In recent months, a simple but incredibly engaging game has been taking over social media and winning over players around the world: Connections.
If you haven't heard of it yet, get ready to become another fan of this digital craze that mixes logic, word association and that feeling of “just one more try”.
In this article, you'll find out what Connections is, how it works, why it's become so popular, and how to start playing right now.
What is the Connections Game?
Connections is a word association game created by The New York Times, the same developers of the famous Wordle.
In it, the player needs to group words into logical categories, usually based on themes such as colors, films, professions, idiomatic expressions, among others.
The challenge?
The words are not organized, and some of them seem to fit into more than one category, which is confusing and challenging.
The game was launched quietly, but gained prominence after several digital influencers and TikTok users began sharing their results, tips and funny reactions.
From there, Connections exploded in popularity.
How to Play Connections: Step by Step
- Visit the official page of the game on The New York Times website.
- See the 16 words displayed on the screen. Your goal is to group them into four sets of four words each.
- Each group must have a logical or thematic connection. It could be something direct like colors (blue, red, green, yellow) or more subjective like marketing terms (pitch, branding, campaign, ROI).
- You can try combinations and click “Submit” to check if it is correct. If not, the game shows that the attempt failed, but you can continue.
- The challenge is solved when all four groups are correct. Simple, yet addictive.
Why is Connections so successful?
The answer lies in the perfect combination of factors:
- Simple rules, but with increasing challenge.
- Quick format, ideal for those who have few free minutes.
- Cognitive stimulation, which activates logical reasoning and memory.
- Social appeal, with sharing of results and rankings among friends.
- Clean and intuitive interface, mobile responsive.
Games that spark a sense of friendly competition tend to go viral.
And when we add the “only one per day” factor (like in Wordle), the desire to play increases even more.
Comparing Connections to Other Games
Connections x Wordle: Both are bylined by the New York Times and are word-based.
While Wordle is more focused on guessing and vocabulary, Connections requires perception of logical relationships.
Connections x Sudoku: Sudoku is purely mathematical.
Connections challenges more language and general culture.
Connections vs Traditional Puzzles: While both involve membership, Connections is more dynamic and accessible, especially on mobile devices.
Tips for Doing Well on Connections
- Avoid going straight by intuition. Try to mentally organize the words before selecting.
- Identify keywords. They usually give clues about the group.
- Start with the most obvious groups. This makes it easier to figure out the more difficult ones later.
- If you make a mistake, don't be discouraged. The process of trial and error is part of learning.
- Play every day. Practice improves your perception of patterns.
Connections Game Trivia
- Connections was inspired by a British quiz format called “Only Connect”.
- The New York Times launched the game as part of its strategy to diversify young audiences.
- Several teachers began to use the game in the classroom as a tool to exercise association and logic.
- Some rounds are themed, with seasonal or cultural categories (like Halloween, Oscars, World Cup).
- The Reddit community has created a specific forum to comment on each puzzle of the day.
SAQ – Connections Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connections free to play?
Yes, the game is available for free on The New York Times website, although some advanced features require a subscription.
Do I need to register to play?
No. Just go to the website and play.
However, if you want to save your history or compete with friends, it is recommended to create an account.
Is Connections available in other languages?
Currently, the official version is in English.
But there are clones and adaptations in other languages, including Portuguese.
How many times can I play per day?
The official version releases a new challenge every day.
This increases player engagement and anticipation.
Is there a mobile version?
Yes, the game is responsive and can be played directly through your smartphone's browser, without the need for an app.
Is Connections good for exercising your brain?
Of course! It works on association, memory, attention and reasoning.
Can I play offline?
So far, no.
You must be connected to the internet.
Is the game suitable for children?
It depends on the age group and vocabulary level.
Some categories may be complex for little ones.
Can I suggest categories or words?
There is no official channel for this yet, but many players share ideas on social media.
Is there an app version?
For now, access is only via browser, but there are already rumors of a mobile version in development.
The Power of Logic Games in Everyday Life: Why Connections is More Than a Game
More than just a fun pastime, games like Connections play a fundamental role in our daily lives:
Keeping the mind active and stimulating cognitive skills that we use every day.
It's easy to think we're just playing with words, but behind every successful connection are complex processes.
Neuroscience studies show that language and association-based games help prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults.
But the benefits don't stop there.
Children and teenagers who play regularly also develop greater ease in recognizing patterns, expanded vocabulary and mental agility in other subjects.
In addition to the cognitive aspects, there is the emotional and social impact.
Games like Connections encourage self-efficacy — that “I can do it” feeling when you solve a difficult challenge.
This builds confidence and can even improve mood.
From a social point of view, sharing results (especially on social media) creates a sense of community.
WhatsApp groups, Reddit forums and TikTok profiles have become spaces where players discuss categories, exchange tips and celebrate successes.
This interactivity transforms the game from an individual activity into a collective experience.
Another interesting point is the use of Connections by professionals from different areas.
Teachers use it to make classes more dynamic, journalists use it to stimulate creativity and even cognitive therapists use it as a stimulation tool for patients.
This shows that the line between entertainment and education is increasingly blurred.
And it is exactly in this space that Connections stands out: it entertains, challenges, connects people and also enhances essential skills in our daily lives.
So next time you click to play, remember:
You're not just killing time, you're taking care of your brain, strengthening real and virtual connections, and having a lot of fun to boot.
Conclusion: Is Connections Worth Playing?
Yes, a lot! Connections offers a perfect balance between challenge and fun, with simple dynamics that captivate you from the first click.
Plus, it’s a great way to exercise your brain and interact with other people in a light-hearted way.
If you enjoy word games, puzzles, and brain teasers, Connections has everything you need to become your new favorite pastime.
So, ready to discover the connections of the day?
Access the official website now and test your membership capacity.
Then, come back here and tell us: did you get all four groups right? 😉
For more clever games, viral challenges, and digital trends, keep exploring our blog!