Technology

Power tools are key to getting the most out of raw materials like wood and metal, while 3D printers allow you to do the same with plastic filament. So why not combine these two superpowers and get more from your power tools with a 3D printer? That’s exactly what many people have already done.

This weekend on Netflix, all eyes will be on Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. The film marks the return of Cillian Murphy as the iconic Tommy Shelby. We understand that the Peaky Blinders movie will be a priority for many Netflix users. Afterward, we have three shows that should be next in your queue.

If your digital archives still house rows of DOC files, you're essentially keeping a fleet of 1998 Honda Civics in your garage. They were reliable back in the day, but they lack the airbags, fuel efficiency, and security of a modern ride. It's time to trade them in for the DOCX standard.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on March 20-23. Stuff with Fantasy is offering free fantasy books from a number of sub-genres for your e-reader.

Stuff Your Kindle Day likes to keep everyone guessing. We can go weeks without anything, and then the schedule gets wild without warning. We're in a wild phase, which is good and bad news for bookworms. The good news is that you can stock up on new reads without spending anything. The bad news is that you need to get your head out of a book and prepare your wishlist.

Stuff with Fantasy is the latest event to go live, offering participants the chance to download fantasy books without spending anything. Everything that you download is yours to keep forever, so there really is no need to hold back. This is your opportunity to stock up on fantasy reads so you're covered through the spring and summer.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff with Fantasy takes place on March 20-23. That's a long weekend of free reading. Does it get any better than that?

A lot of Stuff Your Kindle Days only last 24 hours, so this is a refreshing change of pace. There's no need to panic this with fantasy giveaway. You can assess your options, make a wishlist, and then add to your ever-growing virtual pile of books. That's your weekend plans sorted.

Which ebooks are free?

Stuff with Fantasy offers free fantasy books from a number of sub-genres. There's a hub page with 100s of free books listed out, with helpful filters for Age Category, Spice Levels, Representations, Tropes, Subgenres, and Language Level. Narrow down your search and find exactly what you want to read, without spending anything.

Anyone can participate in this event: Kindle and Kobo readers can download these romance books for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download (we're seeing close to 200 free books in this latest giveaway). Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Why we like it

These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase for a limited time. We're hoping to see price reductions over Amazon's Big Spring Sale, but there's no guarantee of anything.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, March 20, 2026:

AcrossCable channel that airs March Madness games

• The answer is TBS.

Rapper with the 2026 #1 album "The Fall-Off"

• The answer is J Cole.

Review thoroughly, as taxes

• The answer is Audit.

"Darn it!"

• The answer is Crap.

Annoying things to realize you've left in the house

• The answer is Keys.

DownYesterday, tomorrow

• The answer is Today.

Radar screen dots

• The answer is Blips.

"On your marks … get ___ …"

• The answer is Set.

Playing card historically called a knave

• The answer is Jack.

Medical success

• The answer is Cure.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Earlier this week, Meta announced that its VR app Horizon Worlds would no longer be available in virtual reality (VR) after June 15. It looked like a significant setback to the tech giant's grand VR metaverse vision, with Meta refocusing its efforts on the Horizon Worlds mobile app instead.

Now it seems as though Meta has partially reversed its decision, with CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth citing feedback from users who "encouraged [it] to reconsider." Announcing the change on Wednesday, Bosworth stated that while no new Horizon Worlds games will come to VR, Meta will now continue to support those that already exist.

SEE ALSO: Meta's VR Metaverse takes one more step into the grave

"We have decided — just today, in fact — that we will keep Horizon Worlds working in VR for existing games," Bosworth said in an Instagram story responding to Meta users' questions. "The Horizon Unity Runtime games, they're not gonna work on mobile, they'll just be working on VR. We're not bringing new games, again, most of our energy is going toward mobile and the Meta Horizon engine there. The reason for that is because that's where most of the consumer and creator energy already was, and so we're kind of leaning into that."

"But for people who already have games that they like, that they're using in Horizon Worlds, they'll be able to download the Horizon Worlds app and use it for the foreseeable future."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Released in 2021, Meta's Horizon Worlds is a massively multiplayer online space which allows users to create and share games. Though initially a strictly VR experience only accessible via virtual reality headsets such as the Meta Quest or Oculus Rift, Meta subsequently rolled out mobile and desktop versions of Horizon Worlds in 2023.

Last month, Meta acknowledged that the robust VR industry it had predicted "hasn't grown as much or as quickly as [it had] hoped," prompting the company to readjust its approach and focus on Horizon Worlds as a mobile platform. 

