Introduction to NYT Strands
On June 3, 2025, the New York Times introduced its latest puzzle game, NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle features unique themes, challenging players to uncover all the words on the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board, enhancing the thematic experience.
The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked the newspaper as the pioneer in introducing crossword puzzles. Over the years, the NYT has rolled out various engaging games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles.
If you're struggling with today's NYT Strands puzzle, we have some hints to ignite your curiosity. Keep reading to find the answers!
The theme for today’s Strands is ‘Monster Quest’.
SPOILER ALERT: Below are the hints for today's NYT Strands puzzle, which may reveal some answers. Proceed with caution:
Spangram Hint: Creatures of mystery that are rumored to exist but lack scientific validation.
Hint #1: A large, furry creature believed to inhabit snowy mountain ranges.
Hint #2: A mythical sea creature notorious for causing shipwrecks.
The Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle is ‘Cryptids’.
Strands is a unique game that merges elements from Connections, Spelling Bee, and traditional crossword puzzles. Players are presented with 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch board, along with a daily theme. The objective is to solve the Spangram and identify all the theme-related words.
To play, connect letters on the grid to form words using your mouse or fingers on a touchscreen. You can link letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the Strands theme.
In addition to the Spangram, players must search for other theme words within the puzzle. Completing all words will solve the puzzle.
Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme answers, which will be highlighted in blue once found and will not overlap.
Locate the Spangram: Seek out the Spangram, a vital component that connects two opposite sides of the board. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words, highlighted in yellow when discovered.
Utilize hints: Look for unrelated words as clues. For every three non-theme words revealed, letters will be highlighted to assist in finding a themed word without directly disclosing it.
