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Instagram seems to always be testing a new feature or two, and this week, Storylines is on the docket.

App researcher Alessandro Paluzzi posted a screenshot on Threads earlier this month that Instagram was working on Storylines, but posted confirmation of the test on Sunday, along with a screenshot that shows how the feature works.

"Link stories to make a storyline," Paluzzi's screenshot of the feature reads. "Friends can link their story to yours. Followers you follow back can link a new related story to your story."

View on Threads

From this description, it looks like Storylines are basically collaborative Stories built by you and your friends in the app, similar to a more collaborative version of "Add Yours."

"The storyline grows as friends add to it," the screenshot of the feature continues. "As people join, followers they follow back can also add. Change who can join or turn storylines off in settings."

If, for example, you're celebrating a friend's birthday, you can add some pictures to your story, and your friends can add their own birthday content, building an even bigger Story together on the app.

"Stories in a storyline show up together," the feature reads. "Followers can see your story. Anyone can see you're in the storyline."

Meta, Instagram's parent company, did not immediately respond to Mashable's request for information, so it's unclear if the feature will be widely available anytime soon.

TL;DR: Find greater value on your groceries, home goods and more by saving 50% on a Sam’s Club 1-year membership, making it just $25, but only for a few more days.

TikTok tried to convince us that Erewhon Market is the most luxurious place to get groceries, but we’d argue that Sam’s Club takes the cake. It might not have ridiculously expensive berries, but you can get multiple errands done under one roof and skip the checkout line if you download their app.

The only downside is that, like a real club, you have to be a member to get inside the door. If you want in, save $25 here with our Sam’s Club membership deal and get one year for $25 (reg. $50) for a limited time.

VIP savings and shopping perks inside

Sam’s Club members usually have a hard time leaving without the entire store in their carts since they can shop for everything from fresh and frozen groceries (including the ever-elusive eggs) to electronics and furniture in one place. You won’t have to hop between multiple stores to get everything on your list anymore. That's so 2024.

Plus, with bulk-sized goods, you probably won’t have to make as many trips to Sam’s Club as you would with your regular store — that is, if you can handle staying away.

If your cart is full to the brim and the line looks long, there’s no need to stand and wait. With Scan and Go™ on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan your items, show your digital receipt on your way out (everyone has to do this), and be on your way.

Members of Sam’s Club also rave about savings on gas, so don’t forget to fill up your tank on the way home. The club also has a tire and battery center if your car needs more than fuel.

Speaking of members-only, you’ll get even more discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. We think you’ll earn back that $25 membership fee in no time with how much you’re saving on, well, everything.

Don’t miss out on this Sam’s Club membership offer to start maximizing your shopping budget — get one year of access for just $25 (reg. $50) for a little while longer.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew! $25
$50 Save $25 Get Deal

SAVE $50: The Fitbit Versa 4 fitness smartwatch is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon, down from the list price of $199.99. That's a 25% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Now that the weather doesn't involve frozen fingers and windchill that dips into the negatives, we're back outside taking little walks for mental health. If you could use a fitness tracker upgrade as we head into the summer months, check out this nice deal at Amazon.

As of April 21, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $149.99 in all colorways on Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $199.99. That's a $50 savings from a 25% discount that beats out the $159.99 sale price we saw during the Amazon Big Spring Sale last month.

The Fitbit Versa 4 comes with all the features we're looking for in a smartwatch that tracks fitness, but it doesn't come with the premium price. That's even more true today thanks to the $50 discount. Of course, it'll track your steps during those neighborhood walks but it also comes equipped with over 40 exercise modes. It's also water resistant up to 50 meters, so you'll be able to leave it on during summer vacation at the pool.

SEE ALSO: Therabody’s eye massager costs $200, but this alternative’s on sale for $50

Fitbit mentions you can expect to get about six days worth of battery life on a single charge, and it comes packed with health features. The Fitbit Versa 4 can track your sleep, heart rate, and skin temperature, to name a few highlights. You'll also get a daily readiness score which can be helpful when planning your day.

The Fitbit Versa 4 includes several other everyday features that come in handy like getting turn-by-turn directions on the watch with Google Maps or enabling Google Wallet on the watch. Plus, the features on the Fitbit Versa 4 are compatible with both Android and iOS.

If your spring and summer plans involve getting active, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a great companion to track your progress. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, the smartwatch fitness tracker is down to just $149.99.

