Introduction to NYT Strands
On June 28, 2025, the New York Times introduced a new puzzle game called NYT Strands. This engaging daily puzzle invites players to uncover words based on a specific theme, including a unique Spangram that spans two sides of the grid.
A Brief History of NYT Puzzles
The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in its Sunday Magazine, thanks to the efforts of Charles Erlenkotter and editor Margaret Farrar. This marked the newspaper as the pioneer in publishing crossword puzzles. Over the years, the NYT has expanded its offerings with various games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. The immensely popular Wordle was released in 2022, along with Connections and now Strands.
Today's NYT Strands Puzzle
If you're struggling with today's NYT Strands puzzle, we have some hints to help you out. Below, you'll find the theme and answers for today's challenge.
Today's Theme
The theme for today’s Strands is ‘… not included’.
Hints for Today's Puzzle
SPOILER ALERT: The hints provided below may give away parts of the Strands puzzle. Proceed with caution:
Spangram Hint: Items that require portable power to operate.
Hint #1: Objects designed primarily for children's entertainment.
Hint #2: A device that indicates and displays time.
Answers for June 28, 2025
- TOYS
- CLOCK
- CAMERA
- FLASHLIGHT
- REMOTE
Today's Spangram
The Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle is ‘BatteriesRequired’.
Understanding NYT Strands
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 in any direction: horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Identifying the central theme word or Spangram is essential for grasping the overall theme of the Strands.
Tips for Solving the Puzzle
Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme answers, which will be highlighted in blue once discovered.
Locate the Spangram: This key element connects two opposite sides of the board and encapsulates the theme, often consisting of two words. It will be highlighted in yellow when found.
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 revealing it.
