Strands is a word puzzle game that is part of the New York Times games app, alongside popular titles like Wordle and Connections. Although it may not receive as much attention as its counterparts, Strands can be just as challenging and entertaining for players. Recently moving out of beta, Strands now has an official presence in the New York Times Games app, which could potentially attract more fans to the game. In this story, the rules for playing Strands are explained in depth, providing insights for both new and experienced players.
To play Strands, the goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle’s theme. If players are stuck, they can start by identifying any words they can find. For every three words of four letters or more that are discovered, the game will reveal one of the theme words. These clues can help players progress in solving the puzzle. Players can use various words to unlock in-game hints, such as ROOM, MOOR, RATE, and more. By finding these words and uncovering hints, players can work towards completing the puzzle successfully.
In each Strands puzzle, there are theme-related words that players need to find, including a special theme word called the spangram that spans the entire puzzle grid. This spangram summarizes the puzzle theme and must be discovered to complete the game. Additionally, players must ensure that every letter on the board is used either in a theme word or the spangram. Theme words in Strands fill the entire board and do not overlap with each other, adding to the challenge and complexity of the game.
The puzzle for a particular day in Strands is based on a specific theme, such as “That’s a stretch.” Players need to search for words related to that topic and submit their guesses by clicking on the letters in the correct order. Once a theme word is found, it will be highlighted in blue on the board. If players struggle with a theme word, they can continue to find hint words to receive additional clues. By following the rules and strategies of the game, players can improve their chances of solving the puzzle and uncovering all the theme-related words.
For players seeking guidance or assistance with the puzzle, there are resources available, such as hints for the current day’s puzzle and the answers for that particular day. These resources can help players progress through the game, especially when they encounter challenging or difficult puzzles. Understanding the mechanics of Strands and utilizing the available clues effectively can enhance the overall gaming experience and allow players to enjoy the intellectual stimulation that the game provides. With its official inclusion in the New York Times Games app, Strands offers a unique and engaging word puzzle experience for players of all skill levels.
