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It's funny to look back on the MCU and realize these tales of epic heroism began with a spoiled nepo baby taking down his wicked-hearted business partner. But the Marvel Cinematic Universe has come a long, long way from Obadiah Stane and his iron-mongering ways. Over 36 movies and counting, the baddies have gotten badder and badder — in great ways.

To toast the unveiling of Thunderbolts*, let's look back at all the villains who got us here.

How do Valentina and Void stack up to the likes of Loki, Thanos, and Killmonger? Find out with our thorough ranking of MCU villains, beginning with the least gnarly and ending with the biggest of bads.

50. Malekith (Thor: The Dark World) Credit: screenshot / Marvel

Literally, who?* — Angie Han, former Deputy Entertainment Editor

49. Samuel Sterns (Captain America: Brave New World)

Back in The Incredible Hulk, Sterns (Tim Blake Nelson) was an ally to the titular superhero. But in Captain America: Brave New World, it's revealed that a bit of Bruce Banner's gamma-radiated blood transformed this once mild-mannered scientist into a supervillain with a scary, big brain and a face only a mother could love. Sure, his mind control powers and ability to calculate the future are creepy. But with the appearance of a rotten asparagus, Sterns just doesn't have much impact as a cinematic villain. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

48. Dormammu (Doctor Strange)

I still don't entirely understand what Dormammu is, and I don't care. And if you're about to launch into an explanation based on the comics, my point is that the movie doesn't do a good job of explaining what he is or why I should care.* — A.H.

47. Ivan Vanko (Iron Man 2)

With his gold teeth, thick Russian accent, and pet cockatoo, Vanko is basically a latter-day Johnny Depp character — and as with most latter-day Johnny Depp characters, there doesn't seem to be anything like an actual person underneath all those tiresome affectations.* — A.H.

46. The Dweller-in-Darkness (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings)

The Dweller-in-Darkness is the CGI manifestation of studio executives flipping through the screenplay of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and realizing that there’s nothing in there that would make a cool Lego set. It’s not on the very bottom of the list because all it wants to do is eat snacks (relatable), and everyone after this entry is in Marvel’s clown car of really bad villain ideas. — Alexis Nedd, Senior Entertainment Reporter

SEE ALSO: All Marvel Cinematic Universe movies ranked worst to best 45. Aldrich Killian (Iron Man 3)

The reveal that the Mandarin was really a role being played by Ben Kingsley's Trevor Slattery was a jaw-dropper, but the truth about who was really pulling the strings was far more disappointing. Not even Killian's embittered-nerd backstory can make him a compelling foil to Tony Stark.* — A.H.

44. Ronan the Accuser (Guardians of the Galaxy) Credit: Marvel Studios / Kobal / Shutterstock

Ronan gets more laughs than most of the other villains on this list, which could push him up a couple slots. But that's mostly because he's just in a funnier movie than most of the other villains on this list, not because he himself is all that funny. So he moves back down toward the bottom.* — A.H.

43. Justin Hammer (Iron Man 2)

Justin Hammer is essentially another Tony Stark, only inferior in every possible way. Which shouldn't be that interesting, except that Sam Rockwell makes him kind of an odious oddball. It's fun to watch him try to take down Stark, and even more satisfying to watch him fail again and again.* — A.H.

42. Abomination (The Incredible Hulk)

There's the germ of something interesting in Emil Blonsky, an aging soldier who agrees to undergo a painful experimental procedure in order to achieve Hulk-like power. Unfortunately, The Incredible Hulk never gets there, and by the end has reduced him to a mindless CGI monster.* — A.H.

41. Ayesha (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)

Ayesha is essentially just a superiority complex dipped in gold, but so much of the fun of her character comes from seeing her haughty grandeur rub up against the goofy, grimy world of the Guardians. Here's hoping she'll get more to do once Adam emerges.* — A.H.

40. Dar-Benn (The Marvels)  Credit: Marvel Studios

She’s got a cool warhammer (the universal weapon), some powerful jewelry (quantum band), and some tooth bling for extra flair. But this revenge-fueled wannabe savior of the Kree just feels like a retread of lesser cosmic villains who’ve come before, like Malekith and Ronan. Angry, conquering, blah. Uncluttered by egregious prosthetic makeup, Zawe Ashton’s performance isn’t swallowed up like those of her predecessors. Still, there’s not much there there. — K.P.

39. Yon-Rogg (Captain Marvel) Credit: Chuck Zlotnick

Carol Danvers' fragile masculine captor isn't particularly interesting, but not for the first time Marvel gets by on some inspired casting — and in this case, a few well-placed twists. When Carol is about to blast him to Kree-Kingdom-Come during their final showdown, Yon-Rogg encourages her to strike him, to defeat him. It's so hubristic and patronizing (what's the Kree word for "mansplain?") that Carol decides she'd rather just dip. — Proma Khosla, Entertainment Reporter

SEE ALSO: Why I love, love, love 'Captain Marvel' and everything it stands for 38. Obadiah Stane (Iron Man)

Obadiah Stane fits so many of the MCU villain tropes we've become familiar with: He's a greedy businessman and a false father figure, and he's vastly less interesting than the superhero he's out to get. What makes him first among equals is that he was literally the first, setting the mold for years to come.* — A.H.

37. Goliath and Ghost (Ant-Man and the Wasp)

Sharing a spot on the list because they share so many villainous goals, the foes of Ant-Man and the Wasp are pretty textbook. Goliath, aka Bill Foster, has beef with Hank Pym (a man who specializes in beef) and wants revenge, while Ghost, aka Ava, just wants to stop phasing and not die. They team up to harness the energy of the Quantum Realm, which interferes with Hank and Hope's plan to rescue Janet, but by the end of the movie everyone realizes what a viewer probably caught early on: There's a version of this plan where everyone wins. — P.K.

