If you’re visiting this page, it’s likely that you’re in search of some assistance with **[Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands)**, *The New York Times*’ innovative word-search game.
### What is Strands?
Strands brings an inventive twist to the classic word search. In this game, you can create words by connecting letters in any direction — vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. However, there’s an added element: words can shift direction unexpectedly, forming distinctive shapes and configurations. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all the answers share a common theme. Moreover, there’s the “spangram” — a unique word or phrase that embodies the day’s theme and stretches across the grid either horizontally or vertically.
### A Brain-Teasing Challenge
In contrast to other *NYT* games such as **[Wordle](https://mashable.com/category/wordle)** or **[Connections](https://mashable.com/category/connections)**, Strands does not supply a word list, which makes it a more demanding and time-consuming challenge. Instead, participants receive a subtle hint to guide them. If you find yourself pressed for time or feeling overwhelmed, we have all the hints you need to complete today’s puzzle at your leisure.
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### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme and Hints**
#### **Theme Hint: “Ore so they say”**
The answers today relate to the periodic table of elements.
#### **Theme Explained**
The terms in today’s puzzle represent names of metal ores.
#### **Spangram Hint: Vertical or Horizontal?**
Today’s spangram runs vertically.
#### **Spangram Answer**
The spangram for today is **PureMetal**.
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### **NYT Strands Word List for January 26**
Here’s the complete list of words for today’s puzzle:
– **Aluminum**
– **Nickel**
– **Cobalt**
– **Iron**
– **Titanium**
– **Cadmium**
– **PureMetal**
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### **Looking for More Games?**
If you enjoy puzzles, visit **[Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games)** for additional daily challenges, including Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords. You can also check out **[Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/)** for even more entertainment.
Missed yesterday’s puzzle? **[Here’s the solution to January 25’s Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-january-25-2025)** so you can catch up.
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### **Featured Video: Strands 101**
Looking to enhance your skills? Watch our video guide, *Strands 101: How to Win NYT’s Latest Word Game*, for useful tips and tricks to excel at the game.
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Whether you’re an experienced solver or a curious newcomer, Strands presents a fresh and captivating challenge. Happy puzzling!