Every day the New York Times releases a new set of different puzzles and games. It all started back in 1942 when the New York Times published a crossword puzzle every Sunday. In 2014, they officially launched the online mini crossword puzzle. Since then, they’ve expanded their online games and puzzles to a total of eight. They’ve been growing in popularity online and I personally am always excited to see the new challenges each morning! However, like all things in life, there are some I like more than others. 

When looking at my personal favorability for each game, I look at a few things. In games, I like to feel challenged. I prefer games that work my mind on letters, words, and concepts rather than games that are numbers-based or visual-based. I also look at my personal success rate at each game. For some, they pose puzzles that I find too simple, while others are too difficult. I enjoy a happy equilibrium between success and failure. With that in mind, here is my New York Times games ranking!

8. Tiles

Tiles is a New York Times game in which a grid of 30 tiles is displayed. In each tile, there is a series of different designs on each tile. Different elements are layered on each tile. Multiple tiles will share the same designs and the object of the game is to match at least one element to another tile. The more matches you create, the longer “combination” you have. If you mess up, then your combo restarts. 

I recently began playing this game and at first, I was very much a skeptic. Given the fact that it appeared to be just a matching game, I was bored. I also didn’t fully comprehend the object of the game at first. However, the more I’ve played it, the more I’ve improved. To me, it does not stack up against the other games by the New York Times. I don’t wake up each day excited for the new Tiles game. This is due to its similarities to other games available on the market. If I wanted to, I could easily find a game in the app store that is unlimited. It also doesn’t exactly work my brain in ways that I prefer. As aforementioned, I like games that involve words and language. However, Tiles is still a fun game for when I have a few extra minutes, it just doesn’t rank well compared to its superior games. 

7. Vertex

When playing Vertex, you are presented with a series of dots. The goal of the game is to connect the dots to one another to form a picture. On each dot, a number is presented which shows you how many connections it has left. Once a correct shape has been formed, a color will be formed in the blank space. After you’ve completed the puzzle correctly, a picture is shown. 

Similarly to Tiles, I didn’t start playing Vertex until recently. Though it is enjoyable to play at times, it is not a favorite of mine. Vertex shares the same problems that Tiles has. I do not like that it doesn’t work my mind all that much. I can also find a similar game like it on the app store. 

6. Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee is a word game in which a honeycomb of seven letters is shown. The center letter is highlighted in yellow and each word must incorporate that letter. The goal is to make as many words that are four letters or more using only the letters in the honeycomb. 

I have never loved this game. My thoughts about it are indifferent at best. I like that it involves words and coming up with different words. However, in the Spelling Bee, there is no definitive way to win, as the game never tells you once you’ve made all words possible. There is no feeling of satisfaction, as you cannot get a victorious feeling. 

5. Sudoku 

Sudoku is a game that is a tale as old as time. You’re presented with nine grids and in each separate grid is a smaller 9×9 grid. In each individual grid, only some numbers are shown. Each grid is numbered 1-9 and it is your job to fill in all of the numbers and where they go. However, in the overall grid, no numbers can repeat in the same row or column. 

I started to play this game a few weeks ago. It is quite enjoyable for me. I enjoy the challenge of matching the numbers and trying to figure out where they’re placed. The game is timed and trying to beat my previous times is also quite a fun challenge. However, I’ve always taken more favorability to English and word-based prompts which is why Sudoku doesn’t reach a top ranking. 

4. Letter Boxed 

In Letter Boxed, there is a square with three letters on each side. You can begin with any letter and match it to other letters to make a word. Your goal is to use all of the letters in as few words as possible. One stipulation is that you cannot use letters on the same side consecutively. 

Letter Boxed is a fun game for me to play. As I’ve said, I like games that use letters and that prompt me to think of words. However, the reason it doesn’t stack up to the other games as much is because sometimes it is too challenging for me. It goes to a point of frustration sometimes and I give up. While that’s no fault of the game makers and just my severe lack of determination, Letter Boxed is just not as enjoyable for me personally. 

3. The Mini 

The Mini crossword, the first online New York Times game, is just a regular crossword, but condensed. There is, however, a full-length online crossword for subscribers. I love playing the mini. Each day I wake up excited to see what the crossword is going to be. The timer is very fun to try and beat. 

For previous games, one of my main criticisms was that the game is similar to one on the app store and I know that there are many free crossword games online. However, what I feel makes The Mini different from other games is that the words and clues are often about relevant modern-day times. For example, there are sometimes questions relating to current political or pop culture circumstances. The Mini is always so fresh and exciting for me to play. Due to my competitiveness and love for words, it makes sense that it is in my top three favorite games! 

2. Wordle 

Wordle is a game that was introduced in October of 2021. Each day, there is a five-letter word and you start off with a blank slate. You type in guesses of five-letter words to try and solve the puzzle. If a letter appears grey, it is not in the word. If a letter appears yellow, it is in the word but not in that spot. If a letter appears green, it is in the word and the correct category. You have six guesses to try and solve the Wordle. 

I love playing this game. It is very exciting to see how fast I can guess the word. I began playing this in 2022 and I haven’t missed a single day of it. I love the language component and I also like comparing my score with my friends. It is always interesting to see how quickly I can catch onto the word compared to others. Wordle is also a game that you can only play once a day which leaves me wanting more. I like that I cannot simply play as much as possible or find a game similar on the app store. 

1. Connections

Connections has gained much popularity online over the past few months. You are given 16 words and there are four unknown categories. Each category is ranked from easy to hard. The player must connect four words at a time that follow a similar theme. You get four mistakes until the game ends and reveals the answers and categories. 

For a while, I didn’t play Connections. However, I began to play a few months ago, and ever since I’ve been hooked. It works my brain in my favorite way possible. It is such a fun challenge to try and think of how the words connect. Similarly to Wordle, I like that it is also limited to one play a day. It makes me excited to see what the next day’s puzzle will be. It stacks up higher than Wordle to me because the concepts are always so fun to think about. There is always something different. Each day, online there is much discourse about the daily Connections and I enjoy seeing people’s reactions. 

Overall, each New York Times game has its strengths and weaknesses. There are parts to each game that I like and dislike. For me, the games that involve concepts and words will always be more favorable!