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Free Alternatives to Every NYT Game

NYT is moving games behind a paywall. Here are free alternatives you can play right now -- no subscription, no account.

NYT Mini Crossword

Moving behind paywall

AI Crossword MakerOur pick

Unlimited mini crosswords on any topic. Type a subject, get a puzzle in seconds. Free, no account.

USA Today Quick Cross

Free daily mini crossword in the browser. Slightly easier than the NYT Mini.

Washington Post Mini

Free daily mini in the browser. Difficulty varies more than the NYT Mini.

NYT Connections

Free (for now)

AI Crossword MakerOur pick

Not the same format, but the same "figure out the theme" satisfaction. Generate themed crosswords on any topic.

Contexto

Guess the secret word using semantic distance. Similar "find the connection" feeling.

NYT Strands

Free (for now)

Word Search Pro

Classic word search puzzles with themed categories. Free with ads.

Skip the paywall

AI Crossword Maker gives you unlimited crosswords, no subscription.

NYT Spelling Bee

Partially paywalled

Spelling Bee (free clones)

Several free web-based clones replicate the Spelling Bee format. Search "free spelling bee game" for current options.

NYT Wordle

Free

Quordle

Solve 4 Wordles at once. Hosted by Merriam-Webster. Free daily.

Dordle

Two Wordles simultaneously. Good stepping stone to Quordle.

Free download

One app, unlimited puzzles, zero subscriptions

AI Crossword Maker generates crosswords on any topic. Free on iPhone.