36. Kaecilius (Doctor Strange) Credit: Film Frame / Marvel

Now we're really getting down to the dregs. Kaecilius is yet another MCU antagonist who lusts after some abstract notion of power. However, he wins a couple points for that flawless eye look and hilarious who's-on-first routine. — A.H.

35. Arishem the Judge (Eternals)

The Eternals' Celestial space-robot daddy is one of the most powerful beings on this list, but fails to make a proportionate impression because he is in fact a CGI space robot with no face. Arishem is the reason the Eternals even exist. He makes villains of them and their Deviant foes by basically using everyone as chess pieces — if a game of chess ended with the Earth being destroyed to create a cosmic superbeing. Arishem isn't evil in the way of someone like Thanos; Celestials operate on ancient universal laws, while Thanos acted out of hubris — but what they all have in common is the view that most mortal life is unremarkable and therefore unessential. Hopefully Sersi, Kingo, and Phastos can convince him otherwise. — P.K.

SEE ALSO: Your 'Eternals' crushes, ranked 34. General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (The Incredible Hulk)

General Ross (William Hurt) doesn't get the big showdown with Hulk (that dubious honor goes to Abomination), but for the first two-thirds of the movie, he's a rather chilling portrayal of a man so obsessed with revenge that he's blind to the fact that he's become a monster in his own right. — A.H.

33. President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Captain America: Brave New World) Credit: Marvel Studios

The General blinded by revenge in The Incredible Hulk returns in a kinder, softer incarnation in Captain America: Brave New World. Actually, as President Ross (now played by Harrison Ford), he barely registers as a villain in this one; he's busy trying to make amends for his fiery past both with the Avengers and his daughter Betty (Liv Tyler). But he's making our list because when he goes Red Hulk, the smash spectacle is pretty terrific, even if the climax of this Cap-versus-Hulk showdown is a bore. — K.P.

32. Adam Warlock (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Credit: Jessica Miglio

Don't get me wrong, Adam Warlock (Will Poulter) is a ton of fun. This golden battle mage swoops into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 early on and basically pounds them into the dirt. After that, though, we see he's more of a childlike himbo than a supervillain. For the rest of the movie, he mostly screams "Mother!" (which, fair, when you're talking about Elizabeth Debicki as Ayesha) and hangs out with furry cutie Blurp. Good news, though: By the end of the film, he's become a new Guardian of the Galaxy, so we're in for more non-villainous Adam down the line. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

31. Valentina (Thunderbolts*) Credit: Chuck Zlotnick / Marvel 2025

Since she first strode onto the scene in Black Widow's post-credit scene, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been suave and vaguely scary. But in Thunderbolts* she shows what a master manipulator she truly is. Sure, her plans to eliminate her collection of troublesome mercenaries went up like a Bob in the night. But Valentina came out on top, pulling a Tony Stark move with a flashy press conference that made her narrative the narrative. Still, she doesn't have superpowers or offer any physical threat. She's Samuel Sterns lite (with a far better sense of style). — K.P.

30. Dreykov (Black Widow)

While far from the most charismatic or memorable villain on this list, Dreykov is pretty damn sinister when you think about what he's done. He kidnapped orphans to turn them into soldiers, and he made a point to pick children with uteruses so he could forcibly sterilize them. He turned his own daughter into a barely-sentient killing machine and seemed pleased as punch — incidentally, Natasha (and the rest of us) really want to punch him. Eff this guy. — P.K.

29. Yellowjacket (Ant-Man)

He's essentially Obadiah Stane Redux, minus the shock of realizing that, holy shit, it's Jeff Bridges under that chrome dome. Yellowjacket was just one too many wounded male egos plotting against the MCU's heroes, which perhaps mercifully led to the new era that followed. Sorry, Corey Stoll. We love you, just not this role for you.* — A.H.

28. M.O.D.O.K. (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania)

Darren Cross/Yellowjacket gets an upgrade after being banished to the Quantum Realm, where he is remade by Kang the Conqueror (more on him later) to be a Mechanized Organism Designed Only for Killing. M.O.D.O.K. is mostly a gag villain thanks to his teeny little arms and legs and frankly massive head — apologies should be in order for nightmarishly stretching Corey Stoll's face like this. But M.O.D.O.K also has some of the funniest lines in an otherwise meh movie, and Stoll is clearly having a blast. At least he died an Avenger, right? Right? — B.E.

27. Trevor/The Mandarin (Iron Man 3)

To this day, the reveal of the Mandarin's true identity is one of the most shocking twists that the MCU has ever pulled off — and Ben Kingsley plays both sides beautifully. He's chilling as the Mandarin but delightfully daft as Trevor, the party-bro actor who has no idea what's really going on.* — A.H.

26. Seth Voelker / Sidewinder (Captain America: Brave New World)

Props to Giancarlo Esposito, an actor who brings a delicious sense of menace to every role, whether he's playing a mild-mannered kingpin (Breaking Bad), a duplicitous gangster (Abigail), or a MCU mercenary. In Captain America: Brave New World, Sidewinder is a merc who will stop at nothing to make his money, be it taking nuns hostage or ambushing the eponymous superhero with a grenade. While this movie underwhelms, Esposito made sure his small part hit hard, not only playing a convincing badass but also bringing an edge of enjoyment to every gnarly mission. —K.P.

25. Void (Thunderbolts*)

Upon his arrival as a shadow on the New York City skyline, Void seems a next-level threat. The literal dark side of Bob (aka Sentry), he's able to blink people out of existence with the raising of his hand, leaving only a stain of jet-black shadow where they stood. Actually, Void is pitching his victims into "shame rooms," where they're forced to confront their traumatic pasts and bad choices. The embodiment of depression, he might have been a truly chilling villain in the MCU. But here, he's basically defeated by a group hug. — K.P.

24. Taskmaster (Black Widow)

Taskmaster is Black Widow’s main antagonist for most of the movie, and while they don’t do much beyond showing up and kicking ass, that ass-kicking is some of the best in the MCU. Tasky’s fight scenes are a highlight reel of every Avenger’s coolest moves, and half the fun of watching Black Widow is seeing how Natasha would actually fare if she squared up against Captain America, Bucky (again), Black Panther, and herself. Also, points awarded for having a cool third act reveal. Best wishes to you, Taskmaster. — A.N.