Even so, Bosworth has stressed that he still believes in the future of Meta's metaverse. Posting to Threads, the Meta executive noted the distinction between VR and the metaverse. 

"I’ve said it before, will keep saying it, the metaverse is not just Horizon or VR," Bosworth wrote. "It's the blending of the digital and physical that will define the next computing platform. We can experience it on VR and AR sure but we also see it on mobile platforms. The future is here, it is just not evenly distributed."

Though the terms "virtual reality" and "metaverse" are frequently used in conjunction, they are two different technologies. A metaverse is a virtual world that users explore using digital avatars, allowing them to work, play, shop, socialise, and theoretically do almost anything else they're able to in real life. In contrast, virtual reality is a technology that enables users to immerse themselves in 3D digital environments, displayed via a VR headset.

As such, Bosworth is correct in that virtual reality technically isn't necessary for a metaverse to exist. Still, it is considered a significant element. Most people envisaging a metaverse-heavy future likely picture an immersive Ready Player One experience rather than playing Roblox on a phone screen.

Meta laid off over 1,000 employees from its VR-focused Reality Labs division in January, Bosworth telling ACCESS podcast that the company is investing less in the technology due to its slow growth. Reality Labs has reportedly lost over $70 billion since 2021, the year Meta changed its name from Facebook and announced it was going all in on becoming "a metaverse company."

Mashable staff and contributors have tested nearly a dozen popular Chromebooks over the course of the past two years, and as of March 2026, there are four I recommend in particular. My top pick for most people is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, a high-end Chromebook with a speedy processor, a fanless aluminum build, a clacky backlit keyboard, great battery life, and a beautiful OLED display. It starts at $649.99 (or $749.99 as tested), which is pricey for a Chromebook, but it's super future-proofed and worth the hassle of hunting down on sale.

My complete guide to the best Chromebooks includes other picks for budget shoppers and kids, so keep scrolling. (And if you aren't sure whether a Chromebook is right for you, check out my explainer on how they're different from regular Windows laptops and MacBooks.)

What's new

I made a couple changes to this guide in March 2026. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is now our No. 1 pick overall, replacing the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, which has been out of stock for several weeks. Additionally, I've decided to crown the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 the best option for gaming. It's dethroned the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, which is no longer available in new condition.

What's on deck

Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo all announced new Chromebooks for 2026 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January. None of them have set pricing or release dates for their devices yet, but we plan on testing them as soon as they're available. Here's the full lineup:

• The 15-inch Acer Chromebook 315 will be powered by MediaTek's new Kompanio 540 chip, a lesser version of its powerful Kompanio Ultra 910 chip (as seen in the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14).

• The Asus Chromebook CM14 and CM15 are clamshell-style models that will come in six color options, though not all of them will be available in the U.S. They'll run on the Kompanio 540 chip, too.

• The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable has a 2.5K 120Hz display, a removable keyboard, and that same Kompanio 540 processor. I saw this one in person at CES and thought it looked a lot like an iPad.

• The HP Chromebook 14 and Chromebook Plus 14 are entry-level options with 2K displays and basic Intel processors. The HP Chromebook x360 14 and Chromebook Plus x360 14 are their convertible counterparts. These will probably be some of the cheapest options available.

• Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15 i is a 15-incher with an Intel Core i3 processor (hence the "15 i" in its name). It will have a 2K display, a 5MP webcam, and a fingerprint reader, making it a higher-end variant.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free on SBS On Demand, CBC Gem, or BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The best athletes from around the world are heading to Poland to compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Some of the biggest names in track and field will compete, including Mondo Duplantis, Keely Hodgkinson, Cole Hocker, and Julien Alfred. It's going to be a special display of athletic prowess, and you can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the World Athletics Indoor Championships?

The World Athletics Indoor Championships are a biennial indoor track and field competition that serves as the global championship for this version of the sport.

When are the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships?

The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships will take place from March 20-22. This event will take place at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń in Poland.

How to watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free

The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

• Australia — SBS On Demand

• Canada — CBC Gem

• UK — BBC iPlayer

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Access free World Athletics Indoor Championships live streams by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

4. Visit SBS On Demand, CBC Gem, or BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

As NASA rolled the mega moon rocket to the launchpad Thursday night, the astronauts preparing to ride it watched the spectacle from screens in their quarantine facility.

As of Wednesday evening, the Artemis II crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen — reported to Johnson Space Center in Houston to begin their mandatory two-week isolation. 

It's a milestone moment for any space mission, but one the foursome has already experienced twice before for launch dates that came and went. Mission managers have been trying to launch the 10-day lunar voyage since February, but crews keep finding problems requiring repairs. Now they're shooting for a launch window that begins April 1. 

