What is Puzzle Mania?
Puzzle Mania is an annual special puzzle section in the print edition of the Sunday paper. It includes word games, visual puzzles and more. Learn more about how we make it. The 2026 Puzzle Mania is the 12th edition.
The centerpiece of the section is the Super Mega Crossword, a crossword more than 10 times as large as the daily crossword. This year’s puzzle was constructed by Rafael Musa and is 50 by 50 squares.
What is the Puzzle Mania contest?
Slide out Page 11 for the clues to this year’s Super Mega. After you’ve finished the puzzle, take the first letters from each of a set of 11 related entries. Those letters, read from top to bottom, will form an apt phrase. Once you get it, send it by email to crosswordcontest@nytimes.com along with your full name, home address, age, phone number and email address.
The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 Visa gift card. Twenty-five runners-up will each receive a $100 gift card to the New York Times Store.
The contest submission period begins at 12:01 a.m. E.T. on Nov. 23, 2025, and ends at 11:59 p.m. E.T. on Jan. 7, 2026. Read more details and instructions here.
Where can I get Puzzle Mania?
If you are a print subscriber, the section should arrive in your paper on Nov. 22.
Alternatively, you can buy Puzzle Mania:
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Wherever you can buy a New York Times Sunday paper on Nov. 22.
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From the New York Times Store starting Nov. 22, while supplies last. Pre-orders start Nov. 9.
How to Solve the Biggest Crossword You’ve Ever Solved
Puzzle Mania’s Super Mega may look overwhelming, but you’ve got this. We’ve included some resources to help you tackle this challenge. You can also head to the comments section of this article with questions and thoughts, but please refrain from posting any spoilers, as we’ll reveal the Super Mega answers and contest winners in January. You can also scroll down for the full list of clues.
Answers
Answers to all puzzles will be posted on Jan. 8, 2027.
Super Mega Clues
The clues for the Super Mega will be posted soon.
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