The Justice Department said that the best way to address the tech company’s monopoly in internet search was to force it to sell Chrome, among other measures.

TL;DR: Sitting all day takes a toll, but this app works to undo the damage. Get lifetime access to the Moova Plus Plan for only $79.99 (reg. $164).

Spending eight hours at your desk isn't just bad for morale — it's bad for your body, too. Moova works to undo the damage by adding quick, expert-designed movement sessions into your day, which may help you feel more energized, improve your posture, and stay focused.

If you want to infuse movement into your work days, a lifetime subscription to Moova is now just $79.99 (reg. $164). 

Stay focused and pain-free with Moova’s daily movement breaks

Is sitting the new smoking? From WFH gigs to jobs that require a cubicle, we're all sitting more than ever, and it's wreaking havoc on our bodies. Moova aims to change that as the ultimate movement app — and it only asks for 3-5 minutes of your time.

Moova offers science-backed instructions that may help with the back pain, neck tension, and stiffness that come from sitting at a desk all day. It may also help enhance your focus and improve your stress levels.

Moova’s customizable move breaks let you adjust sessions to match your mood and availability. The app is packed with over 200 targeted exercises ready to help fight against your bad posture, stiffness, aches, and even low energy. 

Employees at Google, Apple, Netflix, and Meta are already taking advantage of this helpful app, so now it's your turn. With lifetime access, you can commit to infusing movement into your everyday life and see long-term results. And you'll have access to all future updates and new features. 

Secure your own lifetime subscription to Moova for just $79.99 (reg. $164) today.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Moova Moova Plus Plan: Lifetime Subscription $79.99
$164.97 Save $84.98 Get Deal

After Meta blocked news from its platforms in Canada, hyperpartisan and misleading content from popular right-wing Facebook pages such as Canada Proud has filled the gap.

GET 40% OFF: Apr. 21st, SteelSeries deals offer up to 40% off on gaming mice, keyboards, headphones, and more.

The best SteelSeries deals The best SteelSeries mouse deal Aerox 5 $47.99 (Save $32) Get Deal The best SteelSeries keyboard deal Apex 7 $119.99 (Save $40) Get Deal The best SteelSeries headphone deal Arctis Nova 7P $139.99 (Save $40) Get Deal

Often, the only thing taking you out of the game is bad gear. A good interface brings you into the action, offering tactility, precision, and communication. SteelSeries specializes in exactly this — or "egg-actly" (in the spirit of their Easter egg themed sale).

Right now, SteelSeries is offering deals up to 40% on gaming gear, including The Aerox 5 gaming mouse, keyboards, microphones, and headphones. Here are the SteelSeries deals we're most excited about.

The best SteelSeries mouse deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Aerox 5 $47.99 at SteelSeries
$79.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This mouse is radiant, with an open frame build that shows off the mouse's interior hardware and customizable LEDs. At 66g, it's also lightweight.

The Aerox 5 has 9 programmable buttons with switches that are designed to last as long as you use it. It has a 18,000 CPI optical sensor with a 1000Hz / 1 ms polling rate.

Right now the Aerox 5 is on sale for $47.99, saving you 40%.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming laptops of 2025 for PC gamers The best SteelSeries keyboard deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Apex 7 $119.99 at SteelSeries
$159.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Need a new keyboard? This one is advanced. The Apex 7 is backlit with switches in red, blue, or an orangish brown. Each switch type has different characteristics, with some more clicky and quieter than others. Set up its LEDs to illuminate it your way.

Customizable to its core, the Apex 7's keys are swappable with alternatives, so you can create a keyboard that feels, looks, and sounds exactly right (that's right, you can even install mufflers to reduce the click decibels).

Right now, the Apex 7 is on sale for $119.99 saving you 25%.

The best SteelSeries headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7p $139.99 at SteelSeries
$179.99 Save $40 Get Deal Why we like it

Whether co-op or competitive, social gaming is better with fluid communication. Arctis Nova 7p are headphones made for the match, with a microphone, AI noise cancellation, and spatial audio that helps you pinpoint in-game threats.

Compatible with PC, Xbox, Playstation, Switch, and more, these headphones are as cross-play as your 7 Days to Die server. They supply up to 38 hours of battery life.

Right now, the Arctis Nova 7p headphones are on sale for $139.99 for a savings of $40, or 22%.

