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.”
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.”
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.