No one yet knows whether the third quarantine is the charm for Artemis II, but the policy protects the crew and their spaceflight from being derailed by everyday germs. After all, Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen will share extremely tight quarters in a sealed spacecraft as they journey around the moon. The Orion capsule, which they've named Integrity, is about the size of a studio apartment. Even a mild virus could spread quickly among them. 

"We choose to isolate the crew for 14 days before a launch because most infectious diseases take 10 to 14 days to be transferred from one person to another," said Dr. Raffi Kuyumjian, the Canadian Space Agency's flight surgeon, in a video. 

SEE ALSO: NASA's Hubble telescope just saw the space version of a white whale

Medical teams test astronauts when they enter quarantine and again just before liftoff to try to catch any warning signs of illness.

If the idea of that long isolation sounds bleak, know that the quarantine rarely involves astronauts alone. Medical staff, support crews, and technicians who work closely with them often join the protective bubble so they don't pass anything on either. Family members may also join.

NASA quarantine history

Agency policies have come a long way since the Apollo era. Astronauts used to have to go into quarantine before and after returning from the moon. Those pioneers would remain isolated and monitored for 21 days after splashing down on Earth, in case they had been exposed to any microorganisms in the lunar environment. 

Their Mobile Quarantine Facility was made out of a modified Airstream camper. The vehicle was carefully filtered so that it couldn't vent anything harmful into the air.

It wasn't until 1971 that NASA ended the post-flight quarantine procedures, following a recommendation from the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination.

NASA discontinued using the modified Airstream campers as post-flight quarantine facilities after Apollo 14. Credit: NASA The Artemis 2 crew quarantine

A week before launch, the crew will move to group facilities at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the final stretch of quarantine. There they keep training but mainly focus on relaxing. They run through last checklists, sit down with flight directors for final briefings, and complete their last medical exams. They also spend what time they can with family before heading to the launchpad.

"They need to be well-rested because the mission will be very busy," Dr. Kuyumjian said.

But the quarantine is really just one layer of defense to protect crew health. The astronauts and support staff receive vaccines, such as for the flu and COVID-19, to lower the risk of those viruses boarding the spacecraft.

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Launch delays can complicate the system. If the schedule slips by a day or two, astronauts generally stay in quarantine until the new launch time. But if a mission is pushed back by several weeks or longer, they come out of quarantine and then start a fresh 14-day isolation before the next attempt.

On the rare occasions when someone has gotten sick in quarantine, it has usually involved mild respiratory infections that did not end up changing the mission. Only if the illness is serious do mission leaders consider delaying the launch or swapping astronauts. 

Don’t miss out on our latest stories: Add Mashable as a trusted news source in Google.

That's an option rarely used, though Jack Swigert is a famous example of a last-minute substitute for Apollo 13. Just three days before the mission, NASA pulled astronaut Thomas Mattingly from the mission because of his exposure to the German measles. As history would show, Mattingly never ended up getting sick — but also didn't end up on that ill-fated flight, which nearly killed the crew.  

"It didn't take an awful long time for me to get rid of my hostility for doctors," Mattingly said in a 2001 oral history project interview. "They [had] done me a really good favor." 

The best early classic deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle $202.97 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best Bluetooth tracker deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4 pack) $63 at Amazon (save $36) Get Deal Best Fire Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $21.99 at Amazon with code SAVE254K (save $28) Get Deal Best Apple AirPods deals Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

We're gearing up for the first major Amazon sale of 2026. The Amazon Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25, giving us the opportunity to shop the retailer's best spring deals through March 31. During a time when the price of simply breathing seems to get more expensive by the day, we're looking forward to shopping deals next week.

Amazon is notorious for offering a selection of classing deals during major sale events — sales that we see pop up every Prime Day sale. These include Amazon devices, Apple products, Ninja kitchen appliances, and plenty more.

The sale doesn't begin until March 25, but we're already seeing some nice discounts. Not everything we're hoping for is on sale quite yet (looking at you, LifeStraw). But if past sales trends hold true, we just need to be patient. In the meantime, Amazon has plenty of great classic deals on offer that are worthy of shopping ahead of the sale. Here are some of the best options to buy today.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle $202.97
$222.97 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

The standard Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB storage comes with a list price of $159.99 but during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025, we saw that drop to $124.99. We hope to see that sale price again next week during the Amazon Big Spring Sale event, but in the meantime, Amazon has the Kindle Paperwhite Bundle on a discount. The Paperwhite (Mashable's favorite Kindle), a plant-based leather cover, and a power adapter is on sale for $202.97, marked down from the normal price of $222.97.