More SteelSeries deals we like

• Alias Pro Microphone — $329.99 $299.99 (save $30)

• Stratus Duo Controller — $59.99 $44.99 (save $15)

SAVE $1,000: The Coddle Pixel platform bed is on sale for just $499 in both a queen and king size, down from the normal price of $1,499. That's a 67% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coddle Coddle Pixel platform bed $499 at Coddle
$1,499 Save $1,000 Get Deal

Your bedroom should be a relaxing space that you find calming after finishing off another day. Of course, the main bedroom element is the bed itself, and that includes the bed frame. If you're using a metal frame that was a hand-me-down from family 10 years ago, you're in line for an upgrade and there's a really great sale in store today to get you there.

As of April 21, the Coddle Pixel platform bed is on sale for $499 in either a queen or king size, marked down from the usual price of $1,499. That's a massive $1,000 savings that comes from the 67% discount.

We've come a long way from the days of a metal frame with a box spring serving as the base for our mattresses. These days, most beds don't need a box spring and we're not sad about that. But some have gone much further with innovation and the Coddle Pixel platform bed is a fantastic example.

For starters, the Coddle Pixel platform bed has a modern low-profile design with an upholstered headboard that extends around the perimeter of the bed. You can choose either the Dove or Indigo colorways, and Coddle uses only stain-resistant fabric, so the brand mentions most stains can easily come off.

SEE ALSO: I tested sleep earbuds for over a month: Here are the 3 best pairs

One of the best features of the Coddle Pixel is the integrated power outlets. With one on each side of the headboard, you and your partner can recharge devices via a standard AC power plug or with USB. This feature means you'll no longer have to string cords across the bedroom floor, which is not only great for function but is also nice for overall looks. You'll be able to recharge your phone while you rest or power up your smartwatch so it's ready for a new day come morning. The AC power plug is also super convenient if you happen to be working on your laptop while in bed.

Since Coddle uses solid timber and plywood in the frame, your shipment will come in two boxes to lighten the load. However, the brand still recommends having two people around to haul the boxes inside and work on assembly.

If your spring cleaning plans include upgrading your bedroom setup, consider going with a fresh and modern bed frame. Thanks to today's impressive sale, the Coddle Pixel platform bed is down to just $499 which works out to a savings of $1,000. That's a smart price for a smart platform bed that'll leave your body recharged from a good night's rest while also powering up your devices.

We've all been there: You pull out your AirPods case, flip the top, and realize your earbuds have become very small (very expensive) petri dishes. And though you may not know how they got so dirty, you're sure that things have to change. The Apple AirPods are particularly prone to building up of gunk, mostly because they have so many nooks and crannies for that stuff to hide in. Here are a few ways to battle the build-up.

Clean your AirPods using tools you have at home

Giving your AirPods a glow-up doesn't take much, and you can make it happen using tools you may have lying around your home.

• Toothpick: Use toothpicks to ease gunk out of tight spaces. Just be sure to clean gently, as the mesh panels in your earbuds can pop out or dislodge.

• Q-Tip: Use a Q-Tip to pick up particles along the curves of your AirPods and inside your charging case.

• Soft makeup brush: Use a clean makeup brush to remove detritus from the black mesh on your AirPods.

• Microfiber cloth: Grab any microfiber cloth — those small square pieces of fabric that are often included with sunglass, eyeglass, and phone purchases — and gently rub to remove dust and dirt from your buds.

Check out how to use these household items to clean your AirPods in the video below:

Invest in tools to clean your tech

Splurging for tools made specifically for cleaning electronics isn't necessary, but having them handy can make it easier to regularly touch up and care for your devices so they don't get so dirty to begin with.

OXO's double-sided cleaning brush is a huge help for small electronics. Use the rubber end to remove debris in and along the thinnest crevices of your device and brush dust away with the soft bristles on the other side.

Opens in a new window Credit: OXO / Amazon OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush $8.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

To clean the exterior of your device, Apple recommends using a wipe with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol or 75 percent ethyl alcohol — just be careful around that pesky mesh, which is sensitive to liquid. These small disinfecting pads are the perfect size for disinfecting small handheld devices and can be popped in your purse for a quick, convenient clean.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Composite / Med Pride, Amazon MED PRIDE Alcohol Prep Pads $3.99 at Amazon
$4.47 Save $0.48 Shop Now

It's an open secret that some teens circumvent social media platform age restrictions by simply giving the wrong birth date when they sign up.