23. Alexander Pierce (Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

Like Vulture and Zemo, Alexander Pierce is a relatively understated villain. But he's got gravitas, because he's played by Robert Freakin' Redford, and he raises some genuinely complicated questions about security versus freedom. Well, at least until it's revealed that he's been a Hydra agent all along, and therefore unambiguously evil. Oh, well.* — A.H.

22. Red Skull (Captain America: The First Avenger)

Red Skull is a really good representation of another annoying MCU villain trend: squandered promise. He's played by Hugo Weaving and based on a popular comic book character, so he seems like he should be amazing. But onscreen, he comes across as just another generic nemesis.* — A.H.

21. Ulysses Klaue (Avengers: Age of Ultron, Black Panther)

Ulysses Klaue is a villain who died before he really got to live. Mostly in the sense that it would've been wild to see Andy Serkis' take on the comics, but Klaue served his purpose in the MCU's ongoing story. It's Klaue who smuggled vibranium out of Wakanda, a singular act that directly leads to Killmonger's plot to establish Wakanda as a fearsome ruling superpower. Without that vibranium, where would Ultron's consciousness end up after he escaped Tony's computer system? It's impossible to know what the MCU would look like without Klaue's impact, and that's what makes him one of the saga's essential villains. — Adam Rosenberg, Senior Entertainment Reporter & Weekend Editor

20. Ego (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)

Talk about villains grounded in painful reality. Kurt Russell is perfect as Ego, the personification of every dashing deadbeat who's ever refused to let minor details like "a child" stand in the way of his grand ambitions. It's just that his grand ambitions involve remaking the entire galaxy.* — A.H.

19. Kang the Conqueror (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) Credit: Jay Maidment / Marvel

Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors) is one of Marvel Comics' biggest villains, and he's been hyped up as the big bad of Phases 5 and 6 of the MCU. So why was he such a letdown? Maybe it's the fact that his introductory movie simply isn't very good, or maybe it's that his power set isn't defined well beyond "shooting blue beams" and "blathering on and on about how he can see time." Or maybe it's that you need to have watched Loki to have even the slightest understanding of who he is. Whatever the reason, he's just not popping yet — and that's a gargantuan problem. At least Majors seems to be having fun, I guess. — B.E.

18. Winter Soldier (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) Credit: Zade Rosenthal / Marvel Studios

Bucky is only a true villain in Winter Soldier, and then just because he's been brainwashed by Hydra. Maybe that's a shame, because it turns out he's pretty good at being bad. He's all ruthless efficiency and controlled intensity, but his real secret weapon as a supervillain is his tragic backstory.* — A.H.

17. Ultron (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

A sort of sentient robot son to Tony Stark, Ultron sounds cooler in theory than he is in execution. But he is voiced by James Spader in mustache-twirling villain mode, and he's the kind of unapologetic drama queen who insists on having his own throne. That's not nothing.* — A.H.

16. Hela (Thor: Ragnarok)

Odin’s firstborn and the goddess of death, Hela is a formidable foe for Thor. She breaks Mjolnir! She kills the Warriors Three with her knife-y powers! She’s played by Cate Blanchett! Even though Hela is sidelined for much of Thor: Ragnarok, Blanchett imbues her with delightfully chilling villainy. Also, her outfit is among the best villain looks in the MCU — talk about being dressed to kill. — B.E.

15. Gorr the God Butcher (Thor: Love and Thunder)

Say what you will about Thor: Love and Thunder, there's no denying that Christian Bale makes for an amazing villain. Drape that man in a sinister cloak, put the Necrosword in his hand, and give him a tragic backstory, and you're looking at MCU villain gold. Gorr's grief-fueled quest to kill all gods in the universe is Love and Thunder's most compelling storyline. While the film doesn't examine it quite as much as I wish it would, it still gives us Gorr being the world's most terrifying babysitter. Absolutely immaculate villain vibes. — B.E.

14. Mysterio (Spider-Man: Far From Home)

On paper, Mysterio looks like a pedestrian amalgam of Vulture, Justin Hammer, and Aldrich Killian — but the formula doesn't account for Jake Gyllenhaal chewing the absolute heck out of this role. In Mysterio, Gyllenhaal finds layers of sincerity (with Peter), egomania (with his team), and outright unhinged madness that is nothing short of delightful to behold. How did Tony Stark ever overlook this guy? — P.K.

13. The Grandmaster (Thor: Ragnarok) Credit: Marvel Studios

Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) may not be Thor: Ragnarok's main villain, but the hedonistic leader of Sakaar more than steals the show. Everything from his sparkly blue makeup to his funky piano jam sessions oozes funky, offbeat charisma — even when he’s forcing unwilling fighters to battle his champion to the death. Arguably the most fun Marvel villain, thanks in no small part to Goldblum doing what he does best, Grandmaster is just a blast to watch. — B.E.

12. Helmut Zemo (Captain America: Civil War)

In contrast to the colorful, power-mad personalities we've come to expect from comic book movies, Zemo is a quiet, unassuming man driven by grief. Best of all, the guy's kind of got a point when he notes that the Avengers are responsible for a lot of collateral damage.* — A.H.

11. The High Evolutionary (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3) Credit: Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Hoo boy, this guy is evil. In his quest to develop the perfect utopian species — so, space eugenics? — The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) tortures and mutilates sweet, innocent animals like Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper). Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 does not pull its punches when depicting the horror of The High Evolutionary's experiments, a choice that brings the MCU to its darkest places yet while solidifying just how horrendous its villain is. The High Evolutionary gets bonus points on this villain ranking for his frightening face mask and Iwuji's capital "D" Dramatic performance, which brings high Shakespearean theatrics to The High Evolutionary. Truly an irredeemable monster of a villain. — B.E.