The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect spring break accessory since it's lightweight enough to pack along and it's waterproof. Plus, a single charge can last for up to 12 weeks.

Best Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4 pack) $63 at Amazon
$99 Save $36   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple AirTags are a staple feature during Amazon sales. Will we see the first-ever discount on the second generation AirTags? We'll have to wait on that one, but for now, you can snag a four-pack of first generation Apple AirTags for only $63. That's just one cent away from matching the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. At $63 for the bundle, each Apple Bluetooth tracker costs just $15.75. The timing for this deal couldn't be better since we're all-eyes on spring break and we're booking summer travel since airfare prices have no bounds these days.

The best kitchen deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best blender deal Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Crispi $159.99 + $20 Amazon credit (save $20) Get Deal Best espresso machine Breville Bambino $249.95 (save $50) Get Deal

It's spring cleaning season, and Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here to help you celebrate.

While stocking up on the classic cleaning tools, like literal cleaners and robot vacuums is a good option, we also recommend taking a look at your kitchen lineup. With the deals that are live already, there's plenty of potential to fill in any holes in your kitchen's arsenal (or replace any tools on their last legs).

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25 this year. Here's how we're prepping for it.

The week-long sale doesn't officially start until March 25, but if you'd rather not wait, there are already great deals on Ninja's appliances, Breville espresso machines and toaster ovens, Nespressos, rice cookers, and more. Check out our top picks below:

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're generally a fan of kitchen multitaskers (and who isn't), this may just be the blender for you. In addition to the full size pitcher you'll get with most blenders, this model of the Ninja Kitchen System comes with two 18-ounce cups and an eight cup food processor bowl, so you're sure to be covered for all your motorized chopping and blending needs. Down to $129.99 all the way from $219.99, it's down to its lowest price ever — and even cheaper than less expensive models with less attachments.

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi $159.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $20 Get a $20 Amazon credit Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's Sam Mangino put Ninja's kitchen lineup through the ringer, and the Ninja Crispi came out as the best option for an air fryer. The detachable glass baskets up the convenience factor on an already convenient appliance, allowing for meal prep and storage to happen in the same container you cook in. When it comes time for cleaning, the glass baskets can be dropped directly in the dishwasher. Though there is the drawback of no manual temperature adjustment, Mangino never found it to really affect the way food cooked, saying that everything came out as crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as expected. While $20 off isn't the best deal we've ever seen, you'll also get a $20 Amazon credit along with your purchase.

More kitchen deals

Blenders

• Nutribullet Pro — $70.46 $99 (save $28.54)

• Ninja Professional Plus blender — $89.99 $119.99 (save $30)

• Vitamix VX1 — $329.95 $379.95 (save $50)

• Vitamix 5200 — $449.95 $499.95

• Vitamix Ascent X3 — $449.95 $649.95 (save $200)

Air fryers and multicookers

• Instant Pot Duo Plus (6 quart) — $99.99 $139.99 (save $40)

• Ninja Flip Air Fryer — $149.99 $249.99 (save $100)

• Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer — $279.95 $349.95 (save $70)

• Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro — $319.95 $399.95 (save $80)

Coffee and espresso machines

• Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ — $99 $129 (save $30)

• Nespresso Vertuo Next — $125 $229.95 (save $104.95)

• Keurig K-Duo Coffee Maker — $149.97 $219.99 (save $70.02)

• Breville Bambino — $249.95 $299.95 (save $50)

• Breville Barista Express — $549.95 $679.99 (save $130.04)

• Breville Barista Touch — $799.95 $999.95 (save $200)

Miscellaneous kitchen deals

• Cuckoo Micom Rice Cooker (6 cup) — $84.99 $129.99 (save $45)

• Rubbermaid Brilliance 44-piece food storage containers — $109.99 $129.99 (save $20)

TL;DR: Get eight essential apps for life with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, now $39.97 through April 12.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $219.99
  Get Deal

Whether you just got a new computer or you’ve been living under a rock without Microsoft Office for a while, it’s time to spoil your PC with these eight helpful apps. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license gives you permanent access to all these tools for only $39.97 now through April 12.

It’s time to get reacquainted with Microsoft Office. Many of the apps in this suite are ones you’ve worked with for decades, but there are new ones you may not have tried out yet. This Microsoft Office Professional 2021 license gives your PC permanent access to all of them without monthly subscription fees, and each costs just $5.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This license includes Word to create documents, Excel to build spreadsheets, Outlook to manage your emails, and PowerPoint to design presentations. You can also manage large databases with Access, design professional documents with Publisher, stay connected with Teams, and upgrade your note-taking with OneNote.

