If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re looking for some assistance to conquer **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ intricate word-search challenge.
**Strands** gives a fresh twist to the classic word search. Rather than just spotting words in straight lines, you can connect letters in any orientation—up, down, left, right, or diagonally—and even shift directions midway through, creating distinct shapes and patterns. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the answers are interconnected by a central theme. The game includes a “spangram,” a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.
—
### SEE ALSO:
**[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)**
—
In contrast to other NYT games like **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, **Strands** raises the difficulty by presenting only a vague clue and no word list, resulting in a more time-consuming puzzle. If you’re pressed for time or feeling stumped, we have all the hints necessary to solve today’s challenge at your own pace.
—
### SEE ALSO:
**[Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 3](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-february-3-2025)**
**[NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 3](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-February-3-2025)**
—
## Today’s NYT Strands Hint: “Order up!”
The words featured in today’s puzzle pertain to methods of preparing a certain food.
### Theme Explained
The responses reflect ways you might prepare or order your breakfast protein.
### Spangram Hint: Horizontal or Vertical?
Today’s spangram runs horizontally.
### Spangram Answer
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **MakingEggs**.
—
## NYT Strands Word List for February 3
Here are all the terms found in today’s puzzle:
– **Bake**
– **Boil**
– **Scramble**
– **Pickle**
– **Coddle**
– **Poach**
– **Baste**
– **Making Eggs**
—
### Featured Video: Strands 101
Want to become proficient at **Strands**? Watch this video guide for strategies and tips to excel at NYT’s latest word game.
—
Searching for additional games to enjoy? Check out **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for hints, puzzles, and more. Whether you prefer Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, or other daily challenges, we’ve got you covered.
Missed yesterday’s puzzle? **[Here’s the solution to February 2’s Strands.](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-2-2025)**