Solve today's challenging NYT Games Strands puzzle (#311, January 8, 2025)! This puzzle presents a letter grid and the clue "Time for an Upgrade," requiring you to identify the theme and six themed words within the grid (including a pangram). Need a hand? This guide offers hints and solutions without spoiling the entire experience.

Need a nudge? Try these spoiler-free hints:
General Hint 1: Think about renovating a specific area of your home.

General Hint 2: Consider the room where you prepare meals.

General Hint 3: Focus on the improvements you might make to that food preparation area.

Partial Spoilers (One Word at a Time):
Still stuck? Here's a peek at two words and their locations in the puzzle:
Spoiler 1: The word "Backsplash" and its position within the grid.

Spoiler 2: The word "Oven" and its location.

Complete Solution:
Ready for the full answer? The theme is "Kitchen Remodel." The words are: Oven, Island, Sink, Backsplash, and Countertop.

Solution Explanation:
The clue "Time for an Upgrade" perfectly fits the theme, as these kitchen elements are frequently updated during a remodel.

Ready to play more? Visit the New York Times Games Strands website!