NYT Strands puzzle #945, dated Oct. 4, 2026, uses the clue “Grab your tokens.” The theme is classic arcade games. Start with the hints below if you want to solve it yourself; the full answer list is further down.
Hints for Strands #945
- Theme clue: “Grab your tokens.”
- Nudge: Think of the place and category of games associated with tokens in a public entertainment venue.
For this puzzle’s date-specific clue and hint, see Try Hard Guides’ Oct. 4 answer guide and Wazzup Tech PH’s Oct. 4 guide.
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How Strands works
Strands is a themed word-search puzzle. Trace words through neighboring letters in the grid; paths can bend, but words do not overlap, and the completed solution uses each letter once. The spangram describes the theme, stretches between opposite edges of the grid, and is highlighted differently from the regular theme words. Find three non-theme words to earn a hint that reveals letters in a theme answer. For a general overview, see Wikipedia’s Strands overview.
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Spoiler: the spangram
Spangram: ARCADEGAMES
The 11-letter spangram points to the place and type of games associated with tokens. Both answer guides list ARCADEGAMES for puzzle #945: Try Hard Guides and Wazzup Tech PH.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoiler: all answers
The five regular theme answers listed for Oct. 4 are:
- ASTEROIDS
- CENTIPEDE
- FROGGER
- PONG
- SCRAMBLE
The answer list is corroborated by the guides from Try Hard Guides and Wazzup Tech PH.
Quick Recap
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