Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview brings the Xbox Full Screen Experience to MSI Claw handhelds
It comes earlier than the promised ETA of 2026
Additional handheld support should arrive in the coming months
It's only been a few weeks since the launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, which arrived with the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) to provide a streamlined, console-like user interface in Windows 11 for gamers. The rollout to other handhelds is now beginning, which is good to see – it just needs to be faster.
In the latest Windows 11 preview build (26220.7051) in the Beta and Dev channels, Microsoft announced the Xbox FSE for the MSI Claw, with additional handheld makers set to enable support for their devices in the coming months.
This comes after the initial promise of a wider rollout of the FSE beginning in 2026, so it appears Microsoft has made faster progress than it expected.
It's worth noting that the Xbox FSE can still be used on other handhelds, such as the original Asus ROG Ally or the Lenovo Legion Go, but requires some tinkering to get it up and running. Meanwhile, ROG Xbox Ally X and ROG Xbox Ally handheld owners can dive into the experience out of the box. And before too long, that'll be the case for MSI's handheld, too.
Still, it'd be nice if Microsoft could bring the FSE to more handhelds, perhaps multiple devices simultaneously, so the owners of these portables won't have to resort to an unofficial setup method (as seen in the tutorial video below from Deck Wizard).
Moreover, Microsoft needs to consider bringing the new FSE over to desktop PCs sooner, because desktop gamers are also wanting this experience in certain scenarios (notably for using a gaming PC with the TV in the living room).
While Microsoft's Windows 11 is still the operating system of choice for PC gamers, Valve's SteamOS is growing at a fast rate in terms of popularity with handheld gamers.
SteamOS has been proven to provide better performance results versus Windows 11 across a wide range of games on handhelds, and leads in other areas of user interface and features, notably its sleep and quick resume capabilities, where Microsoft lags behind considerably.
Analysis: Valve's SteamOS is only a few steps away from dethroning Windows 11
(Image credit: Future)
I'm about to sound like a broken record yet again, but it's clear to me that Valve's SteamOS is only held back by a few limiting factors that aren't within its control – and the moment they're resolved, Microsoft's Windows 11 could be in big trouble on the gaming front.
One of those limitations is obvious, namely the limited game compatibility due to anti-cheat tools that won't work on Linux. Considering how popular games like Battlefield 6, Call of Duty, EA Sports FC 26, and Destiny 2 are, there is likely a significant portion of gamers who would be open to moving away from Windows 11 to SteamOS, but can't do so since they're actively playing one (or more) of these games.
I am one of those people, and it's incredibly frustrating that EA, Activision, and other publishers won't make their anti-cheat systems (that aim to police online games) compatible with Linux, and this is actively making me use my handheld less since I'm so drawn to Battlefield 6 on my desktop system.
I would imagine that if these anti-cheat tools ever do become compatible with SteamOS – and that may be a pipe dream, granted – we will see a huge shift of players over to SteamOS from Windows 11. And I wouldn't blame a single one of them for defecting.
You can earn in-game items like the Kang and Kodos Glider by linking various accounts
The Simpsons Discord Avatar and the 'Fuel Rod and Tongs' Pickaxe are up for grabs
Fortnite The Simpsons launched last weekend (November 1), adding Springfield Island, a new Battle Pass, and a totally Simpsons-themed season. By linking your MyDisney and Epic Games accounts, you can unlock the Kang and Kodos Glider in-game. This is available until February 28, 2026.
Elsewhere, there's the 'Fuel Rod and Tongs Pickaxe', which you'll get for logging into Fortnite Battle Royale, Zero Build or Delulu before November 10, 2025 at 9AM ET / 6AM PT / 1PM GMT.
Drop into Springfield in Battle Royale, Zero Build, or Delulu and get ready for some Simpsonified mayhem with the squad! Login now until November 10, 2025 at 9AM ET to grab the Fuel Rod and Tongs Pickaxe ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/eMiYMUNE7zNovember 2, 2025
Finally, you can get the Peely Vanish Discord Avatar Decoration on Discord via the Quests tab. Play Fortnite for 15 minutes with your Discord client open to unlock the decoration for 2 months.
Fortnite is now running a The Simpsons mini-season, allowing players to drop into a Springfield-themed map. I've already played a bunch of matches, and found so many Easter Eggs including prank calls, a couch that your whole squad can sit on, and even an event that makes the Power Plant go into meltdown. This is easily my favorite Fortnite update in a long time, making the game climb the ranks in our best free games to play in 2025 list.
