Connections (NYT)
Group 16 words into four hidden categories. Connections is the New York Times' viral daily puzzle that tests pattern recognition and lateral thinking.
About This Game
Connections is the newest addition to the NYT Games family and has quickly become a daily ritual for millions. You are presented with 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four, each connected by a hidden theme. The catch: some words could fit multiple categories, and the puzzle is designed to mislead you with red herrings.
The color-coded difficulty system (yellow = easiest, purple = hardest) helps you gauge your progress, and the four-mistake limit adds tension to every guess. Do you go for the obvious grouping first, or do you try to crack the tricky purple category while you still have mistakes to spare? Each wrong guess ratchets up the pressure.
Like Wordle, Connections benefits enormously from being a shared daily experience. Discussing which categories tripped you up and which you spotted immediately has become a common office and social media conversation. The puzzle is free to play daily, with the archive available to NYT Games subscribers.
How to Play
Study the 16 words
Look at the grid of 16 words and consider what connections might exist between them.
Select four words
Tap four words you think share a hidden connection, then submit your guess.
Correct or lose a life
If correct, the group is revealed with its category name. If wrong, you lose one of four allowed mistakes.
Find all four groups
Continue until you identify all four groups or run out of mistakes.
Tips & Strategy
- Start by identifying the easiest (yellow) category — it is usually the most straightforward grouping.
- Look for words that could belong to multiple categories — these traps are intentional.
- The purple category is always the trickiest. Save it for last when you have fewer words to choose from.
- If stuck, look for unusual connections — the categories often use wordplay, double meanings, or cultural references.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fresh daily puzzle creates shared social experience
- Tests lateral thinking and pattern recognition
- Simple rules with surprising depth
- Free to play daily
Cons
- Only one puzzle per day (archive requires subscription)
- Purple categories can feel unfairly obscure
- No multiplayer or competitive mode
- Cultural knowledge can create accessibility barriers
Game Details
- Players
- 1 player(recommended: 1)
- Duration
- 5-15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Price
- Freemium
- Platforms
- WebiOSAndroid
Screenshots