Don’t let the year of this edition fool you — these apps have all been redesigned. You’ll also enjoy a ribbon-based interface that makes it easy to access features, tools, and customizations. Just ensure your device is running Windows 10 or 11 before you purchase.

Snag this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, now $39.97 through April 12.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

How to watch the 2026 MLB season at a glance: BEST FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK GAMES MLB.TV 7-day free trial, then $149.99/season (save $90) Learn More MOST RSNS AND NATIONAL BROADCASTS Fubo 5-day free trial, then $48.99 for your first month (save $25) Learn More FOR FRIDAY + SUNDAY NIGHT GAMES Apple TV+ and Peacock bundle $14.99/month (save $8.99/month) Learn More FOR TBS BROADCASTS HBO Max Standard $184.99/year (save $31.89) Learn More FOR YANKEES FANS Prime Video $8.99/month Learn More

For how beautifully simplistic baseball is as a sport, it's pretty ironic how complicated it has become to watch it on TV. Every year of the streaming era, watching live sports becomes a bit more convoluted — and 2026 is no different. This year, Major League Baseball has two new national broadcast partners, plus a new deal with ESPN. And that's on top of the already complicated streaming service lineup. Let's get into it.

If you can't fathom missing a single inning, we've got your guide to watching the 2026 MLB season, including which streamers you'll need and all of the best ways to save.

When does the 2026 MLB season start?

The 2026 Major League Baseball season officially opens with a special game on Wednesday, March 25 when the New York Yankees take on the San Francisco Giants at 8:05 p.m. ET. Traditional Opening Day falls on Thursday, March 26 for the remaining 28 teams — that's the earliest scheduled traditional Opening Day in MLB history. The regular season runs through late September, with each team playing a total of 162 games.

What channels or streaming services do I need to watch baseball?

In 2026, you'll need a collection of channels and/or streaming services in order to catch every game your favorite MLB team plays. But first, let's break it down into two categories: national versus local broadcasts. As you can probably guess, national broadcasts target a nationwide audience and air on major networks. Local broadcasts serve only specific, regional communities.

MLB national broadcasts

MLB has added new broadcast partners for games on national TV for the 2026 season on top of the already substantial lineup from last season. In 2026, national games will air across ABC/ESPN, Fox/FS1, MLB Network, TBS, Apple TV, NBC/Peacock and Netflix. In other words, you'll need a variety of channels if you want to catch every game. It's not as straightforward as simply subscribing to a single streaming service or having cable.

• ABC/ESPN — ESPN will exclusively air 30 regular season games across this year's schedule beginning on April 15. Three of those games will air on the over-the-air parent network ABC on Sundays.

• Fox/FS1 — Fox and FS1 combined will air over 85 regular season games in 2026, including 23 "Baseball Night in America" Saturday primetime matchups. You'll also need these networks for the NLDS and NLCS playoff series, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

• NBC/Peacock — For the first time in 25 years, MLB coverage returns to NBC, starting with an Opening Day doubleheader on March 26. The main network, combined with NBC Sports and Peacock, will air 27 primetime games and 34 afternoon games in 2026. It will be the new home to Sunday Night Baseball this season and some games will be exclusive to Peacock.

• Netflix — Netflix started dabbling in sports the past couple years, starting with the NFL on Christmas Day. This year, the streamer will also be the home of three exclusive MLB events: the 2026 season opener on March 25, the Home Run Derby, and the "Field of Dreams" game on Aug. 13.

• Apple TV — The home to Friday Night Baseball since 2022, Apple TV typically hosts doubleheaders on Fridays that are exclusive to the streamer with no local blackouts.

• MLB Network — The league's official network airs a couple of games each week throughout the regular season.

• TBS — Not only does TBS air games on Tuesdays throughout the regular season, beginning with the Yankees vs. Mariners on March 31, but it's also the home to 2026's ALDS and ALCS playoff rounds.

MLB local broadcasts

Local broadcasts are a whole different beast. These broadcasts only serve specific regions and air on RSNs (regional sports networks). The majority of games throughout the regular season air on these networks. To put it simply, if you're a fan of your local team and want to watch as many games as possible, you'll need access to your team's RSN. If you're a fan of a team from a different region, you'll be blacked out from watching games on that team's RSN. Instead, you'll need access to MLB.TV, which airs every out of market MLB game (more on that below). It's unnecessarily complicated, but that's the way of watching sports in 2026.

What is an RSN and which one do I need?

