This is the Monthly Topic Challenge for June 2026, featuring the topic "Same grid, different execution" (suggested by Stiv).
Throughout June, users are encouraged to post puzzles that fit this theme, as described below.
This announcement has been posted in advance to give everyone time to prepare. If you'd like to participate, be sure to submit your puzzle during June and include a link to this post.
In the meantime, you can also participate in the current topic challenge at the time of writing, or propose and vote on future challenges!
Have fun, and happy puzzling!
See other Monthly Topic Challenges.
Note
The original suggestion is included below for posterity:
Same grid, different execution
Make your own unique puzzle using the provided 15x15 crossword grid template.
It is permitted to add additional black squares as needed, but not to convert any black squares in the initial template into white ones.
Whilst a standard 'run of the mill' crossword is technically acceptable, participants planning to make a crossword are encouraged to think creatively about using custom clues (e.g. answers linked by a theme, cryptic crossword clues, numeric answers, etc.) and/or further modifying the grid (e.g. using colour or subverting traditional crossword rules).
Of course, while this grid is suitable for a crossword, there is no requirement that your puzzle actually has to be one...! Could this grid be used in other ways? That's up to you!
The theme of the proposed template is 'crosses':
