Erstwhile FAQ
Is Erstwhile free?
Yes. The daily puzzle is free for everyone, every day. Supporters pay $2.49 a month or $8.99 a year for extras: the full archive, Unlimited mode, a weekly streak save, certificate styles and more stats.
When does a new puzzle come out?
At midnight, your local time. Everyone plays the same puzzle, so you can compare results with friends.
Are the prices real?
Yes. Stocks, metals and the S&P 500 use year-end closing prices, adjusted for splits and dividends (StatMuse). Commodities and US natural gas use December average prices (IMF, via FRED).
Are the headlines real?
Yes, they come from the outlets named under each one. A few are trimmed to take out dates or to shorten them.
How is my result judged?
By what your $10,000 is worth after five years. You see how that compares with putting it all in an S&P 500 fund, how you rank against everyone who played that day, and how many of the possible plays you beat.
Can I find out why prices moved?
Under your results, open The backstory. It has fact-checked notes on what drove the market in those five years, and on the day's biggest winner and biggest loser.
Can I play past puzzles?
Yesterday's puzzle is free in the archive. Older ones are open to supporters.
Do I need an account?
No. Your results are saved in your browser. If you sign in with Google, they're kept on every device you use.
What is the Erstwhile Market?
A ranking of players' own companies. Play three days in a row and you can pick a ticker. At a 5-day streak it starts trading at $10, and at 10 days it joins the Market. Its price moves with how you do against the S&P 500 each day.
What happens if I miss a day?
Your streak starts again from zero. Supporters get one streak save a week: if they miss a single day and play the next, the streak carries on.
Is this financial advice?
No. Erstwhile is a game about the past. Nothing in it is a recommendation to buy or sell anything.
How do I get in touch?
Email support@erstwhile.io. Bug reports, ideas and questions are all welcome.