The New York Times introduced a word-based game called Connections in June 2023, which has gained a strong following worldwide. Players are tasked with identifying common threads among 16 different words and grouping them into four categories. The game covers a wide range of themes, from horror movies to types of sound to food. Connections has quickly become popular since its release, with many players enjoying the challenge it offers.
Players must group together words that they believe share common themes to unveil the corresponding categories. Each puzzle consists of 16 words, with each group separated into four categories. The difficulty levels are indicated by colors: yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. The color of a group is revealed only once all the words in that group are correctly connected. Players can shuffle and rearrange the board to make guessing connections easier, but they must be mindful that some words may belong to multiple categories. Making more than four mistakes results in the end of the game.
Wyna Liu, the creator and editor of Connections, has advised players to pivot to a different group if they notice five or more words belonging to the same category. This may help eliminate extra cards from contention and make other categories more visible. Newsweek provides hints and tips to assist players in solving the Connections puzzles. The game has become the second most-played word game at The New York Times, following Wordle. With its appeal and popularity, Connections continues to challenge players and offer an engaging gameplay experience.
The game offers a unique and engaging way for players to flex their brain muscles and think creatively. With its challenging puzzles and diverse themes, players must think critically to connect the words correctly and progress through the game. Newsweek’s commitment to providing hints and tips for each new game release highlights the growing popularity and interest in Connections. As players continue to tackle the puzzles and uncover the connections between words, the game remains a stimulating and entertaining activity for word game enthusiasts.