10. Mr. Paradox (Deadpool & Wolverine) Credit: Jay Maidment / 20th Century Studios / MARVEL

Some Marvel villains have been given mystical armies, unnerving prosthetic makeovers, and/or elaborate backstories sparked from petty grievances. Mr. Paradox doesn't need any of that to be a terrific villain. Sure, at first glance, he just seems like a British suit with a smug attitude. But props to Succession's Matthew Macfadyen, who's made being a power-hungry weasel into an art. Paradox's plan is one of timeline annihilation, coldly killing off millions of beings because he thinks the timelines are tidier that way. That's deeply evil and unhinged. But what makes Paradox marvelous is Macfadyen's delivery. Whether he's providing a dense exposition dump, dressing down Deadpool for relying on the "Worst Wolverine," or squawking for help when his master plan goes kabluey, the theatrical energy and snarling self-satisfaction makes for a foe that's an absolute hoot to hate. — K.P.

9. Vulture (Spider-Man: Homecoming)

Vulture is a basically normal dude grappling with the fact that he lives in a superpowered world — but unlike our heroes, Adrian Toomes isn't inspired by example to become one of the good guys. He channels that rage into a successful black-market enterprise selling alien weaponry, but what's fascinating about Adrian is there's much more to him than supervillainy. He doesn't seem to be playing a role in the way that, say, Obadiah Stane was only pretending to be Tony's friend so he could stab him in the back later. Adrian really is a family man, and he really is an illegal arms dealer. He contains multitudes, and Homecoming doesn't shy away from it.* — A.H.

8. Namor (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)

With his winged ankles, green hot pants, and strength to rival the Hulk's, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever's Namor (Tenoch Huerta) bursts onto the scene with a tremendous amount of flair. But Namor is so much more than his appearance. A backstory involving his Yucatec-Mayan people fleeing from European colonizers sets the stage for his compelling motivations: wanting to keep his people and their home of Talokan safe. Like Black Panther's Killmonger, his reasoning makes sense and initially positions him more as an antihero. Also like Killmonger, his violent methods quickly plunge him into villainy, making for a layered Marvel antagonist who is also a blast to watch. — B.E.

7. Cassandra Nova (Deadpool & Wolverine) Credit: Jay Maidment / 20th Century Studios / MARVEL.

She's the evil twin of X-Men leader Charles Xavier, which means Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin) shares his skills for telepathy and telekinesis. But you know, without all those pesky moral codes weighing her down. Content to rule over the temporal wastelands, Cassandra developed a creepy crew of X-men villains while building a fort in the rotted-out suit of a lost Giant Man. But once she meets Deadpool and Logan, her ambition grows from dystopian tyrant to eradicator of all existence. And if that goal alone isn't enough to commend her as a top-tier MCU villain, consider how her superpower involves stretching her fingers deep into her victims' brains. Watching Paradox's eyes wiggle as she treats his skull like a bowling ball is one of the creepiest things the MCU has offered yet. — K.P.

6. Wanda Maximoff (Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) Credit: Jay Maidment

We can discuss at length how Wanda Maximoff deserved better throughout her time in the MCU, but we can also give her major props for being an exceptional villain in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Elizabeth Olsen is clearly having the time of her life as the film's big bad, channeling horror film legends like Samara from The Ring and Carrie White from Carrie. She also annihilates years' worth of fan service in the film's most diabolical sequence. On top of all that, Wanda's villainy comes after several movies and an entire TV show's worth of character development. So, our attachment makes her turn to the dark side both engrossing and painful to watch. Hats off to Olsen for a killer performance, and here's hoping Wanda is having a better time somewhere else in the multiverse. — B.E.

5. Green Goblin (Spider-Man: No Way Home)

No Way Home may have brought back every notable Spider-Man villain since 2002 (sorry, Hobgoblin), but Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin is a magnificent standout as he urges them all to go rogue. This character once laid the groundwork for the misguided-scientist-who-turns-into-a-bad-experiment that every Spidey villain followed until Vulture, and his performance is as unhinged and spectacular as it was 20 years ago. Sliding back into Goblin’s armor, madness, and signature cackle, Dafoe reminds us that he all but invented the modern comic book movie villain, that everyone else here is in the house that Goblin built. It’s a hell of a legacy to leave behind in the first place, and even mightier to live up to it yourself. — P.K.

4. Loki (Thor, The Avengers)

There's a reason Loki is the rare baddie to stick around for more than one movie (and a whole TV show). He's the only MCU supervillain who's as fully developed as the MCU superheroes — and with his sad tale of familial angst, he's almost as sympathetic. Plus, Tom Hiddleston gives Loki a slippery, smirky charisma that's hard to resist. You listen to one of his faux-Shakespearean monologues and tell me you're not tempted to cross over to the dark side.* — A.H.

3. Wenwu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) Credit: Courtesy of Marvel Studios

Leave it to Hong Kong cinema icon Tony Leung to show up 25 movies into the MCU and proceed to wipe the floor with almost every other villain the franchise has come up with. Wenwu is a fascinating villain because he’s a bad guy who isn’t always a bad person, and the real tragedy of Shang-Chi is knowing Wenwu is mourning more than the loss of his wife — he’s mourning the lost possibility of his own redemption. Also, he’s a Marvel villain who keeps another Marvel villain as a human pet. That’s god-tier villainy right there. — A.N.

2. Eric Killmonger (Black Panther)

Hot off the heels of Vulture revolutionizing MCU villainy came Michael B. Jordan's legendary turn in Black Panther. Eric is everything T'Challa isn't: vengeful, embittered, and deeply isolated. His methods might be villainous, but his message is compelling. Growing up in Oakland, far from the promise of Wakanda, he mourns generations of injustice that Black people have experienced around the world, seething with envy at T'Challa and his supposedly charmed life. Killmonger's pain stays with us long after the credits roll on Black Panther, as does his chilling final line. — P.K.

1. Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame) Credit: Marvel Studios

Here we go. The big bad. The biggest bad. In one *snap,* Thanos erased half of the known universe from existence — but it's more than that. The build-up to Thanos pretty much defined the entire pace of the MCU's first truly sprawling story arc, from Iron Man to Endgame. Marvel spent 10 entire years teasing and setting up this massive villain before 2018's Avengers: Infinity War gave him an outwardly significant role to play. It was a hell of a trick, and it wouldn't have worked without the decade of buildup making it clear that a larger, more malevolent puppet-master was always pulling the strings just out of view. There are more exciting villains in the MCU, but Thanos is, as ever, inevitable. — A.R.

*This blurb appeared on a previous list.

UPDATE: May. 2, 2025, 3:00 p.m. EDT Originally published on Sept. 9, 2021, this list has been updated to include the latest MCU releases.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Home works for Mac or PC, lasts for life, and is on sale for $159 (reg. $249).

One of the only reasons to stick with Microsoft 365 was that it had the most recent versions of apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The subscription is expensive, but the AI upgrades really save a ton of time. 

Good news: that's not the only way to get updated Microsoft apps. Now, you can get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC as a one-time purchase, and it's marked down to 159 (reg. $249).

Why rent when you can buy?

This license lasts for life with no recurring costs of any kind. It connects directly to your Microsoft account and lets you use Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote on a PC or Mac.

Each of these apps have all the recent upgrades. Word now includes real-time co-authoring, which lets multiple users work on the same document simultaneously. You also get to use AI-powered suggestions to help streamline the writing process. 

In Excel, dynamic data handling with new formulas like FILTER, SORT, and UNIQUE can be a serious time-saver for anyone working with complex data sets. That means Excel can now handle real-time updates, so your data visualizations and reports stay accurate and current without the need to manually refresh anything.

PowerPoint has received a major upgrade, too. You can record presentations with voice, video, and closed captions. That's a lot easier than manually inserting everything yourself after recording it on another app. 

And don’t forget about OneNote. The updated app is designed for smoother collaboration so you can share notes and work with others way more efficiently.

Get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or Windows for $159. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

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The Bluetti AC180 portable power station is on sale for $449 at Amazon. This deal saves you 44% on list price, and marks the record-low price on Amazon according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. If you've been waiting for the right moment to pick up a portable power station, this is your time to shine.

SEE ALSO: Feeling eco-friendly? Save hundreds on a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S24 with a new battery

The Bluetti AC180 packs a 1152Wh LiFePO4 battery that can be fully charged in just an hour. The AC180 boasts 1800W output and 11 outlets to handle almost anything you plug in, and you can even give it a boost to 2700W for your higher energy needs. You also get a built-in MPPT charge controller for up to 500W of solar input that can fully charge in 2.8-3.3 hours with renewable energy.

Save over $300 on this camping essential from Bluetti.

FREE COMIC BOOKS: Free Comic Book Day takes place on May 3, 2025. Get your hands on Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men, The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe, the latest Energon Universe special, and much more on Free Comic Book Day.

Opens in a new window Credit: Free Comic Book Day Free Comic Book Day 2025 Learn More

May is here, and that can only mean one thing for comic book fans: the return of Free Comic Book Day.

Every year, comic shops all around the world participate in this special event by giving away free books. Fans can get their hands on DC All In: 2025 Special Edition, Marvel's Fantastic Four/X-Men, The Amazing Spider-Man/Ultimate Universe, and so much more during this giveaway. Check out the full line-up of free comic books right here.

SEE ALSO: Building the 'Twilight' Lego set was the therapy session I didn’t know I needed

See something you like? Well you know what to do. Many comic book shops will be participating in this event, but you can make use of this Free Comic Book Day store Locator to find your nearest shop and confirm they'll actually be giving out free comics. And then make plans to attend. Clear your schedule. This is free comic books we're talking about here. This takes priority over whatever else you had planned.

It's important to note that Free Comic Book Day isn't actually free for store owners. They will still need to pay shipping costs for these books, so it might be a good idea to purchase a few comics to go along with your freebie. No pressure, of course. Just an idea.

Make the most of Free Comic Book Day in 2025.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open final for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 Madrid Open has delivered some really entertaining tennis over the last couple of weeks, and we've now reached the tournament's dramatic conclusion. Sabalenka takes on Gauff in the final of the women's draw, in what looks like an absolutely incredible match between two fierce competitors. We cannot wait.

If you want to watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open final for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Gauff for free

The 2025 Madrid Open final is available to live stream for free on RTVE.

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open final for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Musetti vs. Diallo without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Gauff in the 2025 Madrid Open final 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

To remove a lid.

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

UNCAP

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Elegance.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 3, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

GRACE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

The cosmos.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 3, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ETHER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Part of the human upper body.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 3 Hurdle Word 4 answer

TORSO

Final Hurdle hint

Used to block out profanity.

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

BLEEP

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

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025 Madrid Open for free on RTVE. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The French Open isn't all that far away, so it's time for the best players in the world to take to the clay to sharpen up before the second Grand Slam of the season. The good news for top players is that there is ample opportunity to do just that, with a number of high-profile tournaments taking place at this time of year.

Following on from the Barcelona Open is the Madrid Open, with a number of top players competing in this popular event. For many, this will be a dress rehearsel for the main event at Roland-Garros.

If you want to watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Madrid Open?

The Madrid Open is an annual professional tennis tournament played on clay courts at the Caja Mágica in Madrid. The defending singles champions are Andrey Rublev and Iga Świątek.

When is the 2025 Madrid Open?

The 2025 Madrid Open is the 23rd edition of the event on the ATP Tour and 16th on the WTA Tour. This year's event takes place from April 22 to May 4.

How to watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free

The 2025 Madrid Open are available to live stream for free on RTVE.

