Frequently Asked Questions
Does my progress save automatically?
Yes. Every time you tap a letter to mark it spotted (or unmark it), your progress is saved immediately to your browser's localStorage. Close the tab, come back later, and your progress will be exactly as you left it — as long as you're on the same device and browser.
Does something have to match the example word exactly?
No. Every tile has an example behind it — an Airplane for A, a Barn for B — but that's just there to help if you're stuck. Any word that starts with the letter counts. If your group wants a stricter round, our Rule Variations section on the homepage covers a "Strict mode" where only the exact example counts.
What does the "Show Hints" button do?
By default, the example words are hidden so you have to think of your own. Tapping "Show Hints" reveals the example word under every letter tile at once, which is useful for younger players who want a full list of ideas to look for. Your hints preference is remembered the next time you open the game.
How do I start over?
Tap the "Reset" button in the header. A confirmation dialog will appear so you don't accidentally lose your progress. Confirm and every letter will be cleared.
What counts as winning?
Spotting all 26 letters, A through Z. When you mark the final letter, a celebration screen pops up automatically. Closing that screen — whether by tapping "Play Again," tapping outside it, or pressing Escape — clears your board for a fresh round, so take a moment to enjoy the win before you dismiss it.
Can I play with young kids?
Yes — the alphabet game works well for kids who already know their letters, since it turns letter recognition into something active. Turning on "Show Hints" gives younger players a full list of example words to look for instead of guessing.
Which letters are hardest to spot?
Q, X, and Z are consistently the toughest — they rarely show up as the first letter of common roadside objects. E, S, and T tend to get spotted within the first few minutes from Exit signs, Stop signs, and Trucks. See our Tips for Finishing Faster section on the homepage for where to look for the hard letters.
Is this game free?
Yes, completely free. No sign-up, no subscription, no premium tier. The site is supported by ads, which help keep it free for everyone.
The page looks broken or the game isn't loading. What should I do?
The game requires JavaScript to be enabled in your browser. Make sure JavaScript is turned on, then try a hard refresh (Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows, Cmd+Shift+R on Mac). If the problem persists, try a different browser or email us at support@alphabetroadtripgame.com.
