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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For Sunday, October 4, 2026, NYT Strands is game #945, with the theme “Grab your tokens.” Need a nudge? Start with the clue words and spangram route below; the full answer list is behind a spoiler warning.
Hints for the October 4 Strands puzzle
Theme
The theme is “Grab your tokens.” Think of places where you might use tokens to play games.
Words that unlock in-game hints
TechRadar lists these words as the puzzle’s clue words: STAG, SEAT, GATES, RIDE, GORE, DECADE, SONG, and BELT. They can help you unlock the game’s hint system without revealing the theme answers directly.
Spangram hint
The spangram has 11 letters. TechRadar reports that its path starts at the bottom edge in column 1 and ends at the top edge in column 6.
How Strands works
Strands is played on a 6-by-8 letter grid. Players connect letters in any direction, including diagonally, to form words; the spangram crosses opposite sides of the grid. An unaffiliated Strands guide says that finding three valid words that are not theme answers unlocks a hint. These are general mechanics, not an official NYT rule statement.
Where to play
The puzzle is available through NYT Games on desktop and mobile. A new puzzle appears at midnight in each time zone. The cited information does not establish whether an account or payment is required.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Spoilers: October 4 answers and spangram
Stop here if you want to solve the puzzle yourself.
Theme answers: PONG, FROGGER, ASTEROIDS, CENTIPEDE, SCRAMBLE
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Spangram: ARCADEGAMES
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