New York Times’ Connections Game Gains Popularity and Players’ Strategies

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Times‘ word game, Connections, has captured the attention of puzzle enthusiasts since its launch. Each day, players are tasked with grouping 16 words into four sets based on common themes, adding a layer of challenge to the daily routine.

Connections debuted as a daily puzzle available at midnight local time, similar to the popular Wordle. It has quickly gained a fanbase, with many players sharing their results on social media after each game. Each puzzle becomes progressively difficult as players learn to identify subtle connections among the words.

According to Wyna Liu, the associate puzzle editor credited with its creation, the game challenges players to think critically and creatively. “It’s about finding the common threads and grouping words in ways that may not be immediately obvious,” Liu said.

Players can make up to four mistakes in each game, offering a chance to correct errors and improve their strategies. Grouping words is color-coded by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple the hardest, often featuring tricky wordplay.

Many players enjoy the social aspect of Connections. Players share hints and strategies in online communities to enhance their puzzle-solving experience. Even if they do not solve today’s challenge, they can look forward to a new set of words tomorrow.

As engagement remains high, Connections continues to offer a fun and enriching way to pass the time, combining the thrill of puzzles with the camaraderie of shared experiences among its players.