The Guardian Puzzles summer special is here to help you upgrade your downtime with a flagship 32-page print supplement launching on July 25, 2025. Curated by puzzles editor Alan Evans, this edition packs world-class logic puzzles, crosswords, and a summer metapuzzle that will challenge and delight puzzlers of every level.
What’s Inside the 2025 Guardian Puzzles Summer Special?
This year’s summer special brings together top puzzle setters including Alex Bellos, Thomas Eaton, Frank Paul, and Alan Connor. With over 2 million monthly puzzle players, the Guardian continues to delight, challenge, and baffle readers with a growing selection of brain games.
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World-Class Logic Championship Puzzles
Test your brain against official challenges from the 32nd World Puzzle Championships in Eger, Hungary. The UK’s Freddie Hand recently won the title — can you match his skills?
Summer Metapuzzle
Hidden throughout the issue, 34 blue-colored puzzle answers spell out a secret phrase linked to a major historic event on July 25, 1965. A must-solve for dedicated puzzlers.
Crosswords for Every Ability
From a jumbo cryptic by Paul to a beginner-friendly quick cryptic by Dice, a US-style maxi by Brassica, a jumbo by Sy, and Alan Connor’s “Most Guardian Crossword Ever” — there’s something for everyone.
Quizzer’s Paradise
Picture rounds and interactive trivia like “Who were we talking about?” challenge readers to identify global stars from early Guardian media profiles, plus Thomas Eaton’s popular Saturday quiz.
Comparison: Puzzles Summer Special vs. Regular Guardian Puzzles
| Feature | Summer Special | Regular Online Puzzles |
|---|---|---|
| Pages | 32-page print supplement | Online only |
| Exclusive puzzles | World championship challenges, summer metapuzzle | Daily crosswords and sudokus |
| Puzzle setters | Top names: Bellos, Eaton, Paul, Connor | Varied contributors |
| Audience | All levels from kids to experts | General online players |
Key Takeaways from the Guardian Puzzles Summer Special
- 32 pages of premium puzzles including crosswords, brainteasers, and trivia
- Features official World Puzzle Championship challenges
- Hidden summer metapuzzle with a 1965 historic event clue
- Puzzles for every skill level — from children to experts
- Curated by Alan Evans with top setters like Alex Bellos and Thomas Eaton
FAQ
When is the Guardian Puzzles summer special released?
The 2025 Puzzles summer special launches on Saturday, July 25, 2025, in print and online.
What kind of puzzles are included?
Crosswords (jumbo cryptic, quick cryptic, US-style maxi), logic puzzles from the World Puzzle Championships, a summer metapuzzle, picture rounds, trivia, and children’s puzzles.
Who are the puzzle setters for this special edition?
Alan Evans curates the edition, with contributions from Alex Bellos, Thomas Eaton, Frank Paul, Alan Connor, and others.
Whether you’re a crossword veteran or a casual brainteaser fan, the Guardian Puzzles summer special offers hours of upgraded downtime. Pre-order your copy or subscribe online to get the best of British puzzling.