Getting started with gaming on Linux phones can be daunting. Even games built for Linux and easily installed via Flatpak are rarely mobile-friendly. Where best to start with gaming on Linux phones than something simple and addictive like Wordle? Believe it or not, Flathub hosts two Wordle clones, Warble and Blurble. It’s worth noting that Blurble was developed within the GNOME ecosystem while Warble was developed for Elementary OS. As a result, I would expect Blurble to be a better fit on Phosh. Let’s take a closer look at how these two games compare on the Librem 5.
Step 0. Important Links
Step 1. Active Development
The Warble Flatpak was last updated on September 24, 2022. The Blurble Flatpak was last updated on July 29, 2022. I would consider both in “active” development.
Step 2. Installation
Installing Warble and Blurble is as easy as running the following commands in your Linux phone’s terminal.flatpak install flathub com.github.avojak.warbleflatpak install flathub app.drey.Blurble
Step 3. Auto-scaling
Blurble auto-scales on first boot but Warble does not.
Warble scales well once you’ve turn on auto-scaling in the Compositor menu of the Mobile Settings app. As a consequence, the built-in keyboard is slightly smaller and more difficult to use. You can always use the Phosh on-screen keyboard instead.
Step 4. Squeekboard Integration
You may prefer to use the Phosh on-screen keyboard, Squeekboard, to type out your guesses. Both Warble and Blurble accept input from the Squeekboard and neither block the main gaming area. Blurble has the added feature of removing the integrated keyboard.
Step 5. Difficulty Selection
Warble has the option to select one of three difficulty settings. This is a great feature for anyone looking for a challenge. Blurble does not yet have anything similar.
Step 6. Letter History
Warble marks the letters you previously guessed in gray so you don’t have to remember them yourself. Blurble doesn’t have this feature.
Step 7. Gameplay Statistics
Warble displays your overall game statistics at the end of every round. You can also view your statistics from the menu at any time. Since you’re not playing the same word as everyone else on the planet, like with Wordle, it’s nice to have some feedback from the game about how you’re doing. Blurble doesn’t have the option to view your stats.
Step 8. Final Score and Conclusion
| Feature | Warble | Blurble | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active development | Yes | Yes | Warble (+1) Blurble (+1) |
| Easy installation | Yes | Yes | Warble (+1) Blurble (+1) |
| Auto-scales to display | No | Yes | Blurble (+2) |
| Auto-scaling available via Mobile Settings | Yes | Yes | Warble (+1) |
| Squeekboard integration | Yes | Yes | Warble (+1) Blurble (+1) |
| Option to remove integrated keyboard | No | Yes | Blurble (+1) |
| Select among three difficulty levels | Yes | No | Warble (+1) |
| Highlights letters already guessed | Yes | No | Warble (+1) |
| Displays gameplay statistics | Yes | No | Warble (+1) |
| Final Score | 7 Poitns | 6 Points | Warble Wins! |
There you have it. Blurble started out strong with auto-scaling built-in, but Warble pulled away in the late game thanks to its options to select among three difficulty levels, highlight previously guessed letters, and display game statistics. Needless to say, both Blurble and Warble are worthy Wordle clones for Linux phones. I hope that they both keep being actively developed. The more mobile-friendly Linux games out there, the brighter the future of Linux on mobile. Now get out there and Blarble!