Connections, a daily word puzzle game released by The New York Times in 2023, quickly ascended to become the second most popular puzzle after Wordle. The game challenges players to identify four-word groups that share a common theme or category. Each game presents 16 words arranged in a grid, and players must discern the connections between them, grouping them into four categories. The categories are color-coded by difficulty, ranging from yellow (easiest) to green, blue, and finally purple (most difficult). This layered difficulty system adds a strategic element, encouraging players to carefully consider their choices and potentially start with the easier categories to gain momentum.
Gameplay involves selecting four words that the player believes belong to the same category. Upon clicking the “submit” button, the chosen words either illuminate in their corresponding category color, indicating a correct match, or remain gray, signifying an incorrect grouping. A key strategic element of Connections is the “shuffle” button, which rearranges the words in the grid. This feature can help players break free from mental blocks by presenting the words in a fresh configuration, potentially sparking new connections and insights. The game rewards strategic thinking and careful observation, as prematurely guessing can cost valuable turns. Connections editor Wyna Liu emphasizes the importance of delayed gratification, advising players to resist the urge to guess until they are confident in their selection, even if they spot a seemingly obvious category. This measured approach minimizes wasted turns and increases the likelihood of solving the puzzle efficiently.
To illustrate the game mechanics and category types, consider a recent example where the words “Braid,” “Bun,” “Pony,” and “Twist” were linked under the category “Ways to wear your hair up,” classified as a blue (medium difficulty) category. This exemplifies how Connections leverages everyday knowledge and common themes to create engaging puzzles. The game’s design encourages players to think laterally and explore various connections between seemingly disparate words. This constant mental exercise contributes to the game’s appeal and its ability to hold players’ attention.
For those seeking assistance, Newsweek provides daily clues and ultimately the answers to each Connections puzzle. For instance, the clues for Connections #557 directed players to consider categories such as “To put off” (yellow), “Items you see in a venue that serves liquor” (green), “Vessels that are seen in or under bodies of water” (blue), and “Things seen in a popular Nintendo game” (purple). These clues provide a starting point for players to begin their word association and category identification process. They offer just enough information to nudge players in the right direction without revealing the answers outright.
The answers for Connections #557 revealed the connections for each category: “Delay,” “Postpone,” “Shelve,” and “Table” for “To put off” (yellow); “Stool,” “Tap,” “Keg,” and “Counter” for “Items you see in a venue that serves liquor” (green); “Barge,” “Junk,” “Sub,” and “Tug” for “Vessels that are seen in or under bodies of water” (blue); and “Ladder,” “Gorilla,” “Barrel,” and “Hammer” for “Things seen in a popular Nintendo game” (purple, referencing Donkey Kong). This example demonstrates how Connections utilizes a diverse range of themes, from everyday actions to specific cultural references, ensuring a varied and engaging gameplay experience.
Connections is released daily at midnight local time, offering a fresh challenge each day. Newsweek continues to provide daily hints and tips for players seeking assistance, fostering a community around the game and providing a platform for discussion and shared strategies. For those wanting to explore other word puzzles, Wordle, another popular New York Times offering, presents an alternative challenge with daily hints also provided by Newsweek. The availability of these resources emphasizes the collaborative and community-driven nature of online word games, further enhancing their appeal and longevity.
