Screenshot of nytimes.com captured 2026-10-30.
The Mini is a small daily crossword from The New York Times, usually a 5x5 grid. It keeps the clue-and-grid format of a regular crossword but is short enough to solve over coffee, and many players race the timer.
| Type | Word games |
|---|---|
| Time per game | 1-3 minutes |
| Publisher | The New York Times |
| Platform | Web browser, no install needed |
| Play on DLE Arena | No, official site only |
| Official site | nytimes.com |
How to play The Mini Crossword
- Read the Across and Down clues.
- Fill in the grid; crossing answers confirm each other.
- The timer records how fast you finish.
The Mini Crossword tips
- Start with fill-in-the-blank clues; they are the easiest entry points.
- Short grids rely on common vowel-heavy words, so try vowels in the gaps.
Who will like The Mini Crossword
The Mini Crossword fits in our word games collection. Word games are the heart of the daily puzzle boom. If you play several dailies each morning, The Mini Crossword takes about 1-3 minutes, so it pairs well with a quick word game and a knowledge game like Arena Rank.
Games like The Mini Crossword
- Wordle Guess the hidden five-letter word in six tries.
- Connections Sort sixteen words into four hidden groups of four.
- Strands Find themed words hidden in a letter grid, plus the spangram.
- Spelling Bee Make as many words as you can from seven letters.
- Letter Boxed Chain words around a square to use all twelve letters.
- ▶ Play here Quordle Solve four Wordles at once in nine guesses.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Mini Crossword?
The Mini is a small daily crossword from The New York Times, usually a 5x5 grid. It keeps the clue-and-grid format of a regular crossword but is short enough to solve over coffee, and many players race the timer.
Where can I play The Mini Crossword?
The Mini Crossword is played in the browser on its official site, nytimes.com. It does not allow other sites to embed it, so DLE Arena links there directly.
How long does a game of The Mini Crossword take?
Most players finish a round in about 1-3 minutes.
What games are like The Mini Crossword?
If you enjoy The Mini Crossword, try Wordle, Connections, Strands, or play Arena Rank, our own daily ranking puzzle on DLE Arena.
The Mini Crossword is a trademark of its owner. DLE Arena is an independent guide and is not affiliated with The Mini Crossword. Details were checked on 2026-10-30; rules can change, so the official site is the final word.