Play NYT Connections Games Online
What Is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle where players group 16 words into four categories of four words each, based on a shared theme. The game was introduced by The New York Times in 2023 and quickly became the second-most-popular game in their lineup after Wordle.
How to Play
The Grid: You start with a 4×4 grid of words.
The Goal: Find four groups of four words that share a common theme.
Submissions: Select four words and submit your guess.
Mistakes: You get four wrong guesses before the game ends.
Color Coding: Correct groups are assigned colors (Yellow = easiest, Purple = hardest).
Example:
FISH: Bass, Flounder, Salmon, Trout
Things that start with FIRE: Ant, Drill, Island, Opal
The game resets daily at midnight in your local timezone, and there’s only one correct solution per puzzle.
Strategies to Solve NYT Connections Like a Pro
1. Start with Obvious Categories
Look for the most straightforward connections first, such as:
Common objects (e.g., PILLOWCASE, SHEET, TOWEL, WASHCLOTH = items in a linen closet).
Synonyms or opposites (e.g., COUNTER, OPPOSITE, POLAR, REVERSE = diametric terms).
2. Watch Out for Decoys
Some words fit multiple categories, making them tricky. For example:
Bass could refer to a fish or a musical instrument.
Diamond might mean a gem or a baseball field.
3. Use the Shuffle Feature
Rearranging words can help spot hidden patterns.
4. Eliminate Leftover Words
If stuck, group the remaining words to see if they form a logical category.
5. Leverage Hints (If Needed)
Yellow hints = easiest, Purple hints = hardest.
Online communities like Reddit and Mashable offer daily hints.
Understanding the Color-Coded Difficulty System
Each correct group is assigned a color indicating its difficulty:
| Color | Difficulty Level | Example Category |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Easiest | Items in a linen closet |
| Green | Moderate | Lingerie terms (e.g., GARTER, HOSE) |
| Blue | Challenging | Card games with altered letters (e.g., DIN, FRIDGE) |
| Purple | Hardest | Abstract themes (e.g., famous riddle-givers) |
This system helps players track progress and identify which groups require deeper thinking.
Tracking Your Stats and Streaks
NYT Connections records your performance if you’re signed in with a New York Times account. Key stats include:
Puzzles Completed: Total games played.
Win Rate %: Percentage of puzzles solved with fewer than 4 mistakes.
Current Streak: Consecutive wins (resets if you miss a day).
Max Streak: Longest win streak.
Perfect Puzzles: Games solved with zero mistakes.
Note: Streaks are only tracked for daily puzzles, not archived ones.
Community and Extra Features
1. Connections Companion
A forum where players discuss daily puzzles, share hints, and avoid spoilers.
2. Connections Bot
This tool provides:
Difficulty ratings (compared to other players).
Category breakdowns (order of solving).
Common mistakes (with AI-generated explanations).
3. Connections: Sports Edition
A variant by The Athletic with sports-themed puzzles.
4. Archive for Subscribers
Paid subscribers can access past puzzles, but these don’t affect streaks.
NYT Connections is more than just a game—it’s a daily mental workout that sharpens your problem-solving skills. By mastering strategies, leveraging community hints, and tracking your stats, you can improve your win rate and enjoy the challenge even more.
Ready to play? Head to NYT Games and start connecting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What time does NYT Connections reset?
The puzzle refreshes at midnight in your local timezone.
2. Can I play past puzzles?
Yes, but only with a NYT Games subscription.
3. Who edits NYT Connections?
The game is curated by Wyna Liu, an associate puzzle editor at The New York Times.
4. Are there alternative versions?
Yes, Connections: Sports Edition is available on The Athletic.
5. How do I share my results?
After completing a puzzle, click “Share Your Results” to post stats on social media.
6. What happens if I miss a day?
Your streak resets, but you can still play the next day’s puzzle.
7. Why are some words misleading?
Editors intentionally include red herrings to increase difficulty.
8. Is there a mobile app?
Yes, NYT Connections is available on the NYT Games app.