Strands is a lesser-known game in comparison to Wordle and Connections, but it offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Recently moving out of beta, Strands can now be found in the New York Times Games app, potentially attracting more players. The game requires players to find words related to a given theme by dragging or clicking on the letters in order. Once a theme word is found, it lights up in blue, and players must also uncover hint words to unlock additional theme words.
In Strands, players are tasked with finding a special theme word called the spangram that spans the entire puzzle either horizontally or vertically. The goal is to use every letter on the board in either a theme word or the spangram without any overlap. To help players along, the game provides clue words that, when discovered, reveal one of the theme words. Players must find three hint words consisting of at least four letters each to unlock a theme word. If unable to unscramble the theme word, finding three more hint words will highlight the letters of the theme word in order.
The current theme for Strands revolves around working out the bugs, and players must search for words that fit this theme. By finding words such as “beet,” “smile,” and “spider,” players can unlock theme words like “beetle,” “termite,” and “millipede.” The ultimate goal is to uncover the spangram, which for this particular puzzle is “creepy crawlies.” This word must be found by connecting the letters starting from a specific position on the board, ensuring that all letters are utilized in the completion of the puzzle.
Overall, Strands offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that challenges players to think critically and creatively. With the recent move to the New York Times Games app, the game may gain more popularity among puzzle enthusiasts. By carefully searching for theme words and hint words related to the given theme, players can uncover the complete puzzle and test their word-finding skills. The diverse themes and challenging puzzles make Strands a worthwhile addition to the array of word games available to players looking for a mental workout.
