NYT Strands Puzzle Challenges Players with Tuna-Themed Word Search

The New York Times‘ Strands puzzle, currently in beta, has introduced a new challenge for word game enthusiasts. On January 9, 2025, players were tasked with finding words related to a specific type of animal and a method of catching it. The puzzle’s theme centered around the tuna family, requiring players to identify various tuna species within a six-by-eight grid of letters.

The game, a modern twist on the classic word search, provides players with a clue to guide their search. For this puzzle, the official hint was “Off the hook!” with an additional hint suggesting “One specific type.” The spangram, a special word that links two opposite sides of the board and reveals the theme, was “TUNA FAMILY.”

Players had to find words like BIGEYE, SKIPJACK, YELLOWFIN, BLUEFIN, and ALBACORE, all of which are types of tuna. The puzzle allowed for letters to be connected vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, with the ability to switch directions mid-word. For those struggling, finding three valid words of at least four letters unlocked a hint button, which highlighted the letters of a theme word.

The Strands puzzle, still in its beta phase, aims to engage players with daily challenges that vary in difficulty and theme. The game’s creators aim to surprise players with diverse topics, from everyday subjects to more specialized areas like marine biology. The success of the beta will determine whether Strands becomes a permanent addition to The New York Times’ lineup of word games.

For those unfamiliar with tuna species, the puzzle proved particularly challenging. However, the game’s design encourages persistence and learning, rewarding players who stick with it until the end. As Strands continues to evolve, it promises to offer fresh and engaging challenges for word game enthusiasts.