Now Instagram will use artificial intelligence in order to identify those users and route them back into age-appropriate "teen accounts," according to an Instagram blog post published Monday.

Instagram already uses AI to determine age, but the platform will begin testing the technology's ability to proactively find teens on accounts with an adult birthday listed. Instagram will then place them in its teen account settings, which have a number of safety features.

SEE ALSO: Instagram will restrict teens from going Live, as Teen Accounts expand to Facebook and Messenger

Recently, Instagram began restricting teens under 16 from going live. It also now requires teens to obtain parental consent before they can turn off content moderation filters designed to blur nude images in direct messages.

Though Instagram said it's working to ensure the accuracy of its AI technology, it is giving users the option to change the restrictiveness of teen account settings should it make a mistake about their age.

Instagram also announced that it will begin sending notifications to parents who have an Instagram account about how they can discuss with their children why it's important to provide their correct age to the platform.

Meta, Instagram's parent company, has been sued by plaintiffs, including the state of California, who argue that the company hasn't sufficiently protected minors from harm, or warned them of potential dangers related to using Facebook and Instagram.

Instagram said that the platform has enrolled at least 54 million teens across the world into teen accounts. The vast majority of teens ages 13 through 15 opted to keep that setting, according to the company.

"The digital world continues to evolve and we have to evolve with it," Instagram said in its blog post. "That’s why it's important that we work together with parents to make sure as many teens as possible have the protective settings that come with Teen Accounts."

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 April 20 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 20 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: What talent!

The words are often seen on stage.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are performance related.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is VarietyActs.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for April 21

• Danger

• Juggler

• Duet

• VarietyActs

• Magician

• Comic

• Acrobat

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.

TL;DR: Looking for a secondary device that won't break the bank? Check out the open-box Microsoft Surface SE Laptop (Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) that comes with Windows 11 SE, an Intel processor, and more for $189.99 (reg. $378).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Open-box Microsoft Surface SE Laptop (Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) $189.99
$378.99 Save $189 Get Deal

If you're looking for a lightweight, no-fuss laptop that can handle everyday tasks without draining your wallet, this 11.6-inch Microsoft Surface SE Laptop might be exactly what you need.

Whether you're shopping for a student, need a solid backup device, or just want a portable machine for emails and streaming, this compact laptop delivers great value — especially at its current price of $189.99 (reg. $378). You'll have to act quickly, however, since supplies for this new open-box Surface laptop are limited.

A Microsoft laptop for daily computing

This 2022 model is equipped with an Intel Celeron N4120 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage — a solid combo for web browsing, document editing, video calls, and light multitasking. The SSD means faster boot-up times and smoother performance, and the 8GB of memory is a big win at this price point, allowing you to juggle multiple apps without too much slowdown.

Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, this Surface SE runs Windows 11 SE, a streamlined version of Microsoft's latest operating system that's optimized for education and productivity. It’s ideal for users who want a clean, distraction-free environment for work or school.

Its 11.6-inch HD display offers portability without sacrificing clarity, and at just 2.45 pounds, it’s easy to toss in a backpack or tote for on-the-go use. It also comes with a built-in webcam and microphone, making it Zoom- and Google Meets-ready straight out of the box.

The secret behind your Surface laptop's discount

It's an open-box item, meaning it was likely excess inventory, but it arrives to you in like-new condition and has been inspected and tested to work properly. Think of it as a hack for scoring a dependable Microsoft device at a fraction of the full price.

Your secondary laptop awaits — you have a little while longer to get this 11.6-inch Microsoft Surface SE laptop for $189.99 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Online safety for the whole family is easy with this lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, now just $15.97 (reg. $169) with code FAMPLAN through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 with code FAMPLAN Get Deal

The internet isn’t just cluttered with ads; there are also trackers and other hidden threats. AdGuard keeps you safe online by blocking intrusive ads, stopping trackers, and safeguarding your privacy across all your devices.

Right now, you can grab lifetime protection for the whole crew with the AdGuard Family Plan. Cover up to nine devices for only $15.97 (reg. $169.99) with code FAMPLAN now through April 27.

Enjoy a safer and smoother browsing experience

The internet should be fun, not frustrating. AdGuard tackles the most annoying parts of online life, like pop-ups, autoplay videos, and banner ads, so that you can enjoy your time browsing, streaming, and scrolling again.

