What is Connections Unlimited?

Connections Unlimited is a free, Connections-style word grouping game. Each round gives you 16 words and your goal is to find 4 groups of 4 that share a common theme.

How do I play (rules and mistakes)?

• Select 4 words you believe belong together.
• Press Submit to check your selection.
• Find all 4 categories to win.
• You have up to 4 mistakes before the round ends.

What does “One away” mean?

It means your selection is close: 3 of the 4 words belong to the same group, but 1 word does not. Try swapping a single word rather than starting over.

Can I shuffle or clear my selection?

Yes. Use Shuffle to reorder the grid, and Deselect All to clear your current picks. These tools help you spot patterns without changing the underlying puzzle.

Can I drag tiles to rearrange them?

Yes! Long-press (hold for about 200ms) on any tile to start dragging. Move it to another position and release to swap the two tiles. This feature helps you visually organize potential groups and plan your categories before submitting, reducing mistakes and making it easier to spot connections. A quick tap still selects or deselects the tile as usual.

What is the Archive mode?

Archive lets you browse previously published puzzles by date. Switch to Archive in the game to revisit older rounds and practice patterns you might have missed.

What is Custom mode and how does sharing work?

Custom mode lets you create your own puzzle and share it as a link. Create one on /custom, then send the generated URL to friends so they can play instantly.

Do I need an account to play or create puzzles?

No account is required. You can play instantly, and you can create a custom puzzle and share a link without signing in.

Is this the official NYT game?

No. This website is an independent fan-made game inspired by the Connections format and is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Where can I get Connections hints?

If you want a gentle nudge without spoiling everything, visit /hint to reveal categories and words step by step.

Any quick strategy tips?

• Look for obvious “easy” categories first to reduce the grid.
• Watch for words with multiple meanings that can mislead.
• When you’re stuck, try grouping by part of speech, topic, or word form.
• Use Archive mode to practice and learn recurring patterns.