What is NYT Strands?
Strands is a themed word search with a twist. You get a grid of letters and a short, often cryptic clue about the day's theme. Hidden in the grid are several theme words, and you find them by connecting letters in any direction, including diagonally. Every letter on the board belongs to exactly one answer, so the grid gradually clears as you solve it. One special answer, the spangram, describes the theme itself and stretches from one side of the board to the other. Finding it early often unlocks the rest. If you are stuck, finding other valid words earns you hints. Strands launched in 2024 and has become one of the most played New York Times games. It is calmer than a timed puzzle and suits people who enjoy word searches, themes and that moment when a vague clue suddenly makes sense.
How to play
- Drag through adjacent letters, in any direction, to spell a word.
- Theme words light up. The spangram touches two opposite sides and names the theme.
- Every letter is used once. Find other words to earn hints.
