The Best Alternative to NYT Games: Try Nodes
Love NYT Games like Vertex, Connections, and Strands? Nodes is a calming daily visual puzzle game where you connect dots to form triangles and reveal beautiful artwork. It's perfect with a podcast or audiobook.
Sadly, NYTimes Vertex has been discontinued — the last official puzzle was published on August 29, 2024. But the joy of daily triangle puzzles lives on in Nodes, and it makes a great companion to Connections and Strands too.
Why Choose Nodes Over NYT Vertex?
- Free to play daily without a subscription
- Relaxing gameplay designed for multitasking with podcasts or audiobooks
- Simple rules — connect dots to draw triangles and reveal an image
- More puzzles with daily archives and extras
- Community-based: Join our Reddit for feedback, ideas, and updates
Reveal the Hidden Image in This Puzzle
Many players search for the "image in this puzzle" because the satisfaction comes from seeing the final picture. Unlike word games, Nodes offers a visual reward. Every line you connect brings you closer to revealing a stunning geometric illustration. It is the perfect visual payoff for your daily puzzle habit.
What Our Users Say
“Loved Vertex and hoped someone would continue those puzzles. And Nodes definitely filled the gap, and gave us more.”
“Absolutely love this app. It's taken the place of my previous daily Vertex and I'm so happy to have it.”
“Started using this app when NYT discontinued Vertex. I thought it was an ok replacement at first but... I'm really happy with Nodes!”
A Visual Alternative to NYT Connections
NYT Connections tests your word-grouping skills. Nodes offers a visual twist on pattern recognition — instead of sorting words into categories, you connect dots to form triangles and reveal hidden artwork. It's the perfect complement to your Connections habit. Learn more about Nodes for Connections fans →
A Calming Alternative to NYT Strands
Love NYT Strands? While Strands challenges you to find themed words in a letter grid, Nodes offers a calmer, visual puzzle experience. No wordplay — just dots, lines, and colors. It's ideal for when you want to unwind after a Strands session or mix up your daily puzzle routine.
What Are NYT Puzzle Games?
The NYT Games suite includes Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the discontinued Vertex — all daily puzzles that have become part of millions of players' routines. Vertex was a vertex game where you connect points to form triangles, and Nodes continues that tradition in a free, accessible way. Whether you're a fan of word puzzles or visual puzzles, Nodes adds a refreshing geometric dimension to your daily lineup with a free puzzle every day.
Explore More
- NYT Connections Alternative — A dedicated visual alternative to Connections
- Games Like Connections — If you enjoy NYT word puzzles, see how Nodes compares
- Best Daily Puzzle Games — Discover other great daily puzzles to add to your routine
- Play While Listening — Perfect for podcasts and audiobooks