The New York Times Company

NYT Strands hints for Oct. 4, #945, reveal spangram ARCADEGAMES; answers include PONG, FROGGER, SCRAMBLE, ASTEROIDS, and CENTIPEDE

The New York Times Strands puzzle for October 4 features the spangram ARCADEGAMES, with answers including classic video games like PONG, FROGGER, SCRAMBLE, ASTEROIDS, and CENTIPEDE. Today's theme encourages players to 'Grab your tokens' and enjoy nostalgic gaming.

CNET+1 source4 October 2026 · 15:43 UTC
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Today's NYT Strands puzzle for October 4 features the spangram ARCADEGAMES, a term that encapsulates the essence of classic video gaming. The puzzle invites players to 'Grab your tokens,' a nod to the nostalgic arcade experience.12

The answers include iconic games such as PONG, FROGGER, SCRAMBLE, ASTEROIDS, and CENTIPEDE, which are celebrated for their impact on gaming culture. The theme emphasizes fun pastimes, making it accessible for both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike.

Hints provided suggest that players can start with the letter 'A' in the far-left column to uncover the spangram, with additional words like TAGS, GORE, and DADS also being useful in solving the puzzle. The diagonal nature of the spangram adds an extra layer of challenge, appealing to puzzle enthusiasts.

As the gaming world continues to evolve, the inclusion of these classic titles in the puzzle serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of arcade games, inviting players to reminisce about their gaming journeys.

Key Insight
“The puzzle's theme is 'Grab your tokens,' with a clue of 'Game over.' The spangram is diagonal, and the word list includes five arcade classics, making it a nostalgic challenge for players.”
CuriousCats studied:
1
CNET
“Today’s Strands theme is:Grab your tokens.”
CNET →
2
mashable.commashable.com
“Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love to play.”
mashable.com →
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