New York Times’ Strands Puzzle Challenges Players with Whale-Themed Word Search

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Times‘ latest puzzle game, Strands, has captivated players with its whale-themed challenge on January 15, 2025. The game, a creative twist on traditional word searches, tasks players with uncovering words related to a daily theme, including a spangram that spans the grid.

Today’s theme, ‘Thar she blows!’, led players to discover words associated with whales. The spangram, ‘WHALES‘, connected the puzzle’s words, which included species like Baleen, Right, Beluga, Sperm, Blue, Humpback, Orca, and Gray. The puzzle proved to be a mix of familiar and lesser-known whale species, offering a moderate challenge to enthusiasts.

‘I actually found WHALES first—the theme was pretty obvious,’ shared a senior contributor from Forbes, who regularly writes about entertainment and culture. ‘From there, most of the whale species I did know were pretty obvious, though it took until the very end for me to find HUMPBACK.’

Strands, part of the New York Times’ expanding portfolio of puzzle games, continues to engage players with its innovative approach to word searches. Each day presents a new theme, encouraging players to think creatively and expand their knowledge on various topics.

For those seeking assistance, hints such as ‘Moby Dick‘ and ‘Free Willy‘ were provided to guide players towards the day’s theme. The game’s community often shares their experiences and strategies on social media, fostering a sense of camaraderie among puzzle enthusiasts.

As Strands gains popularity, it joins the ranks of other brain-teasers like Wordle, offering a daily dose of mental stimulation and entertainment. Players are encouraged to check out daily guides and share their progress, contributing to the vibrant community surrounding the New York Times’ puzzle games.