up. Your profile is created automatically the first time you open the app - no emails, passwords or forms.

Tips for 1v1 matches

• Originality pays (classic). A safe answer beats an empty one, but a less obvious answer can be worth 10 points instead of 5.
• Rare words (duel). As the match runs on, the obvious answers dry up. Keep one special word in reserve for the tight moment.
• Prep the hard letters. Q, U, V, Y, Z. Have one answer ready per category and save time under pressure.
• Learn the broad categories. City, food and animal are the safest under pressure.

Useful links

• Full game rules, mode by mode
• The 12 categories
• Want a whole crew? Party mode for up to 8
• No opponent? Play solo against the clock
• Advanced strategy tips