.png){kind=logo}
October 25’s NYT Strands puzzle focused on legendary shapeshifters.
The spangram SHAPESHIFTERS tied the theme together, highlighting iconic creatures known for transformations and supernatural abilities.
From SKINWALKER to CHANGELING, the puzzle combined vocabulary, strategy, and logic while immersing players in the world of mythical shapeshifters.
The New York Times’ Strands puzzle is a new spin on the traditional word search, intended to test players’ ability to identify patterns, strategy, and detail. A daily 6x8 grid of letters is presented, concealing a list of theme words that share a common theme or concept. Strands, unlike conventional word searches, introduces an exclusive twist: a spangram, a magic word that connects several spots on the board, thus providing an additional challenge and clarity to the theme for the players.
No matter if you are an occasional puzzler or a professional word-game lover, Strands gives you an enjoyable brain exercise mixed with daily mystery and brilliant design.
Every Strands puzzle includes hints that can direct players’ search and lead them to infer the theme:
Official hint: Quite a transformation!
Extra hint: From one to another, horribly
These hints suggest shapshifting monsters as today’s theme.
For extra guidance, solvers may reveal a useful hint by first spotting three valid words of four letters or more that are not theme words. Examples of such words for today include:
SKIN
WER
VAM
CHA
As soon as three of these are discovered, the Hint button becomes active, displaying one of the theme words and providing solvers with a strategic advantage to work through the grid effectively.
Today’s spangram is: SHAPESHIFTERS.
The word traverses the grid, linking various points and unifying all the theme words into one. An early detection of the spangram not only eases the comprehension of the rest of the words in the board but is also a crucial factor for solving the puzzle.
SKINWALKER – A mythical shapeshifter in Native American mythology, famous for assuming animal form.
WEREWOLF – A legendary human who becomes a wolf, usually under the full moon.
VAMPIRE – A supernatural creature that sustains itself on the blood or vital energy of humans.
CHANGELING – A mythical creature left in the stead of a human child, usually symbolizing concealed or enchanted transformation.
Shapeshifting is the main idea that links all the theme words. They are hidden in the grid in different ways, horizontally, vertically, diagonally or even by changing direction in the middle of the word, making the puzzle more challenging and interesting.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Strands Hints and Answers for October 24, 2025
Today’s NYT Strands is a majestic blend of observation, strategy, and unsolving. The clues assist solvers while the spangram makes it even more difficult, thus offering a multi-level puzzle experience. These constituents together challenge users to be alert and logical thinkers and find the patterns fast.
Daily Strands play is not just entertaining but also an excellent way to keep your mind in good condition. Its blend of traditional word-search gameplay with new ideas makes it ideal for anyone looking for an enjoyable yet challenging brain workout with a touch of mystery.
