If you woke up recently, grabbed your coffee, and tapped the bookmark for your daily 5x5 brain teaser only to be met with a lock icon, you aren't alone. It finally happened. The NYT Mini Crossword is no longer free, ending a decade-long run as the internet’s favorite "one-minute" daily ritual.
It feels personal. For years, the Mini was the "gateway drug" to the New York Times Games ecosystem—a bite-sized, accessible puzzle that didn't require a master's degree in trivia or a monthly line item in your budget. But as of August 27, 2025, the Gray Lady officially pulled the plug on the free ride, moving the game behind the Games subscription paywall.
The Morning the Music (and the Mini) Died
Honestly, the rollout was a bit of a mess. There wasn't some big, sweeping press release or a "farewell to free play" banner. Users just started seeing the paywall pop up. Some people on Reddit reported they could still play on the app for a few days while the web version was locked, but eventually, the update caught up with everyone.
Now, if you want to solve that little grid, you’re looking at a NYT Games subscription.
The change hit the web version first, then slowly trickled down to the mobile apps. According to Jonathan Knight, the head of games at the Times, the strategy is pretty simple: they want to monetize the massive traffic their puzzles generate. When you realize the Times' games were played over 8 billion times in a single year, the business logic is hard to argue with, even if it makes your Tuesday morning 10% more annoying.
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Why did they do it?
Money. Obviously. But it’s deeper than just a cash grab.
- The Bundle Strategy: The NYT is obsessed with its "All Access" bundle. By moving the Mini behind a paywall, they’re trying to force casual fans of Wordle and the Mini to finally cough up for a subscription.
- The Tech Guild Strike: There’s a lot of chatter that the recent paywalling of games like the Mini, Tiles, and Letter Boxed is a direct response to the costs associated with the 2024 tech worker strikes. Developers want better pay; the money has to come from somewhere.
- High Retention: Internal data showed that people who play the Mini are way more likely to stick around as long-term subscribers if they actually sign up.
How much does it cost now?
If you're ready to cave, here’s the damage. A standalone NYT Games subscription usually runs about $6 per month or $50 for the year.
However, don't pay full price immediately. They are almost always running a promo. Just this past month, they were offering a year for $18. If you're a student or a veteran, there are even deeper discounts. There’s also a new "Family Plan" for $10 a month that lets up to four people have their own individual stats and streaks—perfect if you're tired of your spouse accidentally "solving" your puzzle before you get to it.
Is there any way to play for free?
Technically, yes, but it’s a bit of a hassle.
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The Library Hack
This is the gold standard. Many local libraries (and some universities) provide free "All Access" passes to the New York Times. You usually go to your library’s website, log in with your card number, and they give you a 24-hour or 72-hour access code. You have to renew it every time it expires, but it gives you the Mini, the big Crossword, and even the Cooking section for $0.
The "Old Version" Myth
You might see some people on TikTok claiming that if you never update your app, you can keep playing for free. Don't fall for it. The puzzles are fetched from a server; once the server says "show paywall," the app version won't save you for long.
Better Alternatives (That are actually free)
If you’re boycotting the NYT on principle or just don't have the six bucks, you’ve got options. These are all 5x5 or 7x7 mini puzzles that are still free to play as of 2026:
- The Washington Post Mini: Very similar vibe, often a bit more "newsy" in its clues.
- The LA Times Mini: Solid puzzles, though the interface feels a little 2012.
- USA Today: Their daily crossword is free and generally considered "easier" but very satisfying.
- The New Yorker: They have a crossword now, and while it's more sophisticated, it’s a great mental workout.
What about Wordle and Connections?
This is the big question. Everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop.
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For now, Wordle remains free, largely because it's such a massive social media driver. The moment they paywall Wordle is the moment people stop posting those yellow and green squares on X (formerly Twitter). However, they have already started paywalling the "WordleBot" and "ConnectionsBot," which analyze your play. It feels like a "boiling the frog" situation where they slowly remove free features until only the core game remains, and then... who knows?
The Verdict on the Paywall
It sucks. Let’s just be real. The Mini was a "snackable" moment of joy. Moving it behind a paywall feels like a tax on a good habit. But if you truly love the NYT puzzles—the Wordle, the Spelling Bee (where they also cut off free users after just a few words now), and the Strands—the $50 yearly sub is actually one of the better values in digital entertainment.
If you're on the fence, try the library route first. If that’s too much work, just move your morning routine over to the Washington Post. They’re happy to have the traffic.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your library: Go to your local library's "Digital Resources" page. Look for a "New York Times" or "ProQuest" link to see if they offer a 24-hour access code.
- Wait for a sale: Never pay $50. Wait for a holiday or a random "60% off" pop-up, which happens almost monthly.
- Download "Omni Crosswords": This is a third-party app that aggregates free puzzles from various newspapers in one place. It’s a great way to find a new "Mini" without the subscription baggage.