ACROSS
DOWN
Across
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Choose Your Challenge
Free alternative to NYT Mini! Click on a clue or grid cell to start typing. Use Tab or click another clue to switch between answers.
Try all three sizes: 5×5 (like NYT), 6×6 (medium challenge), or 7×7 (brain buster)!
NYT Mini Crossword – Play Free Online
The Free Alternative to New York Times Mini Crossword
Looking for today's New York Times Mini Crossword without hitting the paywall? You're in the right place. At Play Mini Crossword, you can enjoy the same daily puzzle experience – completely free.
Whether you want to play today's crossword, check the answers, or browse past puzzles, everything is updated here every day.
Today's NYT Mini Crossword
Play today's puzzle for free – refreshed daily.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers
Find today's answers and explore the full solution archive.
NYT Mini Crossword Archive
Browse the archive of past puzzles by date.
Come back daily to keep your streak alive and sharpen your puzzle skills.
Choose Your Challenge Level
Classic NYT Mini Format
The same 5×5 grid format as the New York Times Mini Crossword. Perfect for your daily crossword routine.
Medium Challenge
A bit more challenging with additional crossing words for better solving satisfaction.
Brain Buster
For serious solvers who want a more substantial puzzle without going full-size.
All formats available daily with unlimited replays. No subscription required - unlike the NYT Games paywall!
Why We're Always Free (Unlike NYT)
What Happened to NYT Mini?
On August 27, 2025, The New York Times suddenly put their beloved Mini Crossword behind a $5/month paywall. Millions of daily players lost their favorite quick puzzle break with no warning.
Our Mission
We believe everyone deserves access to quality word puzzles. Mini crosswords should be a quick, accessible brain break - not a premium luxury. That's why we're committed to staying free forever.
Better Than Ever
We're not just replacing what you lost - we're improving it. Multiple sizes, unlimited replays, mobile-optimized experience, and new puzzles daily. All free, all the time.
NYT Mini (Now Paywall)
- ❌ $5/month subscription required
- ❌ Only 5×5 format
- ❌ Limited to one puzzle per day
- ❌ No mobile app optimization
- ❌ Sudden paywall with no warning
Mini Crossword Unlimited
- ✅ Completely free, forever
- ✅ 5×5, 6×6, and 7×7 formats
- ✅ Unlimited puzzles and replays
- ✅ Mobile-first design
- ✅ Transparent and user-focused
Common Questions
Is this really free forever?
Yes! We're committed to keeping mini crosswords free and accessible. We believe word puzzles should be available to everyone, not locked behind paywalls.
How do you compare to the old NYT Mini?
We offer the same quick-solving experience you loved, plus multiple grid sizes (5×5, 6×6, 7×7), unlimited replays, and better mobile experience. All without any subscription fees.
Can I play on mobile?
Absolutely! Our puzzles are designed mobile-first with touch-friendly controls. Play anywhere, anytime on any device.
Complete NYT Mini Crossword Experience
Everything you need for your daily mini crossword habit. No paywall, no subscription - just like the original New York Times Mini Crossword used to be.
Today's NYT Mini Crossword
Play today's free mini crossword puzzle with hints and timer
NYT Mini Crossword Answers
Get today's solutions and explanations when stuck
Mini Crossword Archive
Browse and replay past NYT-style mini crosswords
Mini Crossword Hints & Tips
Learn expert strategies to solve puzzles faster
About Mini Crossword Puzzles & The New York Times
The NYT Mini Crossword became a beloved daily ritual for millions of crossword puzzle enthusiasts. Created by the New York Times, these compact word puzzles offered the perfect blend of challenge and accessibility in a quick 5×5 grid format. Unlike traditional newspaper puzzles that could take hours to complete, the Mini Crossword NYT was designed as a daily puzzle that could be solved during a coffee break.
The format made crossword puzzle solving accessible to newcomers while still providing satisfaction for experienced solvers. Each mini crossword puzzle featured carefully crafted clues that tested vocabulary, word associations, andpattern recognition. The New York Times Games section became a destination for daily brain trainingthrough these bite-sized logic puzzles.
When the NYT Mini Crossword went behind a paywall in August 2025, it left a gap in the daily routine of countless puzzle lovers. Our free alternative maintains the same quick-solve experience, offering multiple grid sizes and unlimited replays without requiring a New York Times subscription. Whether you're looking for today'smini crossword challenge or want to explore different difficulty levels, our collection provides the same cognitive benefits and entertainment value as the original NYT Mini.