Connections is a popular daily puzzle game that was first launched in June 2023 and has garnered a large fan base. Similar to other brainteaser puzzles like Wordle, Connections presents players with a challenge that requires them to find the common thread between four categories of words: yellow, green, blue, and purple. The game is simple in concept but can be challenging, as words can often seemingly fit into multiple categories, and repeated answers are not allowed. The difficulty levels of the categories increase from yellow to purple, with purple being the hardest.
Players must be cautious when choosing words to fit into each category, as there is only one correct answer for each group. Incorrect guesses count towards a mistake tally, with players being allowed up to four mistakes before the game ends. The creator of Connections, Wyna Liu of The New York Times, explained that the difficulty levels of the game are based on the familiarity of the words, the ambiguity of their categorization, and the variety of wordplay used. Players struggling with a puzzle can use the “shuffle” option to make the puzzle easier, and Newsweek also provides assistance for players who need help.
Each day, Connections presents players with a new set of categories and words to decipher. For example, on a particular day, the yellow category may consist of words associated with having faith in a person or process, while the green category could include words related to events that may happen in one’s home during severe weather. The blue category may involve condensing a point in an easy-to-understand way, while the purple category may contain words that sound like names but are not quite. Players must carefully analyze each word and its potential category to successfully complete the puzzle.
Connections is available on multiple devices, including phones, desktops, and tablets, making it accessible to players wherever they may be. The game provides a fun and challenging mental exercise that encourages players to think critically and make connections between seemingly unrelated words. With its unique gameplay mechanics and increasing difficulty levels, Connections offers a refreshing and engaging brain teaser experience for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels.