New York Times’ Strands Puzzle Challenges Players with ‘Mindblown’ Theme

The New York Times‘ latest puzzle game, Strands, continues to captivate players with its unique twist on classic word search challenges. On January 11, 2025, the puzzle featured a theme centered around the word ‘MINDBLOWN,’ requiring players to uncover a series of related words hidden within the grid.

Strands, the newest addition to the New York Times’ collection of puzzle games, tasks players with finding words that fit a daily theme. Each puzzle includes a spangram—a word that spans two sides of the grid—which provides additional context for the theme. Today’s spangram, ‘MINDBLOWN,’ set the tone for a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Players were given two hints to assist in their search: ‘Shock’ and ‘Nonplussed.’ The words to uncover included ‘FLABBERGASTED,’ ‘GOBSMACKED,’ ‘STUNNED,’ ‘ASTONISHED,’ and ‘SURPRISE.’ These words, often used in the past tense, added an extra layer of difficulty to the puzzle.

Gael Cooper, a CNET editor and pop-culture expert, shared her insights on the puzzle. ‘Today’s Strands theme was particularly tricky because the words are usually heard or read in the past tense,’ she said. ‘But that’s what makes it so satisfying when you finally crack it.’

Strands has quickly gained popularity among puzzle enthusiasts for its innovative approach to word search games. Each day, players are presented with a new theme and a fresh set of challenges, keeping the experience engaging and dynamic.

For those looking to improve their Strands skills, Cooper recommends starting with any words you can find. ‘Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words,’ she explained. ‘It’s a great way to get hints and make progress.’

As the weekend comes to a close, Strands offers a perfect way to unwind and exercise the mind. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a newcomer, the game provides a fun and stimulating challenge for all.