An alleged Strikepoint exploit in Battlefield 6 has been discovered
It supposedly lets players earn millions in XP without engaging with the game
Battlefield Studios has made "temporary adjustments" to the mode while it investigates
Battlefield Studios has made some adjustments to Battlefield 6's multiplayer in light of a rather bizarre exploit found in the Strikepoint mode.
Spotted by Eurogamer, the exploit seems to involve two premade teams of eight heading into a Strikepoint match. Then, one team leaves entirely, allowing the other to earn XP in the millions. Rinse and repeat, and you essentially have a way to farm XP between eight players by the boatloads.
The official Battlefield Comms account on X / Twitter seems to be aware of the exploit. In a post, it wrote: "We've identified an issue that was affecting the amount of XP earned in the Strikepoint mode.
"To maintain fair and consistent progression, we've made some temporary adjustments to XP in this mode while we investigate a longer term solution. Thank you for your understanding and we will update you when further changes are made."
We've identified an issue that was affecting the amount of XP earned in the Strikepoint mode. To maintain fair and consistent progression, we've made some temporary adjustments to XP in this mode while we investigate a longer term solution. Thank you for your understanding and we…November 1, 2025
It's not quite clear what these "temporary adjustments" are, as developer Battlefield Studios nor publisher EA have made more detailed statements on the matter.
"How do I join one of these malicious groups?" wrote one user.
"Sounds like a great exploit, thanks. Exploit early, exploit often!" said another.
Last week, Battlefield Studios also launched Battlefield REDSEC, its free-to-play battle royale mode that can be enjoyed separately without having to buy a copy of Battlefield 6. It's available to download on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
PlayStation Plus free games change at the start of every month, and coming in at no extra cost to PS Plus members, these free games are a great way to expand your library on the cheap or pick up and try games that you might not have thought about initially.
More often than not, you'll have three games to try out with each month's drop - which covers both PS5 and PS4 (so you're still set if you haven't jumped into the latest generation yet) - though sometimes we see some curveballs in the form of one or two fewer or more games. And we're also likely to see more PSVR games be thrown into the PS Plus free game mixer too.
If you are a subscriber and don't make the most of the free games on offer from month to month, it's worth making it a habit to start claiming them when you can since they'll always be available to you as long as your subscription is live. Since the best PS5 games can set you back a pretty penny, this is a great way to make the most of your console without having to fork out new releases every month.
The new line-up for November 2025 includes an excellent feline-friendly adventure game, and an absolute gem of a racing game. Read on for the full lineup.
PS Plus free games for November 2025
(Image credit: EA)
EA Sports WRC 24 | PS5
From the team that developed the award-winning Dirt Rally series comes the brand-new official game of the FIA World Rally Championship. Built on the foundations of over 25 years of Codemasters’ celebrated rally game heritage, EA Sports WRC lets you get behind the wheel of the WRC, WRC2 and Junior WRC cars from the 2024 season, complete with the current drivers, teams and liveries. Design and drive your dream rally car with the debut of Builder mode and rewrite history by racing in recreations of recent events and major historical highlights in Moments mode. Additional modes include Career, Championship, Time Trial, Cross-platform Multiplayer, Regularity Rally and a detailed livery editor, making for the complete WRC experience.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator | PS4, PS5
Be the leader of red and blue wobblers from ancient lands, spooky places and fantasy worlds. Watch them fight in simulations made with the wobbliest physics system ever created. When you grow tired of the 100+ wobblers at your disposal you can make new ones in the unit creator. You can also send your wobblers to fight your friends or strangers in online multiplayer.
Stray | PS4, PS5
Lost, injured and alone, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city. Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. See the world through the eyes of a stray and interact with the environment in playful ways. Stray is developed by BlueTwelve Studio, a small team from south of France mostly made of cats and a handful of humans
Available November 4 until December 1
PlayStation Plus free games: 2025 archive
(Image credit: Sony)
Below, you'll find the PS Plus offerings for the last six months or so. Use these to see what you've missed, and to predict the kinds of games that might be available in the future.
PS Plus free games for October 2025
(Image credit: Annapurna Interactive)
Alan Wake 2 | PS5
A horror sequel that takes players back to Bright Falls. You'll play as Alan Wake, and FBI Agent Saga Anderson to uncover a mystery involving monsters, doppelgängers, and plenty of Twin Peaks-inspired local drama.
