The New York Times’ Strands puzzle, a word search game in beta, challenges players to find a group of words that have something in common based on a given clue. Additionally, players must find a special word called a spangram that connects two opposite sides of the board. Every letter is used once in the theme words and spangram, which can be found vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. Once three valid words of at least four letters are discovered, players unlock the Hint button to assist in solving the puzzle.
Themes in Strands puzzles can vary and may include fill-in-the-blank phrases, steps in a process, items in the same category, synonyms, or homophones. To keep players engaged, the difficulty of the puzzles may vary, and the editor may throw curveballs every once in a while. Today’s Strands puzzle hint is “Camouflage” with an additional clue referring to Bagheera not being able to hide certain items. The answers for today’s puzzle include theme words such as CHEETAH, LEOPARD, LADYBUG, DALMATIAN, HYENA, and GIRAFFE.
Players can use hints to assist in finding the theme words, which are related to animals that have spots and cannot hide them. By utilizing process of elimination, players can uncover the spangram that links the theme words together. In a recent playthrough, the player used one hint to find the fourth theme word, with the spangram being the last word discovered. By carefully observing the grid and thinking outside the box, players can successfully complete the Strands puzzle and have fun in the process.
For those looking for Friday’s Strands hints, spangram, and answers, this breakdown provides a comprehensive guide to solving the puzzle. By understanding the rules of the game and staying alert to potential clues, players can improve their performance and increase their chances of completing the daily challenges. With some practice and strategic thinking, players can enjoy the thrill of deciphering the theme words and unlocking the spangram to reveal the common thread connecting them. Don’t forget to check back for more hints and solutions to upcoming Strands puzzles to stay on top of your game.