New York Times’ ‘Connections’ Game Captures Word Puzzle Enthusiasts

NEW YORK — The New York Times‘ latest word game, Connections, has become a viral sensation, captivating puzzle enthusiasts with its unique blend of word association and strategy. Launched as part of the publication’s Games section, the daily puzzle resets at midnight and challenges players to find common threads between 16 words.

Created by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, Connections tasks players with grouping four words that share a common theme. The game features four color-coded categories, with yellow being the easiest and purple the most challenging. Players can shuffle the grid to spot connections but are limited to four incorrect guesses before the game ends.

“Connections is all about finding those subtle links between words,” Liu said in a statement. “It’s designed to be both accessible and thought-provoking, offering a fresh challenge every day.”

Since its debut, the game has gained a dedicated following, with players sharing their results on social media platforms like Twitter and Bluesky. The Times has also introduced an archive feature for subscribers, allowing access to past puzzles.

Today’s puzzle, for example, included words like WHIP, FEDORA, and SATCHEL, which were linked to Indiana Jones. Other categories required players to identify U.S. presidents hidden within wordplay, such as Ronald Reagan (PAGAN) and Joe Biden (WIDEN).

“It’s a great way to start the day,” said Kris Holt, a writer and avid player. “The game keeps you on your toes, especially with those tricky purple categories.”

Connections joins other popular Times games like Wordle and Spelling Bee, further solidifying the publication’s reputation as a hub for word game enthusiasts. With its growing popularity, the game shows no signs of slowing down, offering a daily mental workout for players worldwide.