If you’re here, you probably need help with playing [Strands](https://www.nytimes.com/games/strands), *The New York Times*’ distinctive version of the traditional word search.

### How to Engage with Strands

Strands invites players to discover words by linking letters in various directions—upwards, downwards, sideways, or diagonally. Unlike conventional word searches, words within Strands can shift direction, creating imaginative shapes. Each letter in the grid contributes to a solution, and all words are associated with a shared theme. Furthermore, there’s a unique term known as the “spangram,” which encompasses the day’s theme and extends across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

### What Sets Strands Apart

In contrast to *Wordle* or *Connections*, Strands does not provide a list of words, which makes it a more challenging and time-intensive puzzle. Rather, players need to depend on a vague clue to reveal the theme and locate all the words. If you’re in a tight spot or pressed for time, we offer hints to assist you in solving today’s puzzle at your leisure.

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### **Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Ahoy!**
The words in today’s puzzle are nautical.

### **Theme Clarification**
All the words represent renowned ships.

### **Spangram Hint: Direction**
Today’s spangram is displayed **horizontally**.

### **Spangram Solution**
The spangram for today’s puzzle is **HistoricShips**.

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### **NYT Strands Word List for March 5**
– **Mayflower**
– **Titanic**
– **Bounty**
– **Beagle**
– **Victory**
– **HistoricShips**

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### Additional Games and Clues

In search of more daily puzzles? Visit [Mashable’s Games page](https://mashable.com/category/games) for extra hints and answers. You can also try other games like Mahjong, Sudoku, and crosswords on [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/).

Missed out on yesterday’s puzzle? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-march-4-2025).