Connections is a popular word-based game launched by The New York Times in June 2023. It has quickly become an online sensation, ranking as the Times’ second-most played game after Wordle. In Connections, players are tasked with grouping together words that they believe share common themes in order to reveal the corresponding categories. Each puzzle consists of 16 words divided into four categories, with the themes spanning a wide range of topics from horror-movie franchises to types of sound to food. Players can make up to four mistakes before the game ends, and they have the option to shuffle and rearrange the board to aid in solving the connections. The color-coded difficulty system helps players gauge the level of challenge they are facing, with yellow being the easiest and purple being the most difficult.
Players should be aware that a word can sometimes belong to multiple categories, but there is only one correct answer for each set. Newsweek offers hints and tips to assist players in solving the daily Connections puzzle, but be cautious as the answers are revealed further down in the article. For example, a recent puzzle featured categories related to a camera, a guaranteed win, words used when things are going smoothly, and words that precede “blanket.” The correct connections for that puzzle included words like “photo,” “assure,” “move in an effortless way,” and “words that precede ‘blanket.’” The game is released at midnight in each player’s local time zone, providing a fresh challenge every day.
The game’s popularity has continued to grow as players enjoy the mental challenge of uncovering connections between seemingly unrelated words. Connections has gained a reputation for being both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to a wide range of players looking to test their word association skills. The ability to group words together based on common themes adds a strategic element to the game, requiring players to think critically and creatively in order to succeed. The color-coded difficulty system helps players navigate the varying levels of challenge presented in each puzzle, allowing them to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Newsweek’s commitment to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground is reflected in their coverage of the Connections game. By offering hints and tips to help players solve each day’s puzzle, Newsweek seeks to engage with audiences in a unique and interactive way. The game serves as a fun and engaging platform for players to exercise their word association skills while also encouraging them to think outside the box and make unexpected connections. As Connections continues to attract a growing player base, it has solidified its position as a popular and intellectually stimulating word game that offers players a unique and rewarding gaming experience.