Aside from blocking ads, AdGuard also protects your privacy. Your information will stay safe from trackers and activity analyzers, and you'll be shielded from malware and phishing websites that you or your family members could fall victim to. 

Moms and dads will love AdGuard's parental control feature, which keeps your kids safe from inappropriate content online.

This Family Plan lets you protect up to nine devices with AdGuard, so you can make sure everyone's devices stay safe. And it works with Android and iOS operating systems alike, so it can be used on tablets, smartphones, and laptops. 

Secure your own AdGuard Family Plan for life for just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN now through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

On Monday, the tech giant and the U.S. government face off in court over how to fix the company’s online search monopoly. The outcome could alter Google and Silicon Valley.

TL;DR: A lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac is on sale for $42.99 — enjoy permanent access to essential productivity tools.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac: Lifetime License £42.99
£229 Save £186.01 Get Deal

Get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac on sale for $42.99 (reg. $229).

What you get:

• Lifetime access to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 you only pay for once

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote — all optimized for Mac

• Perfect for creating polished documents, crunching numbers, and managing emails

• Designed for business and personal use with seamless integration into macOS 13, 14, and 15

• Instant download so you can start using it right away

• Continuous updates to keep your software fresh, plus lifetime customer support

Streamline your work and personal projects with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac for just $42.99 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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 confuse someone.

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

ADDLE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To take something with you.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 21, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BRING

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To transport something or someone.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 21 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 21, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CARRY

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A possessive pronoun.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 21 Hurdle Word 4 answer

THEIR

Final Hurdle hint

To postpone something.

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

DEFER

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 Last of Us just delivered a brutal blow to fans at the end of Season 2, episode 2. And the internet is reeling.

Sure, those who first loved the video games on which the critically heralded HBO series was based knew it was coming, as did those of us who can't resist a spoiler search on adaptations. Still, that didn't make seeing this particular death any easier.

Major spoilers below.

Yup. This week, snarling smuggler turned beloved father figure Joel (Pedro Pascal) died. More specifically, he was heinously murdered by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her WLF crew in a long, painful sequence featuring torture, gunplay, and very improper use of a golf club. When that final blow was struck, poor Ellie (Bella Ramsey) wasn't the only one screaming. We were with her.

Now, many are taking their feelings of shock, rage, and grief to social media.

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How you doing? Need something sweet and silly and Pedro Pascal-y? Check out the time he talked about his coffee order on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The Last of Us Season 2 is now streaming on Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Major spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, episode 2 ahead.

We endured and survived, baby girl. Until one of us didn't.

The moment fans of The Last of Us games have been anticipating since the HBO adaptation was announced took place during Sunday night's episode. It's a moment we were helpless to stop while playing The Last of Us Part II, and now we've suffered through it again in the second episode of Season 2.

I'm talking about Joel's brutal, bloody death.

For those who haven't played Naughty Dog's lauded sequel, The Last of Us Part II, or its remastered version, this development will come as a major shock. Not only are we forced to watch the cherished protagonist of one of the most impactful TV shows of the decade be brutally bludgeoned to death, but the actor playing Joel is one of the internet's most beloved stars, Pedro Pascal. It's hell on TV — and it's intended to be. 

As players and viewers, we find ourselves in the same forsaken predicament as co-protagonist Ellie (Bella Ramsey in the show, Ashley Johnson in the game). There's literally nothing we can do, no action we can take with our controller or remote that will change the fate of Joel Miller (Pascal in the show, Troy Baker in the game).

In both the game and the series, The Last of Us makes Ellie watch as Abby (Kaitlyn Dever in the show, Laura Bailey in the game) brings a golf club repeatedly down upon Joel, Ellie's father figure and a lead character we've personally played as for a number of hours we won't name. Ellie pleads with Abby before the final stroke, but it's useless. Vengeance has been achieved. It's a moment that will feel retraumatising for fans of the game and horrifying for new viewers, but it's crucial that it's included.

Mourning Joel in The Last of Us will feel real to fans. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

When I first played Joel's death scene in The Last of Us Part II in 2020, I was a mess. The second game was notably released in June 2020, mere months into the ongoing COVID pandemic — a period of extreme uncertainty, social separation, health anxiety, and very real grief for millions. It's almost too close for comfort given the storyline of the game. Infection isn't how Joel dies, however; it's human violence. And reader, I mourned the brutal, violent loss of this fictional character like someone I knew personally, like someone I identified with.

