The NYT 'Connections' game challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on shared themes, with varying difficulty levels indicated by color codes. The game, which has gained popularity since its beta release in June 2023, offers hints to assist players in categorizing words effectively. Recent puzzles include groups themed around quantities, items received in the mail, and services at a hair salon. Players are encouraged to start with the easiest categories and utilize strategies like shuffling words to visualize connections better. Although players have four attempts to guess the groupings, they can also seek hints or check answers if stuck. The game’s engaging format and wordplay keep players challenged.