Strandshas yet another 6x8 grid filled with seemingly-random letters, and you have to figure out the theme for it with only one little hint. This puzzle is pretty challenging today, and it can get even more so if you don’t like the in-game hint system.
For anyone who is stuck on this puzzle, this article is here to help. It contains everything you need to win today except the rules ofhow to play Strands. This includes general clues, helpful spoilers, and even the full answer if that’s what you need.
The NYT Games Strands Puzzle #299 July 18, 2025
TheStrandspuzzle for today has the clueBack in Style.There are seven things to find: the Spangram category and the six themed words.
New York Times Games Strands Clues
If you want to see some hints that don’t ruin whole words like the in-game hints will for thismobile puzzle game, check out the three sections below. Each one holds a different spoiler-free hint to get you closer to the theme.
Hint 1: Oldies, but goodies.
Hint 2: Things that were in style several decades ago.
General Hint 3
Hint 3: Things that were in style 40 years ago that are coming back in style again.
Spoilers for Two of the Words in Today’s Strands
The two sections below have individual word spoilers. Open them up with the Read More button below each one to see one spoiler and a screenshot of where it belongs in the letter grid.
Word 2: Perm
The Answer to Today’s New York Times Games Strands
Want to see the full spoiler for thisbrowser-based puzzle game? Inside the section below, you will find all the themed words and a screenshot of where all the words need to end up in the letter grid.
The category for today isEighties. The words are Spandex, Jumpsuit, Perm, Mullet, Neon, and Windbreaker.
Today’s Strands Explained
Want a more explicit explanation for thisfree puzzle game? In the section below, you’re able to find a breakdown of what the theme, the clue, and the themed words have in common.
TheEightieswere a decade of bright colors and wild styles, and they are comingBack in Stylenow. Each of the themed words are things that were popular in the eighties and are now becoming popular again.
Want to play? Check out theNew York Times GamesStrandswebsite, available on almost any device with a browser.