It's a strange phenomenon, grieving someone during this time who isn't real, but grief counselors acknowledge these connections have a very real impact on us. (Even Oscar Wilde said so.) Succession, The Sopranos, Orange Is the New Black, Downton Abbey, Stranger Things, and Grey's Anatomy are just a few shows where characters got under our skin, making their fictional deaths feel real. 

As a viewer of Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann's The Last of Us TV series, you've spent over 10 hours creating a deep attachment to Joel, trying to understand the motivations behind his actions, as polarising as they may be. As a player, you've spent hundreds of hours traversing Naughty Dog's post-apocalyptic landscape with this complicated person — really, as this complicated person. Playing as Joel, you've patched yourself up with shitty old med kits in crumbling university buildings, snuck past terrifying Clickers, grieved your daughter's horrible death, massacred cannibals and an entire faction of Fireflies, probably doomed the world on that last one, and formed a genuine bond with Ellie, who always needs a boost to high platforms — and all when you should really go to bed IRL because you've got work in a few hours and you're an adult. And suddenly, two hours into the second game, you're pinned to the ground in a cold chalet, watching Joel's light be stomped out forever. 

You begin the stressful sequence playing as Abby, fighting a wave of Infected with the very people she's hunting: Tommy and Joel. It's a deliberate choice to have you holding the reins here as Abby manages to get them back to her base. Druckmann (who is co-creator of the game as well as the show) said in the 2024 Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II documentary, "We get you, through interactivity, to really connect and empathise with this character. And then make you feel like, 'I've led Joel into a trap.'"

After Abby's assault on Joel begins, the game switches your perspective to playing Ellie, frantically racing through the snow, locating the chalet, and hearing Joel's cries of pain from somewhere within. Finally, the only action you're allowed to take is hitting that damn triangle button to open a door and find Joel behind it in a bloody heap, surrounded by Abby and her crew. From here, it's a cutscene. Ellie (who you're playing as) is held down, continually kicked, and made to watch her father figure being clubbed to death. Druckmann said in the documentary that Ellie was initially not present in the first draft of the scene, instead discovering Joel's body later. In the final cut, with Ellie very much present, Johnson's performance as Ellie is nothing short of soul-destroying. Meanwhile, Laura Bailey's performance as Abby is equally gut-wrenching, loaded with meaning we don't actually understand yet. "Ashley was behind [me], crying, and knowing Abby was taking this away from her was very difficult," Bailey explains in the documentary. "And so I was crying while we were filming that scene. It was very emotional."

For cruel minutes, you sit with the controller idle in your hands, with no button prompt offered to change the course of the scene. On Abby's final blow, the camera sits behind Joel's head, watching Ellie's reaction. And finally, there's nothing but black. At the time I was playing The Last of Us Part II, reaching out to friends who were also playing for consolation felt like a massive spoiler, so most of us sat with the loss alone for a time. I'm sure online forums were bursting at the seams, but I didn't visit them. It felt too raw, too personal a loss. Since then, every time you bring the game up, everyone who's played it pretty much reacts the same way; there's much use of the word "shattered." 

In the Grounded II documentary, Baker himself said he suggested his character Joel should die at the end of the first game, considering the moral line he crosses with the massacre of the Fireflies. “When I read the ending to Part I, I was like, 'You're gonna piss a lot of people off.'" Making the second game, he described the feeling of Druckmann breaking the news about Joel's Part II death as "literally as if someone was telling me about how my friend had just died."

However, as hard as it is to cope with this loss, fans should remember that a character's death doesn't mean behaving like many did last time.

Joel's death brought out the worst in some fans. Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

In The Last of Us Part II, Joel's death allowed Naughty Dog to differentiate the two games and expand character dynamics. Essentially, Part I is Joel and Ellie's game, a journey across an Infected America to find the Fireflies and a cure for the Cordyceps pandemic. Part II is Ellie and Abby's game, with Ellie's motivation for a road trip now pure revenge. Joel's death makes you question perspective in this cold, hard reality — who is a villain, exactly, in this messed-up modernity? Is there any such thing as a hero now, or morality? Is Joel's massacre of the Fireflies justified as "fatherly love," or is it an unforgivable act? Is Abby's path of vengeance just as legitimate as Ellie's?