Goat Simulator 3 | PS4
Pilgor's baaack! Gather your herd and venture forth into Goat Simulator 3; an all-new (at least on Steam), totally realistic, sandbox farmyard experience. Invite up to three friends in local or online co-op, create carnage as a team, or compete in mini-games and then not be friends anymore.
Cocoon | PS4
From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.
Available October 7 until November 3
PS Plus free games for September 2025
(Image credit: ConcernedApe)
Psychonauts 2 | PS4
Combining quirky missions and mysterious conspiracies, Psychonauts 2 is a platform-adventure game with cinematic style and tons of customizable psychic powers. Psychonauts 2 serves up danger, excitement and laughs in equal measure as players guide Raz on a journey through the minds of friends and foes on a quest to defeat a murderous psychic villain.
Stardew Valley | PS4
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
Viewfinder | PS5, PS4
Use an instant camera to challenge perception, redefine reality and reshape the world. View the world through a new lens in this charming and unique first-person puzzle adventure. Reshape a wealth of stunning environments through your instant camera’s viewfinder in order to solve a variety of mind-bending puzzles. Bring photos, paintings, sketches and postcards to life as you reshape reality and slowly uncover the surprising mysteries that lie behind this colourful world.
Available September 2
PS Plus Free Games for August 2025
(Image credit: Bohemia Interactive)
Lies of P | PS5, PS4
This macabre Soulslike draws its inspiration from an unlikely source: The Adventures of Pinocchio. In this grim reimagining of Carlo Collodi’s treasured tale, Pinocchio is trying to find the mysterious Mr. Geppetto. His journey takes him to Krat, a Belle Époque-inspired city whose humanity has been lost to madness and killer puppets. Pinocchio must battle for survival using a range of weapons and swappable Legion Arms with special abilities. He will also encounter non-hostile characters, but you will have to help him lie to fulfil his dream of becoming human. You can read our Lies of P review to see what we thought of it.
Day Z| PS4 DayZ is a hardcore survival game where up to 60 players must strive to endure a post-apocalyptic world populated by frenzied infected and other survivors. DayZ includes the original iconic map of Chernarus and Livonia – the dense 163 km2 map which lets players experience the hardcore survival hit in a whole new environment. With no checkpoints or saves, when you die, you lose everything and have to start over.
My Hero One’s Justice 2 | PS4 My Hero One’s Justice 2, the over-the-top follow-up to the smash hit 3D arena fighter My Hero One’s Justice, makes its heroic debut! Make full use of characters’ Quirks as you clash head-to-head in epic battles across huge arenas!
All games available until September 1.
PS Plus free games for July 2025
(Image credit: Don't Nod)
Diablo 4 | PS5, PS4
Diablo IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends (2 player local or up to 4 players online), meeting memorable characters throughout a beautifully dark open world and a gripping story. Dive into an expansive End Game where players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle larger-than-life World Bosses, unlock robust character and loot customization, and uncover tons more action-packed activities to explore with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms.
The King of Fighters XV | PS5, PS4
Since its debut in 1994, the KoF fighting game series has featured iconic characters and a unique battle system. Now the most epic dream match in KOF history is about to begin! Inheriting the series’ traditional 3-on-3 team battle setup, KoF XV features 39 characters (mixing classic fighters, revived combatants and new warriors), a new combat system and rollback netcode to reduce lag in online matches. There are also a variety of battle options that allow you to choose how you want to play. The PlayStation Plus launch also includes the “Classic Leona” DLC costume, letting you change Leona’s costume to her KoF ‘96 look.
Jusant | PS5
Jusant is an action-puzzle climbing game and a meditative journey to the top of a tall tower. Challenge yourself at your own pace, explore different paths, and unravel the secrets from a bygone civilization. Master your climbing tools and watch your stamina meter to successfully navigate this mysterious and changing tower. As you go higher and hone your skills, you’ll have to figure out how best to use the tools at your disposal to get to where you want to go. Explore alternative paths to find clues about what happened here.
Available July 1 until August 4.
PS Plus free games for June 2025
(Image credit: Team Reptile)
NBA 2K25 | PS4, PS5
Stack wins, raise banners and make history in NBA 2K25. Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY, giving you ultimate control over how you compete. Play anywhere, as you define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA and The W. Express your personality with an extensive array of customization options and explore an all-new City, where opportunity awaits behind every door.
