Since its launch in June 2023, Connections has become a popular online game developed by The New York Times. The game challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on their associations. Each category is labeled with a color that corresponds to its difficulty level, with yellow being the easiest and purple being the hardest. The puzzles are designed to be challenging, utilizing techniques such as wordplay and homophones to keep players engaged. The game also tests players with “item overlap,” where one word can be linked to multiple categories.
Players are encouraged to refrain from guessing too quickly and to carefully analyze the board before making a decision. The shuffle button is available for those who are stuck and need a little help rearranging the words on the screen. The game’s creator, Wyna Liu, advises players to resist the temptation to guess prematurely, as it could result in wasting a turn. She also warns against ‘rage solving,’ or impulsively trying to solve the puzzle without proper consideration. The answers for each day’s puzzle are provided at the end of the article, allowing players to check their guesses.
For each daily puzzle, hints are provided to aid players in figuring out the categories. For example, a clue provided for one puzzle included words associated with cuts of meat for the yellow category, styles of undergarments for the green category, dental care terms for the blue category, and big brand names for the purple category. Players are encouraged to use the clues to help narrow down the possible connections and solve the puzzle. Correct answers for a particular day’s puzzle are also provided, allowing players to see if they correctly matched the words to the categories.
The game is accessible to players worldwide, released at midnight in each local time zone. The objective of Connections is to challenge players to think creatively and find connections between seemingly unrelated words. The game has gained popularity due to its engaging and thought-provoking nature, as well as its ability to test players’ vocabulary and critical thinking skills. As players progress through the levels, they encounter increasingly complex puzzles that require a keen eye for detail and a knack for making connections. Connections has established itself as a popular online sensation, second only to another word-based puzzle game called Wordle, created by The New York Times.
