NYT’s ‘Connections’ Game Captivates Word Puzzle Enthusiasts

NEW YORK — The New York Times‘ latest word game, ‘Connections,’ has quickly become a social media sensation, captivating players with its unique blend of word association and puzzle-solving. Launched as part of the publication’s Games section, the daily challenge tasks players with grouping 16 words into four categories based on shared themes.

Each puzzle resets at midnight, offering a fresh grid of words that range from straightforward to mind-bending. Players must identify connections such as book titles, software terms, or country names, with only one correct solution per puzzle. The game’s color-coded difficulty levels—yellow for easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple—add an extra layer of strategy.

‘Connections’ was developed with the help of associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, who aimed to create a game that combines logic and creativity. ‘It’s about finding the common threads between words,’ Liu said in a statement. ‘The challenge lies in seeing beyond the obvious and discovering hidden links.’

Players can shuffle the grid to spot potential connections, but incorrect guesses count as mistakes. Four errors result in a game over, making precision key. Like its sibling game Wordle, ‘Connections’ allows players to share their results on social media, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.

For those struggling with the daily puzzle, hints and answers are widely available online. Kris Holt, a Forbes contributor and word game expert, regularly provides tips and solutions. ‘The purple group often involves wordplay, so think outside the box,’ Holt advised in a recent column.

With its growing popularity, ‘Connections’ has joined the ranks of Wordle and Spelling Bee as a must-play daily ritual for puzzle lovers. The game is accessible via the New York Times website and mobile app, with an archive of past puzzles available for subscribers.