Connections is a popular online word game launched by The New York Times in June 2023 that challenges players to uncover threads connecting a series of words. The game has become a viral sensation and is now the news outlet’s second-most-played game after Wordle. Each puzzle consists of 16 words, separated into four groups, with players tasked with grouping together words that they think have common threads to reveal the name of their corresponding categories. If all four words in a group are correctly placed, they will be removed from the board. Players can make up to four errors before the game ends and can shuffle and rearrange the board to aid in guessing the connections.
The game features a color-coding system representing levels of difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple the most difficult. A word can sometimes belong to more than one category, but there is only one correct answer. Connections editor Wyna Liu advises players to pivot to a different category if they notice that there are five or more words that belong to one category, as this can help narrow down the possible connections. The hints and answers for the daily puzzle are provided at the end of the article, allowing players to test their skills and check their answers.
For each daily puzzle, Newsweek provides hints to help players figure out the categories for that day’s Connections game. These hints can guide players in understanding the common threads connecting the words in each group. The game tests players’ ability to think critically and make connections between seemingly unrelated words. Players are encouraged to think creatively and explore different ways in which the words could be connected to uncover the correct categories.
The gameplay of Connections involves strategic thinking and deductive reasoning as players work to identify the connections between the words in each group. Players must carefully consider each word and its possible associations to determine the correct category. With practice and persistence, players can improve their skills at making connections and solving the puzzles. The game is released daily at midnight in each player’s local time zone, providing a new challenge for players to tackle each day and offering an opportunity to test their problem-solving abilities.
Newsweek is committed to presenting unique and thought-provoking content, challenging conventional wisdom, and encouraging readers to find connections and common ground. The publication aims to stimulate intellectual curiosity and promote critical thinking by presenting puzzles and games like Connections that require players to make connections and think creatively. Through engaging with challenging and stimulating content, readers can expand their knowledge, sharpen their cognitive skills, and enjoy the thrill of unraveling complex problems in a fun and interactive way. Newsweek’s commitment to providing engaging and intellectually stimulating content is reflected in its diverse range of offerings, including puzzles, games, and articles that encourage readers to think outside the box and explore new ideas.
