<![CDATA[In the field of education, communication skills and learning motivation play an important role in supporting academic success. Effective communication creates interactive learning, while high motivation encourages students to achieve optimal learning outcomes. However, in rural schools, students’ communication skills and learning motivation are still relatively low. This condition has an impact on students’ less optimal learning outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to improve communication skills, learning motivation, and IPAS learning outcomes through game-based learning for sixth-grade students of SD Negeri Klepu, Patuk, Gunungkidul. The research design used was Classroom Action Research (CAR). The CAR cycles consisted of a pre-cycle and two action cycles, each including planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The data were obtained from 23 sixth-grade students of SD Negeri Klepu. Data collection techniques included observation, questionnaires, and test results. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with percentages. The results of this study show: (1) an increase in the number of students with good communication skills from the pre-cycle (47.8%), Cycle I (56.52%), to Cycle II (78.26%); (2) an increase in students’ learning motivation from the pre-cycle (52.17%), Cycle I (65.25%), to Cycle II (82.60%); and (3) an increase in the number of students who achieved the Minimum Mastery Criteria (KKTP) of 75 from the pre-cycle (39.13%), Cycle I (60.86%), to Cycle II (86.96%).Thus, the implementation of game-based learning using crossword puzzle games has proven to improve communication skills, learning motivation, and IPAS learning outcomes of sixth-grade students at SD Negeri Klepu, Patuk, Gunungkidul, in the 2025/2026 academic year. Keywords: Communication skills, motivation, learning outcomes, game-based learning, crossword puzzles, IPAS learning.]]>
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