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 in early 2025, the game challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on shared themes, with only one correct solution per puzzle.

Created by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, ‘Connections’ resets daily at midnight, offering a fresh set of words that grow progressively more challenging. Players can access the game via the NYT website or the Games app, where they are presented with a grid of words to categorize. Each group is color-coded by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple the most complex.

‘The idea is to find the common threads between words,’ Liu explained. ‘It’s about seeing connections that aren’t immediately obvious and thinking creatively.’

Players can shuffle the words to help identify patterns, but incorrect guesses cost them a ‘life.’ After four mistakes, the game ends. Like its predecessor, Wordle, ‘Connections’ allows players to share their results on social media, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.

‘It’s addictive,’ said Kris Holt, a writer and avid player. ‘The satisfaction of cracking a tough category is unmatched.’

For those struggling, hints and answers are widely available online, including on Holt’s blog, where he provides daily tips and solutions. The game’s archive also allows subscribers to revisit past puzzles, ensuring there’s always a challenge to tackle.

As ‘Connections’ continues to grow in popularity, it joins the ranks of other NYT games like Wordle and Spelling Bee, solidifying the publication’s reputation as a hub for engaging, brain-teasing entertainment.