Strands is the latest addition to the New York Times' lineup of daily puzzles. Offering a twist on the traditional word search, this puzzle challenges players with its intricate layout.
Similar to popular puzzles like Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can pose a challenge, requiring a sharp eye and strategic thinking. If you find yourself stuck and in need of assistance with today's Strands puzzle, look no further than the solved puzzle provided below.
Strands introduces a unique challenge where players must identify "theme words" hidden within a grid of letters. To play, manipulate the letters by dragging or tapping to form words. Confirm your selection by double-tapping the final letter. Correctly identified words will be highlighted in blue and become unselectable.
Even non-theme words contribute to progress. For every three non-theme words, each at least four letters long, you earn a hint. This reveals the letters of one theme word, which you must then unscramble.
Every letter on the grid is vital; there is no overlap, and each letter is used exactly once.
Each puzzle features a "spangram," a unique theme word or phrase that spans the grid, touching two opposite sides. Discovering the spangram highlights it in yellow.
The objective is to complete the puzzle swiftly while minimizing the use of hints.
To assist you in solving the puzzle, we'll begin by providing the spangram:
SCARYMOVIE
This spangram might offer insights into the puzzle's theme and aid you in solving the remaining words independently. However, if you require further assistance, here are the other theme words found in today's puzzle:
HALLOWEEN
PSYCHO
HOSTEL
SCREAM
POLTERGEIST