Alone in the Dark | PS5
Alone in the Dark is an atmospheric reimagining of 1992’s ground-breaking survival horror of the same name. In 1920s America, Emily Hartwood recruits private detective Edward Carnby to aid in the search for her missing uncle. Their hunt leads them to Derceto Manor, a home for the mentally fatigued in the gothic American South that hides a dark secret. Play as either Edward or Emily as they explore Derceto and discover horrors that defy explanation. You’ll have to brave the shadows, solve environmental puzzles and survive chilling encounters with murderous creatures if you’re ever going to make it through this nightmare.
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk | PS4, PS5
Start your own cypher and dance, paint graffiti, collect beats, combo your tricks and face off with the cops to stake your claim to the sprawling metropolis of New Amsterdam. In this action-adventure platformer, Red is a graffiti writer who lost his head and instead has a cyberhead. In search of his roots he joins the Bomb Rush Crew, Tryce and Bel, who are aiming to go All City. Together they slowly discover who it was that cut off his head and how deep Red’s human side is linked to the graffiti world.
All three games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on June 3 until June 30.
Destiny 2: The Final Shape | PS4, PS5 (REQUIRES BASE GAME)
The Final Shape looms – a nightmarish calcification of reality into the Witness’s twisted design. Embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the Traveler, rally the Vanguard, and end the War of Light and Darkness. This Destiny 2 expansion* includes the new story campaign, new Prismatic subclass, three new Supers, a new destination and new weapons and armor to collect.
PS Plus free games for May 2025
(Image credit: Playstack)
Ark: Survival Ascended | PS5
Are you ready to form a tribe, tame and breed hundreds of species of dinosaurs and other primeval creatures, explore, craft, build, and fight your way to the top of the food-chain? Your new world awaits in this survival sim, reimagined from the ground-up with Unreal Engine 5, with high-end graphic features, advanced physics systems and quality of life revamps in every area. Ark: Survival Ascended includes access to all of Ark’s worlds, including Scorched Earth, Aberration, Extinction, Ark Genesis Part 1, Ark Genesis Part 2, and more. The game supports public online multiplayer for up to 70 players, private-session multiplayer for up to 8 players, and local split-screen for 2 players.
Balatro | PS5, PS4
In this poker-inspired roguelike deck builder, it’s all creating powerful synergies and winning big. Play illegal poker hands, discover game-changing jokers and trigger outrageous combos in this roguelike strategy experience. Combine valid poker hands with unique joker cards in order to create varied synergies and builds. Earn enough chips to beat devious blinds, all while uncovering hidden bonus hands and decks as you progress. You’re going to need every edge you can get in order to reach the boss blind, beat the final ante and secure victory.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun | PS5, PS4
Load up your Boltgun and plunge into battle headfirst! Experience a perfect blend of Warhammer 40,000, classic, frenetic FPS gameplay and the stylish visuals of your favourite 90’s retro shooters. Play a battle-hardened Space Marine on a perilous mission across the galaxy, as they battle against the Chaos Space Marines and daemons of Chaos. In glorious boomer shooter style, unleash your devastating Space Marine arsenal as you blast through an explosion of sprites, pixels and blood. Run, jump and charge across huge levels to shoot, shred and slice the worst heretics across the galaxy!
Available May 6 until June 2.
PS Plus free games for April 2025
(Image credit: Gun Interactive/Sumo Digital)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre | PS5, PS4
Take on the role of one of the notorious Slaughter family, or their victims, in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a third-person asymmetrical horror experience based on the groundbreaking and iconic 1974 horror film. As a victim you must use your wits and stealth to stay out of the Family’s reach and find the tools you need to lead to your eventual freedom. Slaughter Family players must seek out, track down, and stop their guests from escaping. Players of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can finally find out if they have what it takes to survive.
RoboCop: Rogue City | PS5
Become the legendary part man, part machine, all cop hero and bring justice to the dangerous, crime-ridden streets of Old Detroit. With your powerful Auto-9 or one of a range of weapons available, eradicate criminals throughout this explosive first-person adventure. Your cyborg strength and cybernetic abilities can be upgraded as you progress, to make you an even more formidable law enforcement officer.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory | PS4
After being accused of a crime he didn’t commit, Keisuke Amazawa has no choice but to dive into the Digital World and investigate to prove his innocence. Even if that means joining a group of hackers and helping them to solve the troubles threatening this mysterious universe. Discover the mysterious backstory to the events that happened in Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth as you dive into a deeper and darker adventure, at crossroads between real and digital and experience the perfect mix between Adventure, Raising and Battle with over 320 Digimon to discover.
