Top 5 Best Starting Words for Wordle Players (Ranked & Explained)

Your first guess in Wordle can make or break your game. A strong starting word helps eliminate more letters, reveal letter positions, and set the tone for the entire puzzle.

But what makes a good opener? It's all about using common vowels and consonants—and avoiding rare letters that waste opportunities. Below are the top 5 starting words used by pros and Wordle solvers alike.

1. SLATE

Why it works: Includes high-frequency consonants (S, L, T) and two key vowels (A, E). It helps rule out or confirm the most common English letters early.

2. CRANE

This is a favorite among Wordle bot analyzers. CRANE offers great vowel coverage and strategic consonants. It’s especially good if you like starting with a vowel-rich word.

3. AUDIO

For players who want to test vowel positions first, AUDIO is perfect. It hits 4 out of 5 vowels immediately, helping to eliminate options fast. Just keep in mind—it lacks strong consonants.

4. TRACE

Similar to SLATE, but with a different consonant mix. Useful if you want to avoid always starting with the same word but still want strong coverage.

5. RAISE

This classic starter covers common vowels and consonants, and has consistently ranked high in solver simulations. Great balance of coverage and strategy.

🏆 Bonus Tip: Don’t Use the Same Word Every Day

While it’s tempting to stick to one favorite, mixing it up exposes different letter patterns. Try alternating between SLATE and CRANE for variety and better coverage over time.

🔗 Try These Starters with Our Helper Tool

Want to see how these words affect your chances? Use our Wordle Helper Tool to input your guess and get smart suggestions based on your results.

Whether you're chasing a streak or just getting started, your opener matters—so choose wisely!