Today’s Mini hints and answer for October 31

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues16
Across8
Down8
Title"Hybrid Candies"

Today’s Mini clues, hints & answers

Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.

Across

1A
Candy holder for a trick-or-treater (3)
Starts with B, ends with GBAG→
4A
Org. interested in Mars and the Milky Way (4)
Starts with N, ends with ANASA→
5A
Half Starburst, half Skittle? (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESTARTLE→
8A
Golfer's goal (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPAR→
9A
Iconic Australian animal, for short (3)
Starts with R, ends with OROO→
10A
Half Airhead, half candy corn? (7)
Starts with A, ends with NAIRHORN→
12A
Half Mounds, half Reese's? (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMOUSES→
13A
Female sheep (3)
Starts with E, ends with EEWE→

Down

1D
Candy ___ (3)
Starts with B, ends with RBAR→
2D
Houston baseball team (6)
Starts with A, ends with SASTROS→
3D
Aplenty (6)
Starts with G, ends with EGALORE→
4D
Opposite of wide (6)
Starts with N, ends with WNARROW→
5D
Health resort (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASPA→
6D
"Je ___" (French "I love you") (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETAIME→
7D
Many, many millennia (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEONS→
11D
Shade of a color (3)
Starts with H, ends with EHUE→

How to solve the Mini

Click a square and type to fill the grid. Each clue is numbered and marked Across or Down; the answer runs from the numbered square in that direction. The timer starts when you open the puzzle, and completing the grid correctly stops it. There are no penalties for wrong letters, so experienced solvers fill fast and fix as they go.

Want the full method? Read our Mini strategy and tips, or check how to play the Mini on the hub.

Mini tips for tomorrow

  • Fill the long answers first. In a 5x5 grid the five-letter entries give you a letter in every crossing. Start there.
  • Read every clue once before typing. A quick scan usually reveals two or three gimmes that unlock the rest.
  • Trust the crossings. If an Across answer feels wrong, check the Down words through it rather than guessing again.

Done for today? Try The Midi, NYT Crossword, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.

Previous Mini puzzles

Mini FAQ

How many clues are in the Mini for October 31, 2026?+

16 clues: 8 Across and 8 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Joel Fagliano.

What are some answers in today’s Mini?+

For example: Candy holder for a trick-or-treater (BAG); Org. interested in Mars and the Milky Way (NASA); Half Starburst, half Skittle? (STARTLE).

What time does the NYT Mini come out?+

The next day's Mini is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time on weekdays and 6:00 pm on weekends.

Where can I find past Mini answers?+

Every past Mini on GameAnswers.com has its own page with hints and answers for every clue. Click any date above.

Today’s other puzzle answers

Mini guides