PS Plus free games for March 2025
(Image credit: Sega)
Dragon Age: The Veilguard | PS5
Unite the Veilguard and defy the gods in this immersive single-player RPG where you become the leader others believe in. When a pair of corrupt ancient gods break free from centuries of darkness, the vibrant land of Thedas needs someone they can count on.Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight back and lead your team of seven companions, each with their own rich story. Together you will become The Veilguard.
Sonic Colors: Ultimate | PS4
The evil Dr. Eggman has built an interstellar amusement park – but he’s powering it with a captured alien race called “Wisps.” Use Sonic’s speed to free the Wisps and gain their amazing powers as you explore six unique worlds, filled with hurdles to overcome. Now with stunning upscaled visuals, additional features, a new game mode and enhanced gameplay – it’s the Ultimate Sonic Colors experience.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection | PS4, PS5
13 classic Konami TMNT games are assembled in one incredible package! Experience 13 immensely popular and influential TMNT games in a totally radical collection from Konami. These retro nostalgia trips come with a range of new quality-of-life features, including online play for certain games and local couch play, the ability to save anytime and rewind, button mapping, unique development art & sketches, historic TMNT media content and more!
PS Plus free games for February 2025
(Image credit: Squanch Games)
Payday 3 | PS5
First up is Payday 3, the latest heist co-op shooter that sees players teaming up to pull off epic bank robberies. Expect stealth and action-packed shootouts in equal measure, as you and your squad slowly take on harder and harder jobs, with rewards increasing along with the risk.
High on Life | PS4, PS5
Fresh out of high school with no job and no ambition, you’ve really got nothing going for you until an alien cartel that wants to get high off humanity invades Earth. Now, you and a team of charismatic talking guns must answer the hero’s call and become the deadliest intergalactic bounty hunter the cosmos has ever seen. Travel to a variety of biomes and locations across the cosmos, go up against the nefarious Garmantuous and his gang of goons, collect loot, meet unique characters, and more, in the latest comedy adventure from Squanch Games.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac | PS4, PS5
In this 2004 remake of the original PlayStation platformer, with improved UI, fine-tuned mechanics and updated visuals, Pac-Man arrives home on his birthday to find the Ghosts have kidnapped Pac-Man’s family & friends and ruined his party. Off to the rescue, Pac-Man sets out to Ghost Island. Dodge Ghosts, solve environmental puzzles, rescue the Pac-Fam, and more in this platforming adventure. Play a collection of 3D mazes in Maze mode, clear Quest mode to unlock the original Pac-Man game in Original mode.
PS Plus free games for January 2025
(Image credit: PlayStation)
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League | PS5
Take down The Justice League yourself in single-player or team up with friends in multiplayer co-op in this genre-defying, action-adventure third-person shooter from Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series. Featuring an original narrative set within an expansive open-world city of Metropolis, the game puts the four DC Super-Villains on a collision course with an invading alien force and DC Super Heroes who are now laser-focused on destroying the city they once vowed to protect.
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered | PS4
Feel the thrill of the chase and the rush of escape in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit. Unleash a savage sense of speed both as an outlaw and a cop in the world’s hottest high-performance cars. Outsmart the heat or take down lawbreakers with the tactical weaponry at your disposal in a heart-pumping, socially competitive racing experience. Updated with enhanced visuals, cross-platform multiplayer – including the asynchronous competition powered by Autolog – plus all additional DLC content, this is the ultimate edition of Criterion Games’ critically acclaimed Need for Speed debut. It’s time to reignite the pursuit.
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe | PS4, PS5
The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is an expanded re-imagining of the critically acclaimed, award winning indie game The Stanley Parable from 2013. Everything that was in the original Stanley Parable is here, preserved just like it was back in 2013. But The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe also dramatically expands the world of the original game with new content, new choices, and new secrets to uncover. The labyrinth has just gotten bigger. In addition, the game has been visually upgraded to reflect modern technology while faithfully preserving the tone of the original game. Accessibility features have also been added to the game, including localization of in-world text, colorblind options, and content warnings. And just as before, the impeccable voicework of Kevan Brighting will accompany you every step of the way.
PlayStation Plus free games - Subscription prices
In order to get every batch of PlayStation Plus free games you'll need to have an active PS Plus subscription. This can be an Essential (the basic level), the mid-tier Extra subscription, or the top-end Premium subscription, as all will get you the monthly free games. If you're keen to jump in or want to check the latest prices for adding to your existing subscription of want to upgrade, then we've got the latest and lowest prices below.
