The New York Times’ latest puzzle game, Strands, offers a fresh take on the word search format by providing a daily themed grid in which players must discover thematic words. Played every day with a new theme, Strands includes a special spangram word that stretches across two sides of the board, reinforcing the day's concept. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the theme centered on supernatural and imaginary phenomena, aptly titled "A figment of your imagination."

For this edition, the spangram—the key word spanning the puzzle—was "WILL O THE WISP," a classic ghostly or magical light often rooted in folklore. Other featured words included evocative terms like SPECTER, CHIMERA, MIRAGE, PHANTASM, and ILLUSION. These words play into the theme of illusions, ghosts, and things perceived but not truly existing, fitting for early October’s spooky atmosphere.

Erik Kain, the author of the Forbes article, explains how the puzzle challenges players to find words starting with specific two-letter clues such as SP, CH, MI, PH, IL, and WI, guiding solvers toward the correct answers. He also provides the full list of solutions and shares a completed grid for reference. This coverage helps those who might be stuck, supporting puzzle enthusiasts in their quest for solving the game.

Strands continues to expand the New York Times’ portfolio of engaging daily brain teasers, blending wordplay with clever themes. For readers interested in both entertainment and mental challenges, Kain encourages sharing puzzle progress and visiting his blog for additional content. This installment’s focus on mythical and illusory subjects made it a fun and fitting challenge for the season.