"We want him to die in this really unforgiving sort of way," Druckmann says in Grounded II. "It needs to feel senseless for you to say, 'Fuck these people, I'm gonna pursue them to the end of the Earth and make them pay.'"

These questions around the cycle of violence lie at the core of The Last of Us Part II, with Joel's death throwing the player into an existential crisis — especially when the game jumps back in time to let you play the very same timeline from Abby's perspective, leading up to and past the point of her murdering Joel with more context.

"It's hard to imagine the story without Joel dying," said former Naughty Dog creative director Joe Pettinati in the Grounded II documentary. "You feel that hate, Ellie feels that hate. You're one-to-one. You're on the stick. And that informs the rest of the story."

However, many fans behaved truly abhorrently in reaction to Joel's death in The Last of Us Part II. In the documentary, both Druckmann and Bailey revealed that when details of Joel's death were leaked before the game's release, they received persistent online harassment, hate, and even death threats from outraged fans. "Every time I went online, that was all I saw. It was just death threats and violence," Bailey said in the documentary. "The worst of it, the really hardcore death threats, got passed along [to the authorities,] and they made sure that they weren't anyone that lived close by. They were threatening my son, who was born during all of it. Yeah, it was rough. More than anything it taught me to keep a distance, you know?"

In 2020, following the second game's release, Naughty Dog issued a statement condemning the hate directed toward the team behind The Last of Us Part II. "Although we welcome critical discussion, we condemn any form of harassment or threats directed towards our team and cast," the company wrote on X. "Their safety is our top priority, but we must all work together to root out this type of behavior and maintain a constructive and compassionate discourse."

For the HBO series, Baker anticipated fan reactions to Joel's TV death in an interview with The Gamer, saying, "I want people to be able to wrestle with it. I did, and for me, it's a part of that story, it's the truest version of that story. I know that Craig [Mazin] believes in the story we told in the games, and we'll do that."

The Last of Us' second chapter wouldn't be what it is without Joel's death Credit: Liane Hentscher / HBO

It should go without saying that abusive fan reactions to Joel's death in The Last of Us Part II aren't OK, but since this is the internet, we're going to have to say it again and again — especially with the restaging of the scene in live-action TV with Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and Kaitlyn Dever. Sending hate and death threats to the actors behind pieces of work simply because of their characters' actions is, in my humble opinion, criminal behaviour. 

But there's something the haters are missing here, which is that the remaining storyline of The Last of Us proves deeply impactful because of Naughty Dog's shocking narrative decision. The shattered America of The Last of Us takes on a different perspective when Joel, our parental protector, is suddenly gone and the only horizon is vengeance. Ellie's motivation throughout Part II (and now Season 2 of the HBO series) is pure, cold, hatred — a side of the character we've only seen in glimpses before. It's compelling stuff, watching the joke-book-loving tough kid from Part I struggle to not completely lose herself in the darkness of the world around her. And honestly, it's fascinating watching the differences and similarities between Abby and Ellie in the fallout, and what the cycle of violence in this post-apocalyptic world brings out in the most seemingly noble of people. 

"There's not a single aspect of the game, Part II, that I would change," Baker said in the documentary. "Any time someone comes up to me and says, 'You know, I didn't really like what they did to Joel,' I was like, 'Great. Awesome. Tell me a better version of the story.' And to this day, they still can't."

Characters aren't real, but grieving them is. And it's one hell of a motivator for character and plot development in games and on TV. Embrace the pain. 

New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

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's The Mini crossword answers for April 21 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: Found on food packaging

• Green: An unplanned disruption

• Blue: You'd find these in Excel

• Purple: Spiraled

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: Info on a nutrition label

• Green: Metaphor for something unexpected

• Blue: Things you can insert into a spreadsheet

• Purple: Helical things

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 #680 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Info on a nutrition label: FAT, IRON, PROTEIN, SODIUM

• Metaphor for something unexpected: BOMBSHELL, CURVEBALL, TWIST, WRENCH

• Things you can insert into a spreadsheet: CELL, COLUMN, ROW, SHEET

• Helical things: CORKSCREW, DNA, FUSILLI, SPRING

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 April 21

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 yesterday'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 April 21 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 April 21, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A series.

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 S.

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...

SPATE.

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 April 21

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 yesterday's Wordle.