PlayStation Plus free games - FAQs
Are there free games on PS Plus?
Yes! As we've stated here on our dedicated PlayStation Plus free games page, each month a handful of games are available to PS Plus members and, as long as your subscription is live and active, then they are yours to keep and play!
Can I play free PS Plus games without a subscription?
Sadly, no, PlayStation Plus free games are only available to run and play for those with an active subscription. That means that if you acquired some games one month when your sub was active, but then let it lapse, those games would become unavailable.
A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, November 2 (game #875).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #876) - today's words
(Image credit: New York Times)
Today's NYT Connections words are…
SEA MONKEY
JIGSAW PUZZLE
BALLOON ANIMAL
CLOWN NOSE
WHOOPEE CUSHION
MARASCHINO CHERRY
FUNKY CHICKEN
LEGO SET
FIRE ENGINE
JUMBO SHRIMP
PICK-UP STICKS
BOUNCY CASTLE
WATER WINGS
LITE-BRITE
STOP SIGN
DARK HORSE
NYT Connections today (game #876) - hint #1 - group hints
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: All the same color
GREEN: All inflatable
BLUE: Multiple parts and bits
PURPLE: Beasts worthy of description
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #876) - hint #2 - group answers
What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: THINGS THAT ARE RED
GREEN: THINGS FILLED WITH AIR
BLUE: THINGS WITH A LOT OF PIECES
PURPLE: ENDING WITH ANIMALS
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #876) - the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today's Connections, game #876, are…
YELLOW: THINGS THAT ARE RED CLOWN NOSE, FIRE ENGINE, MARASCHINO CHERRY, STOP SIGN
GREEN: THINGS FILLED WITH AIR BALLOON ANIMAL, BOUNCY CASTLE, WATER WINGS, WHOOPEE CUSHION
BLUE: THINGS WITH A LOT OF PIECES JIGSAW PUZZLE, LEGO SET, LITE-BRITE, PICK-UP STICKS
PURPLE: ENDING WITH ANIMALS DARK HORSE, FUNKY CHICKEN, JUMBO SHRIMP, SEA MONKEY
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
After the initial brain melt of seeing 16 two-word tiles I began to spot some common links.
My thought after completing every group was – is the connection really that basic? None more so than the purple/hardest group ENDING WITH ANIMALS, which earned me a “purple first” badge for getting the purple group first 15 times. This gamification is a recent addition to Connections and I haven’t really noticed it before.
I had initially thought that SEA MONKEY and WHOOPEE CUSHION were “things advertised in the back of Mad magazine”.
Sea Monkeys, which used to be available via mail order but now appear in some toy stores, are quite the marketing scam, with potential buyers believing they are purchasing some wondrous anthropomorphic creatures that will spring to life when added to an aquatic tank and give them hours of amusement. The reality is they are purchasing brine shrimp. A life lesson to never trust the hype.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, November 2, game #875)
YELLOW: GOODS TO BE TRANSPORTED CARGO, FREIGHT, HAUL, LOAD
GREEN: LIGHT BROWN SHADES CAMEL, FAWN, KHAKI, TAN
BLUE: SHOW SIGNS OF PHYSICAL EXERTION CRAMP, PANT, REDDEN, SWEAT
PURPLE: STARTS OF ZODIAC SIGNS AQUA, CAPRI, GEM, SAG
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
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A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, November 2 (game #1378).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #1379) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #1379) - hint #2 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.
Quordle today (game #1379) - hint #3 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?
• S
• N
• P
• C
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1379) - the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today's Quordle, game #1379, are…
SHARK
NEWLY
PITCH
CLOUT
I found this round a struggle, but it could have been a lot worse as I could have guessed half a dozen words ending I-T-C-H but happily landed on the correct one with PITCH.
Meanwhile, NEWLY took me two guesses after my mind went blank.
Daily Sequence today (game #1379) - the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1379, are…
A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, November 2 (game #609).
Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #610) - hint #1 - today's theme
What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?
• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Wee wee wee!
NYT Strands today (game #610) - hint #2 - clue words
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
THEY
MELT
TEARS
PRESET
SIFT
BEST
NYT Strands today (game #610) - hint #3 - spangram letters
How many letters are in today's spangram?
• Spangram has 15 letters
NYT Strands today (game #610) - hint #4 - spangram position
What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?