While the NFL offers national broadcasts of most games with specific in-market choice games, the MLB, NBA, and NHL complicate things exponentially with regional sports networks (RSNs). These are basically sports-specific TV networks dedicated to a designated local market or geographic area. If you live in the same region as your favorite team, you'll need to know which RSN broadcasts your team's games. Examples include MASN+, Gotham Sports, Nationals.TV, and SNLA+. It's worth noting that with the collapse of the FanDuel Sports Network conglomerate, many teams now use MLB itself for their RSN.

Take a peek at MLB.TV's single-team packages to see if your team's RSN is included — 22 out of 30 teams are. The other eight teams have their own separate subscriptions. For a complete list of each team's RSN, see the FAQs below.

In-market vs. out-of-market games

If you really only care about your local team, you'll be able to tune into most games through your team's RSN since you're considered in market. Most RSNs offer direct subscriptions for you to watch online or subscriptions through MLB.TV. These vary in price from about $99 to $139 per season. Of course, these subscriptions won't include nationally broadcast games on ABC/ESPN, Fox/FS1, MLB Network, and TBS, but will include the majority of the season. You can also access RSNs through cable or a pay-TV subscription (like Fubo or DirecTV Stream) that includes your team's RSN.

If you want to watch a team that's out of market for your region (say you're an Orioles fan living on the West Coast), you don't necessarily need to know which RSN your team plays on. Instead, you'll want to opt for an MLB.TV subscription instead. MLB.TV is Major League Baseball's official streaming service. It shows almost every game of every team for the entire regular season, with the exception of your local in-market games. In other words, Orioles fans living in Baltimore won't be able to watch Orioles games on MLB.TV. Orioles fans living outside the Baltimore region will. MLB.TV costs $29.99 per month or $149.99 for the season. The league has partnered with ESPN for the next couple of seasons, so you'll subscribe to MLB.TV through ESPN starting in 2026. Already have ESPN Unlimited? You can add MLB.TV to your existing subscription for a discounted price of $134.99 per season.

TL;DR: for in-market games, you'll need an RSN subscription or a pay-TV subscription that offers your RSN. For out-of-market games, you'll need MLB.TV.

How to watch MLB games in 2026

As stated before, subscribing to your team's RSN or MLB.TV is the best way to catch the most games throughout the regular season. However, there are also nationally broadcast games that your RSN won't broadcast, plus a few games on Apple TV+, Peacock, and Netflix. Watching sports in 2026 is so frustrating, y'all.

Here's a breakdown of which streaming services you'll need, how much they cost, and the best deals available to save a few bucks.

For out-of-market games: MLB.TV Opens in a new window Credit: MLB.TV MLB.TV $149.99 per season Get Deal Why we like it

MLB.TV All Teams package gives you access to every out-of-market game. If you live in a different region than your favorite team, this is your best bet to getting the most bang for your buck. It will also unlock full access to MLB Network. A subscription will run you either $29.99 per month or $149.99 for the entire season, which will save you nearly $90. If you want to save a little more, you can opt for a single-team package for $129.99. Just scroll down to where it says "view single-team packages" to select your team. If you have questions about the MLB streaming service through ESPN, this FAQ page should answer them.

Most RSNs and national broadcasts: Fubo Opens in a new window Credit: Fubo Fubo 5-day free trial, then $48.99 for your first month ($73.99/month thereafter) Learn More Why we like it

If you're looking to stream your home team's games on not only their RSN but also national broadcasts, Fubo gives you the most comprehensive coverage. Be sure to double-check that your team's RSN is listed in the Fubo channel list before committing (just search on the main page). Beyond the widest RSN coverage, it also gives you access to most of the main networks for national broadcasts — ABC/ESPN, Fox/FS1, MLB Network, NBC — with the exception of TBS. For those, you can just snag an HBO Max subscription. The Pro plan usually costs $73.99 per month, but you can get your first month for only $48.99 after a five-day trial.

Other live TV streaming options

While Fubo is the most comprehensive option for MLB coverage, there are also some honorable mentions:

• DirecTV Stream — Choice package includes RSNs and major broadcast channels for $101/month (plus fees)

• Sling TV — A la carte channel selection, starting at $29.99/month for your first month (no RSNs)

• YouTube TV — Base package includes major broadcast channels for $67.99/month for 3 months after 10-day trial (no RSNs)

• Hulu + Live TV — Base package includes major broadcast channels for $89.99/month after 3-day trial (no RSNs)

For Friday and Sunday night games: Apple TV + Peacock bundle Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV / Peacock Apple TV + Peacock bundle $14.99/month (save $8.99/month) Learn More Why we like it

Once again, Apple has partnered up with the MLB to offer an exclusive doubleheader every Friday for Apple TV subscribers. The best part is there are no local broadcast restrictions. Subscribers can enjoy two marquee matchups as their Friday night ritual. If you're new to Apple TV, you'll get a free seven-day trial, then it'll cost you $12.99 per month.

