Connections is a daily puzzle game launched in June 2023 by The New York Times, following the success of other brainteaser puzzles like Wordle. The game consists of 16 words divided into four categories: yellow, green, blue, and purple, with the aim being to figure out the common thread between each category. Words can sometimes appear to belong in multiple categories, adding a layer of difficulty. Each word group must have four individual words, with repeated answers not allowed. Categories are ranked by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple being the most challenging.
Players of Connections must be cautious in their selections, as there is only one correct answer for each group of words. Incorrect guesses contribute to a mistake tally, with players allowed up to four mistakes before the game ends. Creator Wyna Liu explained that some categories rely on word play, such as palindromes, homophones, and adding or dropping letters, rather than the literal meanings of the words. The different difficulty levels in the game are adjusted based on the familiarity of the words, the ambiguity of their categorization, and the variety of wordplay involved.
If players find themselves struggling with a puzzle, they may use the “shuffle” option to make it easier. If that still doesn’t bring them closer to solving it, they can seek help from external sources like Newsweek. An example of a Connections puzzle provided includes clues and answers for a Saturday puzzle, with categories such as words associated with having faith in a person or process, events that may happen in one’s home during severe weather, condensing a point in an easy-to-understand way, and homophones that sound like names but are not quite.
Newsweek is dedicated to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the quest for common ground. The game of Connections offers a daily brain teaser that engages players in deciphering the common thread between various categories of words. With different levels of difficulty and word play involved, the puzzle provides a stimulating challenge for those looking to test their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