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

Access free live streams of the 2025 Madrid Open 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 Spain

4. Visit RTVE

5. Watch the 2025 Madrid Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 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 the 2025 Madrid Open before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTVE?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including Spain

• 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the 2025 Madrid Open for free with ExpressVPN.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

In a world where online dating and casual hookups have become the norm, dating can still feel exhausting. Sometimes, just the thought of putting on proper clothes, coming up with witty conversation starters, and commuting to the actual meetup spot can be tiring.

No matter what kind of encounter you plan, when it comes to dating, there'll always be some sort of physical effort required. The good news? There is a loophole: Sexting.

What is sexting?

Sexting is the art of sending sexually explicit photos or messages to one or more people via text. Thanks to its recent rise in popularity, there are now apps for sexting and new sexting features in apps that are otherwise for dating in person.

What do you need to know about sexting?

Whether you're interested in giving sexting a try or you're a seasoned pro, there are a few things to keep in mind when downloading and using a new dating app to sext. Sure, there are fewer inhibitions when scoring a new sexting partner when compared to finding a long-term lover, but there are rules you should follow in order for all parties to feel at ease. Here are three big ones:

• Mutual respect — Assess the situation and know your audience. Usually, it doesn't take much more than a few pre-sext texts (or pre-sexts) to gauge whether or not someone is interested in doing the cyber-dirty with you. Take the time to figure that out before you lead with something raunchy and uncalled-for. AKA, don't just start throwing dick pics at people left and right if they didn't ask.

• Mutual trust — Be respectful: Privacy is sacred. The internet has the scary ability to make fleeting moments very permanent. If someone asks you to keep something to yourself, do it. While sexting can be light and fun, it also requires a serious level of trust. If you betray that trust, you're ruining it for everybody.

• Privacy — No app can completely protect your privacy for you — that's your job. Though there are apps that have certain features that are designed to protect your identity/content, they don't rule out all scenarios. For example, someone doesn't need to take a screenshot to capture a picture you send. They could easily use another phone or device to snap or record your photos and/or videos. You should always keep this in mind before sending anything that could be compromising, and do your best to make sure you trust the person who's receiving your messages.

Keep these points in mind when engaging in NSFW messaging.

Should you engage in sexting?

Real-life dating is obviously the best way to get to know somebody long-term, especially if you're looking for any kind of serious, in-person relationship. And real sex will always be better than sexting. However, sexting is an alternative that may help you out in ways you didn't even think about.

• Convenience — Whether you plan to wine and dine on your date or just meet to hook up, it always requires some extra effort. For those with super hectic schedules or those who just don't have room in their life (for whatever reason) for a steady in-person relationship, sexting is practically a saving grace. After all, your sex drive doesn't go away just because you're busy. Sexting allows you to take care of your sexual needs without putting yourself out.

• Exploring trust and intimacy — Getting comfortable with another person in close quarters doesn’t always come naturally for everyone — but opting for sexting gives way to a new level of exploration in terms of intimacy and trust. You don’t ever have to meet the person behind the screen if you don’t want to, but being able to practice feeling vulnerable without any strings attached can be a great lesson in being more open.

• Freedom — As is the case with most behind-the-screen activities, with sexting, you can let go of your inhibitions and get comfortable exploring your sexual side. Knowing there's a certain barrier between you and the other person may allow you to experiment with language and ideas that you wouldn't otherwise explore in person.

• Fun — A little honesty, please. A night of sexting is always going to be a lot more fun than endlessly swiping right on a dating app and starting the same conversation over and over. Having the option of opening an app on your phone and engaging in a little virtual foreplay offers instant gratification and (almost) guaranteed pleasure.

• Safety — We've touched on the reasons why sexting might not be completely safe in terms of privacy, but to its credit, sexting offers an element of safety that in-person meetings don't. Sexting allows you to interact with both people you know and total strangers without putting yourself in dangerous or unwanted physical situations. Your experience should always be what you want it to be, and with sexting, if it's not going in the direction you want, it's just a matter of closing an app.

The benefits are clear for all to see, so not give it a try?

What makes an app good for sexting?

You'll want to look for certain features in an app if you're planning on sexting:

• Ease of use — You don’t want to find yourself in a hot and steamy conversation trying to figure out how to attach an image or a voice note. When it comes to sexting, the more user-friendly the platform is, the better. You’ll want something that’s efficient and fast.

• Privacy features — What happens in a sexting app doesn’t always stay in a sexting app; there are no guarantees that your conversations or selfies won’t wind up a screenshot on someone’s phone. That said, certain apps include instant self-destruction features that delete photos and conversations after a certain amount of time.

• Safety — If you’re looking for a night of no-strings-attached fun online, it doesn’t really matter if the person on the other end of your conversation has been verified — but if you do want to ensure you’re not being catfished or chatting with a bot, consider using an app that links social media or verifies users.

• Subscription pricing versus free features — How much are you willing to pay for bells and whistles? There are several free apps out there, but if you're looking for something a little fancier, you can pay a few pounds a month for premium features.

With these features in mind, you should be ready to select an app and start sexting. You've got this.

What is the best app for sexting?

Since sexting, by nature, comes with a lot of factors to consider (consent and privacy, for example), we've picked out the best sexting apps to get you off — to a good start, that is. We've tried to line up something for everyone, so check out these options, and pick your favourite.

These are the best sexting apps in 2025.

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

1. Sign up 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 the U.S.

4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2025.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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.

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

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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: The act of defending

• Green: Parts of a high-speed race

• Blue: Related to the Kentucky Derby

• Purple: Tennis-related

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Protect, as a defense

• Green: Areas at a NASCAR track

• Blue: Horse racing Triple Crown winners

• Purple: ATP Masters 1000 tournaments

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 Sports Edition #222 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Protect, as a defense - DEFEND, GUARD, PREVENT, SHIELD

• Areas at a NASCAR track - INFIELD, PITS, STRAIGHTAWAY, TURN

• Horse racing Triple Crown winners - AFFIRMED, JUSTIFY, OMAHA, WHIRLAWAY

• ATP Masters 1000 tournaments - CANADIAN, CINCINNATI, INDIAN WELLS, MIAMI

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.

