How to play Categorico

By Categorico · updated July 26, 2026

Categorico is the classic categories word game (the one some people call name-place-animal-thing, or a Scattergories-style game). You get a letter, and for each category you name a word that starts with it. There are four modes: solo against the clock, classic 1v1 against friends, a fast turn-by-turn duel, and party mode for up to 8 players. Here are the general rules, the categories, and the specifics of each mode.

The goal

Each round draws one letter. You need a word that starts with that letter and fits the chosen category. A correct answer earns points, and sometimes extra time or a win over your opponent, depending on the mode you picked.

Getting started

1. Open Categorico and choose a mode: solo, classic 1v1, duel, or party.
2. In 1v1 modes you can play a random opponent in real time, or invite a friend from your list (add a friend by their player tag). In party mode you open a room and invite friends, or join an open one.
3. The game draws a letter and a category. Type your answer, submit, and keep going.

The 12 categories

• Country: sovereign nations around the world.
• City: well-known cities anywhere.
• Animal: creatures of every kind.
• Plant: trees, flowers, vegetables and fruit.
• Boy's name: masculine first names.
• Girl's name: feminine first names.
• Movie: films, old and new.
• TV show: television and streaming series.
• Profession: paid occupations.
• Food: dishes and edibles.
• Famous person: real, well-known people.
• Object: things that are neither alive nor growing.

What counts as a valid answer?

An answer has to start with the exact letter drawn and belong to the category. Categorico's dictionary knows most common words, including well-known spelling variants. When you are not sure, a common, everyday answer is almost always safer than an obscure one.

What usually will not count:

• Surnames in the name categories. You need a first name.
• Dog breeds in the animal category. You need the name of an animal, not a breed.
• Personality traits in the profession category ('nice' is not a profession).
• Fictional characters in the famous person category.

The modes and their rules

Every mode shares the same base: a letter, a category, and a word that starts with it. The pace, the opponent and the scoring are what change.

Quick game (solo)

One player against the clock. No opponent, no waiting.

• The clock starts at 60 seconds.
• Each round draws a letter and a category.
• A correct answer: 10 points, plus 5 seconds on the clock.
• A wrong answer: no penalty, on to the next letter.
• The game ends when the clock hits zero.
• You finish with a final score and how many letters you cleared.

A great mode for solo practice or a quick game on the go. Read more about solo.

Classic 1v1

A match against a friend or a random opponent. Three rounds of categories, winner on points.

• A match is three rounds. Each round draws one letter and six categories.
• Both players type at the same time, not in turns.
• Each round has 90 seconds.
• A correct answer only one player gave is worth 10 points. A shared answer is worth 5 to each.
• A wrong or empty answer is worth 0.
• The higher score wins each round.
• At the end of the match, total points decide the winner.

A great mode to play against friends. How to invite a friend to a match.

Duel

One letter, one category, two players, turn by turn. Short and intense.

• One letter and one category are drawn for the whole match.
• Players take turns. On each turn you add a word that starts with that letter, fits the category, and has not been said yet.
• Each turn has a time limit. Fail to type a word in time and you lose.
• You cannot repeat a word already used in the match (by either player).
• The winner is whoever is still standing when the other slips.

The fastest, most fluid mode. Perfect for a coffee break.

Party

Up to 8 players in one room. Three rounds, and an original answer scores double.

• Open a room and invite friends from your list, or join an open room of other players.
• A room holds 2 to 8 players. Add bots to fill empty seats.
• Three rounds. Each draws one letter and six categories, with 90 seconds for everyone.
• A correct answer only you gave: 10 points. If others gave it too: 5 points each.
• After three rounds, totals are tallied and the top score wins.

The most social mode in the game. Read more about party mode.

Tips for smart play

• Prep the hard letters. Q, U, V, Y, Z. Keep at least one answer ready for each in every category. It helps in every mode.
• Favor short words. In solo and duel every second counts, and a short word types fast.
• Safe categories under pressure. Country, city and food are usually the surest source of points because they are the broadest.
• In classic 1v1, originality pays. A unique answer is worth 10 points, and one the opponent also gave is worth 5 each.
• In a duel, think of rare words. As the match runs on, the obvious answers dry up. Save a special word for the tight moment.
• In party, go for the less obvious answer. A shared answer is worth only 5 - a word only you thought of is worth 10.

Useful links

• A tour of all 12 categories
• Solo against the clock
• Play against friends: classic and duel
• Party mode: up to 8 in a room
• Advanced strategy tips