What is Earlier?
Earlier is a minimal history game played in a terminal-style interface. Each round presents two events without dates or context, and you must choose which one happened first. The daily edition contains three pairs, with no timer, hints, or visible score during play.
How to play Earlier
- Read both events in the pair displayed on screen.
- Click A or B to select the event you believe came earlier.
- Move through all three questions in the daily edition, tracked in the header.
- Review your result after completing the final pair.
A stripped-down history challenge
Earlier strips away decoration and leaves you with one decision at a time. Fixed-width characters, a blinking cursor, and a thin black frame give it a simple terminal look. Even two familiar events can be difficult to order when you have to commit to one. There are no second chances or partial credit, and the edition ends after three questions.
Modes
The daily edition shows its puzzle number at the top and presents three numbered pairs. An Archive link beside the current puzzle number opens previous editions. Your progress is stored locally in your browser under an anonymous identifier, so no sign-up is required.
Tips for confident answers
Take your time. Earlier does not display a timer or penalize deliberation. If both events feel close in time, consider which decade or era each belongs to before clicking. The minimal interface gives you room to think without distraction.