If you’re visiting this page, you might be seeking some help on how to play [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ special version of the traditional word search.

### How to Engage with Strands

Strands invites players to discover words by linking letters in any direction—upward, downward, to the left, to the right, or diagonally. Unlike a standard word search, words can shift directions, creating intriguing patterns. Every letter featured in the grid is part of at least one solution. Each puzzle centers around a specific theme, with one particular word or phrase, dubbed the “spangram,” embodying that theme and stretching across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

### A More Complex Word Challenge

In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not offer a list of words, rendering it a more challenging mental workout. Instead, players must depend on a vague clue to discover the words, making it a game that requires greater time and effort to complete.

Should you find yourself at a standstill or lack the time to tackle today’s puzzle, we have hints and solutions ready to assist you.

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### Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: *Don’t Stop Believin’*

The terms in today’s puzzle derive from lyrics.

### Theme Clarification

Every word originates from the lyrics of Journey’s most renowned song.

### Spangram Hint: Is It Horizontal or Vertical?

Today’s spangram is displayed **horizontally**.

### Spangram Solution

The spangram for today’s challenge is **Journey**.

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### NYT Strands Word Compilation for February 12

– **Lonely**
– **Girl**
– **Small**
– **Town**
– **World**
– **Took**
– **Midnight**
– **Train**
– **Journey**

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Desiring additional daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for hints, solutions, and even more games such as Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords.

If you missed yesterday’s puzzle, [Here’s the solution for February 11](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-february-11-2025).