Bad news for morning routines everywhere: The New York Times has put its Mini Crossword behind a paywall.
On Tuesday, instead of their usual puzzle, players were met with a paywall. The internet is not taking it well.
“I’m actually in such a rage over this,” said TikTok user @ssophieice. “Screw New York Times, screw capitalism, I’m done.”
@ssophieice This was my final straw #nyt #nytminicrossword #minicrossword
♬ original sound – sophie ice
Meanwhile, alongside a video overlayed with text that reads, “mourning the mini crossword right rn. NYT when I catch you,” user @gdiggityyyy wrote: “I’m actually distraught over this.”
@gdiggityyyy i’m actually distraught over this. my daily nyt routine is now disheveled. #nytgames #minicrossword
♬ original sound – stevies_angelsx
On X, many also shared their frustrations. One user wrote, “My morning routine is ruined now. I’m giving up my wordle streak for this protest so you know it’s serious.” Another added: “I hope whoever decided to put the NYT Mini Crossword behind a paywall has warm pillows for the rest of their life.”
I am boycotting the nyt games app bc they paywalled the mini crossword. I feel hurt and betrayed. My morning routine is ruined now. I’m giving up my wordle streak for this protest so you know it’s serious. pic.twitter.com/65gosYlG3R
— reallyboringtbh (@reallyboringtbh) August 28, 2025
Redditors piled on as well. “Now have a 40-60s gap in my day that I have no idea how to fill,” one user complained.
The Times has leaned heavily into puzzles and games in recent years, acquiring Wordle in January 2022 for a low seven-figure sum.
“With the launch of Pips earlier this month, we now offer 10 distinct puzzles, a rich and diverse portfolio that reflects both the breadth of gameplay and the depth of experiences our team of puzzle editors and constructors has built,” a Times spokesperson tells Fast Company.
Other games—including Wordle, Connections, Strands, and Sudoku—remain free. For now, at least.
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