Strands, The New York Times’ highly acclaimed word search game, has been officially integrated into the NYT Games app on both iOS and Android platforms. For many avid puzzle enthusiasts, this update is a game-changer. Strands has quickly become a favorite since its beta launch in March, but the necessity to switch between the app and a browser to complete daily Wordle, Connections, and Strands puzzles was a minor inconvenience. Now, all these engaging word games are accessible within a single app, making the morning coffee ritual even more enjoyable.
A Thematic Twist
Each Strands puzzle is designed around a specific theme, offering subtle hints about the words players need to find. One unique feature is the “spangram” word, which spans across opposite sides of the puzzle. Every letter on the board is part of either a themed word or the spangram. For those moments when you’re stumped, finding three non-themed words on the board will unlock helpful hints.
According to The New York Times, Strands is currently the “third most searched game, behind Wordle and Connections,” and is “nearly as popular” as Spelling Bee. The statistics are impressive: 83% of Strands players find the spangram each day, and the overall completion rate stands at around 81%, comparable to the Mini Crossword and Tiles. This high level of engagement speaks volumes about the game’s appeal and challenge.
Strands' Popularity
The addition of Strands to the NYT Games app signifies its growing popularity and solidifies its place among other beloved word games. The New York Times plans to add Strands to the Game tab in the main NYT app later this year, further streamlining access for users.
Not all of The New York Times’ games achieve the same level of success as Wordle, Connections, or Strands. For instance, Digits, a math-based puzzle game, was only available in beta for a few months before being discontinued. Despite its clever title, it didn’t quite capture the audience’s interest in the same way.
In a correction issued on June 27th, an earlier version of this article misspelled the name of the word that spans a Strands puzzle. The correct term is spangram, not spanagram.
With Strands now part of the NYT Games app, puzzle lovers can seamlessly enjoy their favorite word search game alongside other popular titles like Wordle and Connections. This integration enhances the user experience, making it easier than ever to dive into these captivating word games.
