NEW YORK, January 2, 2026 — The answer to today’s New York Times Connections puzzle is here, and it’s proving to be a particularly tricky one for many players. The game, which challenges players to find groups of four words linked by a common theme, launched on December 19, 2023, and has quickly become a daily obsession for word puzzle enthusiasts.
Connections: A Daily Mental Workout
The popular word game from The New York Times tests vocabulary and pattern recognition skills.
- The January 2, 2026 puzzle (#936) presented a unique challenge.
- Solutions for the January 1, 2026 puzzle (#935) were also recently revealed.
- Hints and answers are available for those struggling with the daily puzzle.
- The game’s popularity continues to grow, with players seeking daily solutions.
For those still puzzling over the January 2nd game, the categories and answers are: (Yellow) BOWL, PIN, SPARE, STRIKE; (Green) ACHE, HURT, PAIN, SOAR; (Blue) BASS, DRUM, PIANO, TRUMPET; (Purple) ALOE, CACAO, COCOA, FLAX.
Yesterday’s puzzle, January 1, 2026 (#935), also had players scratching their heads. The categories were: (Yellow) BRONZE, GOLD, PLATINUM, SILVER; (Green) BAKE, BOIL, FRY, GRILL; (Blue) ANTLER, HORN, HOOF, TAIL; (Purple) ECHO, IRIS, LILY, ROSE.
Need a little nudge? TechRadar offered hints for the January 2nd puzzle, suggesting players consider multiple meanings of words and look for less obvious connections. Forbes provided similar guidance for the January 1st game, emphasizing the importance of thinking outside the box.
What makes Connections so addictive? The game’s blend of vocabulary, logic, and a touch of luck creates a satisfying mental challenge that keeps players coming back for more each day.
The December 29th puzzle (#462), a “Sports Edition,” proved particularly challenging, according to CNET. That puzzle’s categories were: (Yellow) ACE, DRIVE, PUTT, SERVE; (Green) BOXER, CATCHER, GUARD, WINGER; (Blue) BASKETBALL, HOCKEY, SOCCER, TENNIS; (Purple) FIELD, LANE, RINK, TRACK.
Connections is available daily on the New York Times website and app. Players have four attempts to correctly identify all four categories. A wrong guess eliminates a category, adding to the pressure and strategic thinking required to succeed.
A Growing Daily Ritual
The game’s simple yet engaging format has resonated with a wide audience, turning it into a daily ritual for many. The challenge of finding the connections, combined with the satisfaction of solving the puzzle, keeps players hooked.
Tips for Success
Players often share strategies online, including starting with the most obvious connections and considering words with multiple meanings. Collaboration with friends and family can also be a helpful approach.
