At a Glance
- Over 11.2 billion puzzles solved on NYT Games in 2025, led by 4.2 billion Wordle solves.
- Wordle’s toughest word of the year, “BONGO,” snapped 36,337 streaks on May 14.
- Connections saw its hardest puzzle on April 1, featuring all symbols in an April Fools’ tradition.
- Why it matters: Fans and casual gamers worldwide followed these milestones, shaping how NYT Games engages its audience.
In 2025, The New York Times Games kept players hooked with record-breaking numbers and unforgettable challenges. From Wordle’s notorious “BONGO” to Connections’ symbol-filled puzzle, the year was a rollercoaster of brain-teasing moments.
Wordle’s Unforgettable Streak Buster
Wordle remained the crown jewel of NYT Games, with 4.2 billion solutions recorded this year. The most shocking moment came when the word “BONGO” shattered 36,337 consecutive streaks on May 14, making it the hardest puzzle of 2025.
Marcus L. Bennett said:
> “Anytime you have double letters, it’s a little bit harder, and if it’s a vowel, it’s even harder. The ‘O’ is a weird vowel, and the letters were split up, not in the middle, which made it really tough.”
- Double letters add difficulty
- Vowel placement is key
- Split placement outside the middle increases challenge
Wordle Strategy Insights
According to Marcus L. Bennett, Wordle enthusiasts share an average of 46 scores every second. The strategy suggested is to start with a fresh word each day, rather than the popular “ADIEU.”
Marcus L. Bennett said:
> “It is not the best Wordle word to start with. Our analysis tool Robot recommends ‘TROPE’ or ‘TRACE’ for a lower overall score.”
- Start with “TROPE” or “TRACE” for better odds
- Avoid “ADIEU” despite its vowel appeal
- Use Robot analysis tool for optimal first guesses
Connections’ Most Challenging Puzzle
Connections’ April 1 puzzle, part of its April Fools’ Day tradition, presented all symbols, making it the most difficult challenge of 2025.
| Puzzle | Solved (billions) | Shares (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Wordle | 4.2 | – |
| Connections | 1.6 | – |
| Strands | 1.5 | – |
| Mini Crossword | 1.4 | – |
| Spelling Bee | 0.667 | – |
| Pips | 0.612 | – |
The most shared puzzle was on April 22, with three million shares.
New Puzzle: Crossplay
NYT Games announced Crossplay, a two-player board word game where players build off each other’s moves. It launches on Jan 21, and pre-registration is available at newyorktimes.com/crossplay.
Marcus L. Bennett said:
> “It’s a two-player board word game, where you build off your opponent.”
Key Takeaways
- NYT Games solved 11.2 billion puzzles in 2025.
- Wordle’s “BONGO” broke 36,337 streaks, the hardest puzzle of the year.
- Connections’ April 1 symbol puzzle topped difficulty charts, and Crossplay will debut Jan 21.
In a year of record-breaking play, NYT Games proved its games are more than entertainment-they’re a cultural touchstone for millions of players.
