Love word games? Can’t start your morning without a crossword puzzle? Then the New York Times Crossword might already be your favorite digital coffee companion. But here’s the big question — can you just subscribe to the NYT Crossword without buying the whole newspaper? Yes, yes you can! And it’s easier than getting the Sunday puzzle finished without peeking at the answers.
The New York Times knows that puzzle lovers are a special crowd. Not everyone wants daily news headlines. Some of us just want to flex our brain muscles and conquer those tricky clues. So, they offer a standalone subscription just for puzzles.
So, what do you get with a Crossword-only subscription?
Let’s break it down — puzzle style:
- Daily Crossword: A brand-new puzzle every single day.
- Mini Crossword: Short puzzles when you’re short on time.
- Spelling Bee: Make words, score points, chase that genius badge!
- Letter Boxed: Connect letters to form words around a box.
- Tiles: Match pattern tiles and chill.
- Archives: Full access to decades worth of puzzles.
Sounds pretty good, right? You don’t need to pay for the whole NYT news bundle to get these goodies. You can go straight for the puzzles.
How much does it cost?
The NYT Crossword subscription costs about $6.99 per month or $39.99 per year in the U.S. That’s less than most streaming services. Plus, no cliffhangers — just clues!
They also offer free trials from time to time. So if you’re on the fence, you can try before you buy.
Do you need the full NYT account?
You will need to create a New York Times account to subscribe, but don’t worry — it’s free to set up. From there, you can choose just the Games package rather than the full news access.
Note: If you already have a full NYT subscription, the games are included. Lucky you!
Where can you play the crosswords?
Great news — you have options! Once subscribed, you can use:
- The NYT Games website
- The New York Times Crossword app (available for iOS and Android)
Everything syncs, so you can start a puzzle at lunch and finish it in your pajamas later. Technology rules.
Is the Mini Crossword included?
Yes! This tiny but mighty puzzle is part of the package. It’s free to play even without a subscription, but with a membership, you get the full archive. So you can go back and test yourself every day of the year — even the mini from your birthday in 2015.
What if you just want free puzzles?
It’s okay. Some crosswords are free. NYT often offers:
- The daily Mini Crossword (current day only)
- Occasional sample puzzles
But if you’re serious about your daily puzzle fix, a subscription is the way to go.
Is it worth it?
If you’re the kind of person who loves wordplay, solves clues at breakfast, and brags about solving Saturdays solo — then yes. It’s definitely worth it.
It’s also a great mental workout. Studies say regular puzzles can keep your brain sharp. So think of it as daily exercise. For your mind.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to be a subscriber to the news section to enjoy the NYT Crossword. You can happily live in a world of anagrams, acrostics, and aha-moments.
So, can you just subscribe to the NYT Crossword?
Absolutely! And it might just be the most fun subscription you’ll ever get.
