Connections

Connections Puzzle Game

Connections is a captivating category matching word puzzle game that challenges players to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four distinct categories of four words each. This game requires you to use logic, pattern recognition, and vocabulary knowledge to decipher the “connections” between words. Each category represents a shared theme: such as colors, professions, slang terms, or shared prefixes and players must identify and group these based on nuanced associations.

The puzzle is deceptively tricky; while some groupings may appear obvious, the game is known to include red herrings and words that could plausibly fit into multiple categories. Each guess tests your ability to think critically, rule out incorrect relations, and recognize subtle thematic connections. You are given only four attempts before the game ends, so making educated guesses and avoiding random groupings is essential.

Each set of four words that are correctly grouped into a category locks in that set, giving feedback and confirmation for your logic. Categories are usually revealed in a range from easiest to most difficult, providing a rewarding sense of progression as you complete the puzzle.

Unlimited Puzzles

Complete the daily puzzle, play any of the "unlimited" random puzzles or build your own puzzles choosing the difficulty and parent category. Choosing a parent category will make separating the words even harder, so be warned! Our version of Connections gives you a variety of ways to play and almost an endless number of puzzles to complete.

Game Tips

1. Scan for Obvious Groupings: Look for the most obvious associations first. Sometimes, one or two groups will immediately stand out (e.g., four colors or four animals). Start there to build momentum and reduce the complexity of remaining words.
2. Think Broadly and Be Flexible: Not all categories are straightforward. A word may belong to multiple potential categories at first glance. Be open to various interpretations: historical figures, rhyming words, or tech terms could all be valid categories.
3. Watch for Traps (Red Herrings): Connections is designed to mislead. You might find five or six words that feel like they belong together, but only four truly do. Pay attention to precision and be selective.
4. Eliminate Wrong Guesses Strategically: Since you get a limited amount of incorrect tries before the game ends, make logical groupings rather than random ones. Use your failed attempts as clues to refine your guesses.
5. Pay Attention to Word Meanings and Alternate Uses: Words may have double meanings or be part of idioms or phrases. Think beyond the most common interpretation of a word.
6. Use the Process of Elimination: If you identify and lock in one or two groups, solving the rest becomes easier. As the number of ungrouped words shrinks, patterns become clearer.
7. Practice Makes Perfect: Like any puzzle, the more you play, the better you become at recognizing subtle patterns and categories. Playing daily builds both skill and confidence. Use the random puzzle and puzzle builder to refine your skills even more.

How Connections Game Boosts Brain Function

Playing Connections daily can significantly improve cognitive skills and enhance brain function. The puzzle exercises numerous areas of the brain, requiring pattern recognition, associative thinking, verbal reasoning, and memory recall. As you identify hidden relationships and theme based groupings, your brain creates new neural pathways that strengthen problem-solving abilities and logical thinking.

Working through ambiguous or misleading options sharpens your analytical thinking and trains your mind to critically evaluate information, skills valuable in both personal and professional contexts. Regular engagement with this kind of puzzle can reduce mental fatigue, boost creative thinking, and promote neuroplasticity, making Connections as much a mental workout as it is a fun daily challenge.

Play Connections on BrainPlay, no downloads or installation required. Everyday a new puzzle. Play now for free in your browser.

Last updated: Monday, June 9, 2025