Additionally, MLB games are back on NBC (Peacock) this season for the first time in over two decades. The network and its streaming platform are the new home to Sunday Night Baseball, as well as several other primetime and afternoon games in 2026. Peacock costs $10.99 per month for the Premium package.

Pro tip: Bundle Apple TV and Peacock for a double whammy. You'll pay just $14.99 ($2 more than Apple TV on its own) and get access to Friday Night Baseball and Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts.

Other streaming services you may need

While our picks above cover a good chunk of the MLB 2026 season, there are a few other things to note. Since Fubo, our top pick for a live TV streaming service, doesn't give you access to TBS, you may also want to sign up for an HBO Max subscription. HBO Max shows live TBS broadcasts on Tuesday nights throughout the season. You'll need the ad-free standard plan to watch, which costs $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year.

Yankees fans, in particular, will also need Prime Video to stream 21 exclusive games this season (the first falling on April 8). Yes, that means even though you have the YES Network or pay for a live TV streaming service with the YES Network, these games won't be viewable. Prime Video on its own costs $8.99 per month, while a full Prime membership is $14.99 per month.

Tommy Shelby's legacy will never die, and neither will fans' love for Peaky Blinders.

Steven Knight's beloved series about the 20th-century Birmingham gangster (played by Cillian Murphy) came to an end in 2022 after six seasons of intricate schemes, cold-blooded murder, and outsmarting enemies. However, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man brings the series to an even more satisfying end, honouring its iconic characters with one last round bathed in the sounds of Fontaines D.C., mclusky, and of course, Nick Cave.

Watching Murphy ride through town on a black horse one last time, just as he did in the first ever episode of Peaky Blinders, the film draws the series to a close in an explosive, moving, and reverent manner befitting one of the most dastardly criminal minds on television.

Featured Video For You 'Peaky Blinders: An Immortal Man' is the ending Cillian Murphy and Steven Knight always wanted What is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man about? Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, one last time. Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

The final episode of Peaky Blinders takes place in 1934, and The Immortal Man jumps forward a few years into World War II, drawing us in with the Luftwaffe's shocking real-life bombing of the Birmingham Small Arms factory in 1940. (Knight told Mashable's Mark Stetson he "always wanted to finish this part of the Peaky story with a film in the Second World War.") Knight and director Tom Harper pour every last element of their production team's skills into this explosive opening sequence, with stunning tracking shots, blaring rock music, and touching moments of human connection before everything's reduced to rubble — and it really sets the high-stakes tone for this finale.

The Nazis, assisted by British ally John Beckett (a chillingly gallant Tim Roth), have plans to win the war by flooding the British economy with counterfeit currency, with the offer of war profiteering on the table for, say, local Birmingham gang leaders. Who would take up such a poisoned chalice? Only the son of the legendary Tommy Shelby, Erasmus "Duke" Shelby (a perfectly cast Barry Keoghan), whose chip on his shoulder runs deep.

Far from the front lines, Tommy now lives in solitude, haunted by grief, shame, and the memory of his lost loved ones. His quiet, domestic life runs in contrast to the underworld shenanigans he once ran, though Harper makes sure to include shots of dead birds and bloody dripping to keep Tommy's violent past close at hand. "Some king I was," he laments in self-exile. Withdrawn from society, Tommy wanders his land and visits overgrown graves, speaking of cowardice and regret. How long can he remain a recluse, especially as his son's actions move toward a darker place than he ever ventured?

Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan make for a perfectly tense father/son duo *extreme Vin Diesel voice* family Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

Watching Murphy revisit his iconic role is an absolute treat, as Tommy wrestles with taking up his legendary mantle once more. While Tommy's moments of classic Peaky Blinders jaw-dropping diabolical chaos are limited in the film, the scenes we do get are momentous — watching a young idiot disrespect Tommy in his own Garrison pub without knowing who the hell he's talking to does not go well. The Immortal Man really gives Murphy his "cool guys don't look at explosions" last hurrah as Tommy, with an hour and a half of the actor looking extremely impressive walking through Birmingham and the Midlands to various needle drops.

Of course, Tommy is writing his memoirs — and notably at every possible moment, including on a boat en route to a mission, which cracked me up — and Murphy seems to farewell his own character with his performance, one of mourning, reflection, and reluctant pride. Cinematographers George Steel and Ben Wilson frame the series' hero in all his chiaroscuro glory, with Murphy evoking pure torment through his stoic protagonist.

