What is NYT Tiles?
Tiles is the most relaxing game in the New York Times collection. The board is filled with square tiles, each made of several layered design elements, such as shapes, colours and patterns. You select two tiles that share at least one element, and the matching elements disappear from both. The goal is to clear the board completely, and the bonus goal is to keep a long unbroken combo by making every move a match. Because the designs change every day, each puzzle has its own look, a bit like a patterned quilt. There are no words, no numbers and no timer, which makes it a lovely choice for winding down or for anyone who likes visual puzzles more than word games. Tiles is part of the New York Times Games subscription, so you will need one to play.
How to play
- Select a tile, then another tile that shares a design element with it.
- Matching elements disappear from both tiles.
- Clear the whole board, and try to keep your combo going by matching every move.
Quick facts
- Typical time
- 3–8 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Price
- Needs a New York Times Games subscription.
- Account
- Yes. You need a New York Times account with a Games subscription.
- Past puzzles
- No. The Times keeps archives for its word games and crosswords, but not for this one.
- On a phone
- In the browser, or in the NYT Games app for iPhone and Android.
Tips to get better
- Think one tile ahead. After a match, the second tile stays selected, and your next pick has to share something with it. Choose a second tile that still has several elements left.
- Use the free jump. When the tile you're on is cleared completely, you can pick any tile next. Use that moment to move to a part of the board you'd otherwise be cut off from.
- Match the rare elements early. If only two tiles still share a particular element, that match has to happen sooner or later. Do it while it's easy to reach.
- Be careful with nearly empty tiles. A tile with one element left can only be matched one way. Clear those while their partners are still around.
- Take your time. There's no timer. Look over the whole board before each move.
Who it's for
Tiles is a game for winding down. There are no words, numbers or timers, only patterns to pair up, and a perfect combo to chase if you want a goal. As a puzzle it's light, and some people will find it more soothing than interesting. It needs a subscription, so it's a pleasant extra if you already have one, not a reason to pay.