First side: bottom, 3rd column
Last side: right, 3rd row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #610) - the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today's Strands, game #610, are…
WENT
MARKET
STAYED
HOME
ROAST
BEEF
NONE
SPANGRAM: THISLITTLEPIGGY
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
The longest spangram in a long while took up a good chunk of the board and snaked its way from the center to to the bottom to the right-hand side.
The theme though was obvious from the start, with WENT, MARKET, STAYED, and HOME all jammed up against each other like a baby's toes.
The line “this little piggy had roast beef” has always puzzled me. Would a piggy ever eat roast beef, even one who wore a shirt and tie and went to market?
The truth, of course, is like many nursery rhymes rooted in the macabre and the little piggy going to market was going to the slaughterhouse and the piggy eating roast beef was being force fed. No wonder they went wee wee wee all the way home.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, November 2, game #609)
START
PACE
FINISH
RUNNER
HYDRATION
TIMEKEEPER
SPANGRAM: MARATHON
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.
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A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, November 1 (game #1377).
Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.
Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #1378) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #1378) - hint #2 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.
Quordle today (game #1378) - hint #3 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?
• N
• U
• P
• N
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1378) - the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today's Quordle, game #1378, are…
NYLON
UDDER
PRUDE
NOISE
When I first started playing Quordle I’d regularly overlook the possibility of double letters. Now, thankfully, getting a word like UDDER is less of a strain.
Today, after a standard classic game, my pain came with the daily sequence and a first word that took me seven attempts to get.
Daily Sequence today (game #1378) - the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1378, are…
A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, November 1 (game #874).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #875) - today's words
(Image credit: New York Times)
Today's NYT Connections words are…
CAPRI
AQUA
CRAMP
CARGO
KHAKI
LOAD
SWEAT
PANT
GEM
TAN
REDDEN
CAMEL
HAUL
SAG
FAWN
FREIGHT
NYT Connections today (game #875) - hint #1 - group hints
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: Ways to describe goods to be carried
GREEN: Autumnal palette
BLUE: Caused by over exertion
PURPLE: Horoscope beginnings
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #875) - hint #2 - group answers
What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
YELLOW: GOODS TO BE TRANSPORTED
GREEN: LIGHT BROWN SHADES
BLUE: SHOW SIGNS OF PHYSICAL EXERTION
PURPLE: STARTS OF ZODIAC SIGNS
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #875) - the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today's Connections, game #875, are…
YELLOW: GOODS TO BE TRANSPORTED CARGO, FREIGHT, HAUL, LOAD
GREEN: LIGHT BROWN SHADES CAMEL, FAWN, KHAKI, TAN
BLUE: SHOW SIGNS OF PHYSICAL EXERTION CRAMP, PANT, REDDEN, SWEAT
PURPLE: STARTS OF ZODIAC SIGNS AQUA, CAPRI, GEM, SAG
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
A brief flirtation with different types of pants aside this was quite a straightforward game.
As tempting as it was to shoehorn CAPRI, CARGO and SWEAT together with a third option – erm, PANT? – I managed to resist and quickly saw the other groupings.
Having a lifelong resistance to horoscopes and the zodiac I failed to spot the purple group, whereas all four tiles in the SHOW SIGNS OF PHYSICAL EXERTION category are sensations I feel on a daily basis; not during this game, though.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, November 1, game #874)
YELLOW: TAKE TO COURT CHARGE, FILE, INDICT, SUE
GREEN: BLACK INKY, JET, PITCH, RAVEN
BLUE: SECOND IN A FAMOUS REAL-LIFE DUO CHER, CLYDE, HARDY, TELLER
PURPLE: RODENTS WHO ARE FIRST IN A CARTOON DUO CHIP, ITCHY, PINKY, ROCKY
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
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The Fortnite The Simpsons live event airs this weekend (November 1). We know that it's titled 'Welcome, Our Alien Overlords', and that it'll lead into the next season, which is going to be a collaboration with The Simpsons. This is a live event, being described by Epic Games as a "mini-event", so you'll want to make sure you know when things kick off, and secure your place in the Lobby.
There are plenty of new features currently in Fortnite, including the news of Sidekicks finally coming to the game in the next Battle Pass. We're currently at the tail end of Fortnitemares 2025, which will lead into a The Simpsons mini-season. While we don't have all the details yet, expect a new map, plenty of Simpsons skins and weapons, as well as a new Battle Pass. It's constant updates like these that make Fortnite one of our recommendations for the best free games to play in 2025.