SEE ALSO: '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple': How does Cillian Murphy return as Jim?

Props to the casting team for Keoghan's run as Duke, with the Saltburn actor mirroring Murphy's cold unpredictability (and flat cap) as his son. Attempting to surpass his father's legacy, Duke turns to extreme measures, evil plans, and brutality, despite the disappointment of his aunt, Ada Thorne (an excellent return from Sophie Rundle). Watching Murphy and Keoghan as father and son at loggerheads with each other, even brawling in mud surrounded by pigs, feels as raw, brutal, and steeped in family as Peaky Blinders has ever been.

Can I watch The Immortal Son if I don't watch Peaky Blinders? It's Stagg (Stephen Graham)! Credit: Robert Viglasky / Netflix

If you don't watch Peaky Blinders, I must warn you that the film comes with some major spoilers as to what happens to several main characters, so if you're planning to start the series, don't start here.

However, if you're not intending to watch Peaky Blinders in its entirety, there's enough context provided in the film's dialogue to avoid any necessary quickfire recaps. The film also makes several reveals of beloved characters like Hayden Stagg (Stephen Graham) extremely obvious in their importance, so you'll keep up on old friends, lovers, and the like — even if one of them (Rebecca Ferguson) plays the surprise twin sister card to bring back a character.

Whether you're a longtime fan or not, the legacy of Tommy Shelby and Peaky Blinders seems to transcend the episodes themselves, with The Immortal Man a worthy ending. As Shelby himself said, "I will remember everything and forget nothing."

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is streaming on Netflix March 20.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No we're not talking about F1, unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning almost every week. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.

MotoGP is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Want to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.

The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Marc Márquez is the defending champion.

When is the 2026 MotoGP World Championship?

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

1. Thailand GP — March 1

2. Brazil GP — March 22

3. USA GP — March 29

4. Qatar GP — April 12

5. Spain GP — April 26

6. France GP — May 10

7. Catalonia GP — May 17

8. Italy GP — May 31

9. Hungary GP — June 7

10. Czechia GP — June 21

11. Netherlands GP — June 28

12. Germany GP — July 12

13. Great Britain GP — Aug. 9

14. Aragon GP — Aug. 30

15. San Marino GP — Sept. 13

16. Austria GP — Sept. 20

17. Japan GP — Oct. 4

18. Indonesian GP — Oct. 11

19. Australia GP — Oct. 25

20. Malaysia GP — Nov. 1

21. Portugal GP — Nov. 15

22. Valencia GP — Nov. 22

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship without spending anything.

How to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Impressive streaming speeds without buffering

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Access to Pornhub is in turmoil. Early in 2025, more than a third of U.S. states introduced age verification laws. In response, Pornhub banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. The same situation then took place in France, and although Pornhub is complying with the UK's age verification law, users are now required to provide personal information to access the site.

The situation is constantly changing, but you can stay one step ahead with a quick and easy hack. If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from anywhere in the world, we have the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure server in another location. This process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access adult sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to your favorite site, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free with ExpressVPN.

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Pig.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

SWINE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To ward off.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 20, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PARRY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To ponder.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 20, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

THINK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To wield.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

EXERT

Final Hurdle hint

A convertible.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

COUPE

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

The New Moon has now passed, so each night the Moon should appear bigger in our skies, all the way until the next Full Moon on April 1 (in Northern America, other parts of the world will see the Full Moon on April 2, depending on time zones).

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, March 20, the Moon phase is Waxing Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 2% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says the Moon takes about 29.5 days to orbit Earth, going through eight different phases. We always see the same side, but the Sun lights up different portions as it moves, which is why it can look full, half, or just a thin sliver. These changing shapes are called the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love game night.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 20, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: To bother

• Green: Board game squares

• Blue: Ancient folklore

• Purple: Yolk

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Disturb

• Green: Words on a Monopoly board

• Blue: Figure in Greek myth

• Purple: Egg ___

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1013 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Disturb: ALARM, CONCERN, RATTLE, SHAKE

• Words on a Monopoly board: BOARDWALK, CHANCE, LUXURY, PARKING

• Figure in Greek myth: FATE, FURY, MUSE, SIREN

• Egg ___: CARTON, NOODLE, ROLL, TIMER

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 20, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're good if you love a good spin.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 20, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Spring fever

The words are related to shapes.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe swirls.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Twist and Turn.

NYT Strands word list for March 20

• Coil

• Curlicue

• Corkscrew

• Twist and Turn

• Spiral

• Helix

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.