By Rebecca Do
The New York Times (NYT) is an American publication based in, who would’ve guessed it, New York. But outside of publishing news, they publish games as well.
Their most notable puzzles include the oh-so-classic “Wordle,” but they have so much more to offer!
Here’s every game the NYT has ever made, ranked (not including the paid crossword and Sudoku, of course):
8. Strands
I hate “Strands” with my entire being. There is nothing that fills me with more unfathomable rage than trying to play a glorified crossword puzzle that’s ten times harder than it needs to be.
I know that we’re given a theme. I know that there is a rhyme and reason for which words are placed where. But the thing is, letters can go diagonally in this game, and that is just too much for me to handle.
I want structure! I don’t want the possibility of there being a letter diagonally left and down that completes the word I’m trying to complete.
Long story short, it is too hard for me, and I don’t like it.
7. Tiles
This game is so easy that I think it’s a disservice to the other games to call it one. This consists of picking out matching tiles from a 5×6 grid.
Admittedly, I am being a little harsh to a game that claims to soothe the player. But just because I enjoy rhyme and reason does not mean I have to comply with it myself.
Maybe if you’re over 60 and playing games like this helps you with memory retention and cognitive ability when you’re older, “Tiles” would be perfect for you. But I have yet to find the time to start a streak with a game so utterly boring.
6. Letter Boxed
“Letter Boxed,” in my honest opinion, is almost as hard as “Strands.” But at least there is some structure with the way that we choose letters in this game.
It consists of letters placed on the four sides of a square, and the player is supposed to use each and every letter to spell out words. The only rule: you’re not allowed to connect the letters to ones on the same side.
I find this just a bit easier than my aforementioned foe, “Strands,” but at least we know when we’re going in the wrong direction.
5. Vertex
This is a soothing game, done right.
“Connect the dots and reveal the hidden picture,” it states simply.
Players know exactly what they’re thrust into with “Vertex,” and that is what I admire about it.
I’m a fan of word games (though you couldn’t tell from my previous rankings) meaning I don’t play this on a daily basis. However, I understand why people would! It’s fun and calming, and players can feel accomplished without the stress of “I knew it was that letter/word!” lingering in the back of their minds.
4. Spelling Bee
The rules are simple: spell out words using the letters given to you on the hexagon, and you must use the letter in the middle.
The only problem I have with this game is the basis on which they score players. Is it based on “difficulty,” “rarity” or length? They never say outright, which bugs me just a bit. But this game is fun and addicting, which hits everything I look for in-game anyway.
3. Wordle
A classic! “Wordle,” my beloved, requires players to figure out the one five-letter word they’ve given us. Exhaust the letters on your keyboard, and indicate which letters go where based on the color of your placement. Green means, “Good job! The letter does go there, indeed!” whereas yellow means “It’s in the word, but in the wrong place.” Leave it to your wild imagination to think of what a gray box entails.
Aside from being the game that undoubtedly shot up the popularity of NYT games back in 2021, “Wordle” is quick enough to start a streak but difficult enough to keep you interested in maintaining said streak.
2. Mini
Literally, just a tiny version of the regular NYT crossword, the “Mini” (as they fondly refer to it) gives players just enough words to make them interested in completing the puzzle.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried completing an entire crossword puzzle and gave up halfway through. But the “Mini” is just a perfect, little bundle of joy that my day is not complete without.
1. Connections
Controversial, I know. People either love it or hate it, but “Connections” is the game I have the fondest memories of. Even when I’m unable to successfully complete my daily dose of it, I can at least laugh and admire the absurd categories they manage to come up with.
In this game, players are given a 4×4 grid with words on them and are expected to group four words all pertaining to four different categories. The objective? To see a connection between certain words.
This is the best game that the NYT has ever come out with, by a landslide. Though the categories may be insane at some points, including but not limited to “numbers with the letters replaced with S,” and “car companies minus one letter,” I enjoy the challenge and encourage everyone to play this daily.