Here's the Fortnite The Simpsons live event start time, and our live coverage in the build up to launch. We'll detail everything we know about the mini-event so far, and give you up to date info on what to expect. Once the event kicks off, I'll be diving in and offering my impressions as I play.
Fortnite The Simpsons live event start date and time
(Image credit: Epic Games)
The Fortnite x The Simpsons live event starts on Saturday, November 1 at the times below:
East Coast (US): 11AM ET
West Coast (US): 8AM PT
United Kingdom: 3PM GMT
Central Europe: 4PM CET
Australia (Sydney): 2AM AEDT (November 2)
Japan (Tokyo): 12AM JST (November 2)
With Fortnite live events, I always recommend that you log into the game half an hour before start time. You'll want to get into the event pre-lobby as early as you can, as servers can fill up fast.
What we know about the next Fortnite live event
(Image credit: Epic Games, Disney)
Not much has been revealed on the next Fortnite live event so far. We do know that it's called 'Welcome, Our Alien Overlords', and that it'll feature iconic extraterrestrial characters Kang and Kodos. There's currently a countdown clock at Creepy Camps, next to Bart's Treehouse. You can see this in the screenshot below:
(Image credit: Epic Games)
The Fortnite X / Twitter account appears to be slowly building up to the live event. With the post below urging players to drop in before the start time to avoid missing the proceedings.
Attention puny earthlings! Our Alien Overlords have a message for us and you are commanded to drop in before 11AM ET on November 1. You dare not miss it.October 30, 2025
How long will the event last?
(Image credit: Epic Games)
Epic Games hasn't revealed the end time for the Simpsons live event yet, but these usually run around 20 minutes at the maximum. The last one saw players fending off a giant squid enemy, and I'd expect similar here. I'll update this section once I hear more.
Fortnite The Simpsons live event countdown
(Image credit: Epic Games)
If you head to Creepy Camps in Fortnite Battle Royale, you can see a red countdown clock, as in the image above. This counts down to the live event to the second, so it's a handy reminder as to when you'll be able to catch the debut of The Simpsons.
Fortnite The Simpsons downtime prediction
(Image credit: Epic Games)
According to the ad embedded above, Fortnite The Simpsons is expected to launch at 5pm ET / 2pm PT / 9pm GMT. As such, assuming that the event is an hour at most, Fortnite will likely enter into downtime for much of the day. It's possible that the current season will stay online for a bit after the conclusion of the live event, but I'd expect downtime to kick in at the times below, and to last around five hours:
East Coast (US): 12PM ET
West Coast (US): 9AM PT
United Kingdom: 4PM GMT
Central Europe: 5PM CET
Australia (Sydney): 3AM AEDT (November 2)
Japan (Tokyo): 1AM JST (November 2)
Live coverage as it happens
Welcome, Our Alien Overlords!
(Image credit: Epic Games)
Hello Fortnite fans, it's officially time to start my live build up to the Fortnite x The Simpsons live event. I'll give you all of the most up to date info on what to expect, and lead you through the process of how things will work tomorrow.
What time does the next Fortnite live event start
The Fortnite The Simpsons live event begins November 1 at the times listed below:
East Coast (US): 11AM ET
West Coast (US): 8AM PT
United Kingdom: 3PM GMT
Central Europe: 4PM CET
Australia (Sydney): 2AM AEDT (November 2)
Japan (Tokyo): 12AM JST (November 2)
Check out the Fortnite The Simpsons live event countdown
(Image credit: Epic Games)
If you head to Creepy Camps in Fortnite Battle Royale, you'll spot Bart's Treehouse, in a distinctly different cel-shaded kind of style. Next to this is a big red countdown clock, ticking down to the event. You can monitor this while in-game, or stay up to date with this live blog. I'll be giving regular updates as to how long is left to go before the live event begins.
A new Tweet advises players to drop in early
Attention puny earthlings! Our Alien Overlords have a message for us and you are commanded to drop in before 11AM ET on November 1. You dare not miss it.October 30, 2025
The Fortnite X account has posted an update regarding the upcoming live event. It's advised that players drop in early, to avoid missing the festivities. Personally, I'll be jumping into the game half an hour prior to the start time.
Sidekicks arrive next season
On October 30, Epic Games revealed Fortnite Sidekicks. These are essentially pets that players can purchase, with these new companions following around in certain game modes. There's set to be one in the new Battle Pass, and several have been shown off in the reveal trailer.
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