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

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 today's Connections.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for May 3 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Say "ah"

The words are medical instruments.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are things a physician carries.

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 Doctors Kit.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for May 3

• Stethoscope

• Syringe

• Gauze

• Doctors Kit

• Tape

• Thermometer

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 today's Strands.

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.

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

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.

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

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's The Mini crossword answers for May 3 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: Slang for amazing

• Green: To beat someone at something

• Blue: Two words combined

• Purple: Seen on a website link

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Awesome

• Green: Defeat soundly

• Blue: "Will" contractions without the apostrophe

• Purple: URL endings plus a letter

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 #691 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Awesome: DOPE, FIRE, LIT, SICK

• Defeat soundly: CREAM, LICK, PASTE, SMOKE

• "Will" contractions without the apostrophe: HELL, ILL, SHELL, WELL

• URL endings plus a letter: COMP, MILK, NETI, ORGO

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 May 3

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

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 today's Connections.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for May 3 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 3, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A chump.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

PATSY.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for May 3

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 today's Wordle.

This week, Google reportedly sent an email to parents to let them know that the Gemini AI chatbot will soon be available for children under 13 years old.

The New York Times cites an email that states the chatbot would be available starting next week for certain users. (Chrome Unboxed reported on the same email on April 29.) Google sent the email to parents who use the company's Family Link service, which lets families set up parental controls for Google products like YouTube and Gmail. Only children who participate in Family Link would have access to Gemini, for now. The email reportedly told parents their children would be able to ask Gemini questions or assist with tasks like doing homework.

The move comes days after the nonprofit Common Sense Media declared that AI companions represent an "unacceptable risk" for people under 18. Common Sense Media worked with researchers from Stanford School of Medicine's Brainstorm Lab for Mental Health Innovation, resulting in a report urging parents to stop underage users from accessing tools like Character.ai.

Character.ai is one of a growing number of services that let users create and interact with AI "characters." As Common Sense Media wrote in its report, "These AI 'friends' actively participate in sexual conversations and roleplay, responding to teens' questions or requests with graphic details."

This type of roleplaying is distinct from AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, but it's a blurry line. Just this week, Mashable reported on a bug that would have allowed kids to generate erotica with ChatGPT, and The Wall Street Journal exposed a similar bug with Meta AI. So, while AI chatbots like Gemini do have safeguards to protect young people, users are finding ways to get around these guardrails. It's a fact of life on the internet that some rules are easily skirted. Just consider online pornography, which is illegal for people under 18, yet widely available with just a few clicks.

So, parents who want to keep their kids from using artificial intelligence are facing an uphill battle.

To make the debate even more complicated, President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order that would bring AI education into U.S. schools. The White House says the order will "promote AI literacy and proficiency of K-12 students." Understanding AI's abilities, risks, and limitations could be useful for children using it for schoolwork (especially considering its tendency to hallucinate).

In its email to parents, Google acknowledged these issues, urging parents to "help your child think critically" when using Gemini, according to The New York Times.

The U.S. Copyright Office is in the midst of a consequential investigation into copyright law and artificial intelligence, and in a recent interview, a lawyer with the Office said it is already registering works enhanced by AI.

In an April article in WIPO Magazine, Assistant General Counsel Jalyce Mangum said that the "Office has registered more than a thousand works where applicants have followed our guidance to disclose and disclaim AI-generated material." Crucially, Mangum said the office considers "whether AI is enhancing human expression or is the source of the expressive choices."

A January 2025 report from the Office stated that hundreds of AI-enhanced works had been registered, a spokesperson for the U.S. Copyright Office told Mashable. Now, we know that more than 1,000 such works have been registered.

Many artists have taken a hard line against artificial intelligence, protesting its use in any creative endeavor. Mashable has reported on the backlash to the use of AI in films like The Brutalist and Late Night With the Devil, a recent resurrection project that uses the likeness of Agatha Christie, the restoration of The Wizard of Oz for The Sphere, and the controversial Studio Ghibli image trend that utilized ChatGPT.

Previously, the Office determined that material generated by AI tools is eligible for copyright protection only if it's contained in work primarily made by a human. As Mashable reported, that means images generated by tools like DALL-E, ChatGPT, or Midjourney cannot be copyrighted, no matter how much work went into fine-tuning the prompt. The U.S. Copyright Office's full guidance on AI-assisted material is available on its website, a representative told us.

That guidance was included in the second part of a report from the Office on copyright and artificial intelligence. (Part 3, set to be released later this year, will have huge implications for how AI models are trained.) "In Part 2 of our report, the Office affirmed that copyright does not extend to purely AI-generated material or material where there is insufficient human control over the expressive elements," Mangum said in the WIPO article.

However, material that was merely "enhanced" by AI is currently eligible for copyright registration. Part 2 of the report also mentions specific use cases such as "crowd removal from photos, video stabilization tools, and ray tracing."

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko returned to Talking Pictures with Neil Rosen to weigh in on some of the biggest titles in movies and TV.

Alongside fellow film critics Perri Nemiroff, Neil Rosen, and Bill McCuddy, she expressed her praise and critiques for a string of new releases, and answered some burning questions. Like, what's the best episode of Black Mirror Season 7? Does The Ugly Stepsister, the body-horror reimagining of Cinderella, live up to the Sundance hype? And why are critics and audiences alike going wild for writer/director Ryan Coogler's Sinners?

SEE ALSO: Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan on 'Sinners' unique spin on vampirism

On this episode, the panel also reviews Netflix's hit crime drama Adolescence, the music-infused dramedy The Ballad of Wallis Island, the new Prime Video series Étoile from Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, the Danish romantic drama The Kiss, and the upcoming biopic about groundbreaking wrestler Mildred Burke, Queen of the Ring.

Which of these are a must-see and which are worthy of missing? Find out by watching the episode above, or by tuning into PBS.

