NYT Mini Crosswords is now paid; find subscription options and free puzzle alternatives.
Explore Mini Crosswords subscription details and discover top free puzzle platforms.
From NYT access plans to free crossword choices, here’s what puzzle fans need to know.
If you’re looking for a quick brain workout, solving the NYT Mini Crosswords Today is a fun and refreshing way to start your morning. The New York Times has some of the best word puzzles, including NYT Connections, NYT Strands, NYT Mini Crosswords, and more.
The most attractive part of these puzzles is that they are entirely free. However, in a sudden move, the NYT has changed the rule for Mini Crossword, and starting from August 27, 2025, this puzzle game is no longer free.
Without any prior notification, The New York Times has moved its once-free Mini Crosswords behind a paywall, limiting its access to users who have subscriptions. Any subscription will work, including an All Access, Home Delivery, or standalone Games plan. However, this change in plan ended a decade-long tradition for many players.
If you are frustrated and looking for top Mini Crosswords alternatives or want to know more about Mini Crosswords subscription, here is everything you should know:
Since the paywall was implemented, Mini Crosswords players have become anxious about their favorite word puzzle, which used to provide six across-clues and six down-clues to solve the puzzle.
The challenge was real, but if everything goes well, it takes less than a minute to solve this word puzzle (we even provide today's NYT Mini Crossword clues and answers to help players). If you are confused about the most straightforward way to regain access, go for a NYT Games subscription.
However, that’s not the ultimate way, though. Users who have already subscribed to the broader NYT All Access or Home Delivery packages can access the word puzzle without any struggle.
Even those who have purchased the standalone Games subscription can also enjoy this privilege. The best part is that some other NYT puzzles, including Wordle, Connections, or Spelling Bee, which require a subscription to unlock full features, will be completely accessible with this monthly spending.
However, many players have felt betrayed by this sudden policy change. On Reddit, they have expressed their emotions. One Reddit user expressed, “Each day that passes, a bit of happiness is placed behind a paywall…”.
Not everyone laments over this change. Some are even joking about this sudden transformation, saying, “A 40–60 s gap in my day that I have no idea how to fill.”
If the subscription is the real issue, it’s high time to look for the top Mini Crosswords alternatives.
Also Read: Best Puzzle Games for Kids
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to subscribe, numerous free options will provide a similar experience. So, check out the puzzles below to fill the void:
Explore old Mini puzzles via the Internet Archive: Some Reddit users have revealed that the Wayback Machine preserves archives going back years. Therefore, players can access the archive library to play previous Mini Crosswords for free.
Try third-party puzzle platforms: These platforms often feature some of the top choices to explore. A similar example can be found in Puzzmo. This platform presents several similar crossword-like puzzles, and most of them are free to access, despite some being locked behind a paywall.
Turn to other mini-puzzle outlets: Players can shift to other publications, such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford. They offer free puzzles and crosswords that cater to gamers' needs.
Also Read: Best Physics Puzzle Games: 10 Must-Play Titles for Brainiacs
The NYT’s decision to monetize Mini Crosswords marks a bold step toward commodifying even the smallest pleasures. This is an ongoing trend in the gaming industry, and The New York Times dived into it by locking the Mini Crosswords, one of the most popular puzzle games, behind a subscription.
On one hand, it signifies that the platform has been trying to increase revenue by locking content behind a subscription; on the other, Mini Crosswords was not just another word puzzle. Instead, it has become a coffee routine and a morning habit for millions. Therefore, this sudden change will significantly disrupt this rhythm, resulting in a massive backlash.
To sum up, whether you choose to subscribe or not, Mini’s paywall reminds one of how quickly habitual joys can become monetized. However, it can’t stop the passion to solve word puzzles. Players will figure out suitable ways to find meaningful moments of delight with word puzzles.
Why is the NYT Mini Crossword now behind a paywall?
Ans: The NYT Mini Crossword, which has been free for over a decade, was placed behind a paywall in late August 2025, as The New York Times focuses on subscription growth and monetizing its games portfolio.
How much does the NYT Mini Crossword subscription cost?
Ans: Access to the Mini Crossword now requires a subscription that costs approximately $6 per month or $50 annually, covering access to all NYT games.
Can non-subscribers still play the NYT Mini Crossword for free?
Ans: No, the Mini Crossword is no longer available for free online or via the NYT games page; it is accessible only to paying subscribers.
Are there free alternatives to the NYT Mini Crossword?
Ans: Yes, some newspapers, such as the LA Times and Seattle Times, offer daily mini crossword puzzles for free, serving as alternatives.
What has been the public reaction to the paywall?
Ans: Many longtime players are upset and disappointed by the sudden paywall, expressing frustration on social media, with some even canceling other subscriptions in protest.