The best streaming deals to watch 'Black Bag' at a glance: BEST NON-STREAMING OPTION Rent or buy 'Black Bag' on Prime Video $9.99 or $14.99 Get Deal BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE Peacock Premium yearly subscription $79.99/year (save 17%) Get Deal BEST FOR STUDENTS Peacock Premium for Students $2.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal BEST FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR MILITARY Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $3.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR TEACHERS Peacock Premium for Teachers $3.99/month for 12 months (save $4/month) Get Deal BEST FOR INSTACART USERS Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $79.99/year) Get Deal BEST FOR JETBLUE TRUEBLUE MEMBERS Peacock Premium Free for one year for Mosaic status members (save $79.99/year) Get Deal

Director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi) teamed up once more for Black Bag — and unsurprisingly, hit it out of the park again. A sophisticated spy thriller with a twist, Black Bag is about much more than just global dynamics or stealthy stunts. "At its core, it's a story of two people who are still madly in love and fighting for each other. That gives Black Bag an edge," Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko wrote in her review.

It stars Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as a British couple who also happen to be intelligence agents. And as any movie lover knows, these two are more than up to the task of playing powerful and sexy spies. Black Bag also stars Marisa Abela (Industry), Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton), Tom Burke (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Naomie Harris (Venom: Let There Be Carnage), and former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.

If you missed out on seeing it in the theater, you can now watch Black Bag at home (maybe even for free). Here's everything you need to know.

What is Black Bag about?

Black Bag follows Kathryn and George Woodhouse (Blanchett and Fassbender), married British intelligence agents. They typically manage to keep their work and their marriage separate, but when Kathryn is suspected of treason, George faces an impossible choice: loyalty to his wife or his country.

"Black Bag is a sexy, smart, and cool movie about marriage," Puchko summed up in her review. "Seriously."

Get a taste of the sexy spy thriller in the official trailer:

Is Black Bag worth watching?

"As soon as Black Bag was over," Puchko wrote in her review, "I felt that dizzying high one gets from a proper spy thriller, the rush of vicarious adrenaline from the case cracked and the day saved. But I also had the deep urge to see this movie again immediately. Because as generous as the filmmaker and stars are with slathering this story in George and Kathryn's mutual attraction, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to go back to feel the thrill of their love for each other all over again."

It appears other critics agree, as the Soderbergh film currently has a 96 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The audience rating is a bit lower, currently holding at 70 percent, with some reviewers noting that it can be a bit hard to follow at times. Ultimately, however, both critics and audiences agree it's a satisfying watch.

Check out our full review of Black Bag.

How to watch Black Bag at home Credit: Focus Features

After an underwhelming box office performance, despite overwhelming praise, it's time audiences show up for Black Bag at home. There are multiple ways to watch — rent it via digital on demand, purchase it digitally, or stream it beginning May 2. See the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

Black Bag made its at-home debut on major digital platforms (Prime Video, Apple TV+, etc.) on April 1, 2025. The film is available to buy for $24.99 or rent for $19.99. While it's tempting to opt for the rental to save a few bucks, just remember that you'll only get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to purchase instead, then it's yours to own and you can watch whenever you please.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase Black Bag:

• Prime Video — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Apple TV+ — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Fandango at Home — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

• Google Play — buy for $14.99, rent for $9.99

Stream it on Peacock

As with other recent Focus Features films (Conclave, Nosferatu, etc.), Black Bag is set to make its streaming debut on Peacock, the streaming service owned by NBCUniversal, on May 2, 2025.

Don't have a Peacock subscription? You can sign up for as low as $7.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without. But before you jump the gun, be sure to check out the best ways to save money on a subscription below.

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest long-term Peacock deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $79.99 per year or $139.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

While a monthly subscription to Peacock goes for $7.99 or $13.99, you can save about 17% and drop that price to just $6.67 or $11.67 by paying for a year up front. The annual Peacock subscriptions cost just $79.99 per year with ads or $139.99 per year without. So, basically, you'll get 12 months of streaming for the price of 10. If you plan on sticking around, this is the best option.

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If you're an Xfinity customer, there's a good chance you can score a Peacock subscription for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for the deal:

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• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

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If you have a student email address, you can verify through SheerID, then you can get a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for only $2.99 per month for 12 months. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just note that it can only be used once.

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First responders and medical professionals are also able to score a discounted Peacock Premium subscription. Once you verify your first responder or medical professional status via SheerID, you'll get a unique promo code that will drop the cost of a subscription from $7.99 per month to just $3.99. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. You may just have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code again. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.

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Active duty U.S. military service members, Reservists, National Guard members, veterans, or U.S. military retirees can also score a Peacock Premium subscription for $3.99 per month instead of the usual $7.99 per month. As with the previous deals, you'll have to prove your military status using SheerID and retrieve a promotional code to activate the offer. Eligible military personnel who continue to meet requirements can redeem the deal annually.

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Teachers can also verify their educator status with SheerID to get their bite out of Peacock savings. Once verified, you'll receive a unique promo code that may only be used once to drop the price of Peacock Premium down to just $3.99 per month for one year. Once the promotional period ends, you'll be charged full price, so be sure to cancel before the year ends.

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An Instacart+ account ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock subscription. So, beyond free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup order, Instacart+ users can now stream the entire Peacock catalog for free with ads. That's a $79.99 per year value. Better yet, if you're new to Instacart+, you can sign up for a free two-week trial to test things out and watch Black Bag and more for free.

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Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic status members can get their first year of Peacock Premium for free ($79.99 value). If you don't have Mosaic status, you can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when you sign up for Peacock. Learn more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.

Have you ever wanted to ask an astronaut a question, or just talk to one in general? Wouldn't it be cool if you could speak to an astronaut even as they were floating on the ISS in space, looking down on Earth? It's not actually difficult to do just that. All you need is ham radio.

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox—Incognito mode is a standard feature in most modern browsers. But what really happens when you start browsing in Incognito mode? Fun fact—it doesn’t make your browsing session completely anonymous, as you might think.