NYT Connections: clues and solutions for Friday, May 2.

      Connections is among the top puzzle games featured by the New York Times. In this game, you are challenged to classify a set of 16 words into four hidden (for now) categories by determining how the words are interconnected. The puzzle resets nightly at midnight, with each new iteration presenting a different level of difficulty. Similar to Wordle, you can monitor your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.

      Some days might be more challenging than others, akin to favorites from NYT Games like The Mini and Strands. If you’re struggling to solve today’s puzzle, consult our Connections tips and tricks guide for effective strategies or look at the hints for today’s puzzle listed below. If you're still unable to complete it, we’ll provide the answers at the end.

      How to play Connections

      Connections is a daily game focused on identifying common threads among words. Players must select four groups of four words without exceeding three incorrect guesses. Play now. https://t.co/YITfSnqODb pic.twitter.com/CqObVOqeUs

      — The New York Times (@nytimes) November 3, 2024

      You can engage with Connections on the New York Times website or via the NYT Games app for iOS or Android.

      In Connections, you're presented with a grid of 16 words, and your goal is to arrange them into four groups of four by recognizing the connections among them. These groups may include themes such as titles of video game franchises, sequels in book series, shades of red, names of chain restaurants, and so forth.

      There are often words that might seem to fit multiple categories, but there is only one entirely correct answer. You have the option to shuffle the grid of words and rearrange them to better visualize the potential connections.

      Each group is color-coded: the yellow group is the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple.

      Select four words and click Submit. If you’re correct, those four words will be removed from the grid, and their connecting theme will be revealed. An incorrect guess counts as a mistake, and you only have four mistakes allowed before the game concludes.

      Hints for today’s Connections

      We can assist you in solving today’s Connection by sharing the four themes. If you require more help, we will also provide one word from each group below.

      Today’s themes

      KINDS OF CRAVINGS

      PILLAR

      BBQ OFFERING

      ___ NECK

      One-answer reveals

      KINDS OF CRAVINGS – BUST

      PILLAR – BRACE

      BBQ OFFERING – DOG

      ___ NECK – BOTTLE

      New York Times

      Today’s Connections answers

      Still having trouble? That’s alright. This puzzle is meant to be challenging. If you just want to see the answers to today's Connections, here they are:

      KINDS OF CRAVINGS – BUST, RELIEF, STATUE, TORSO

      PILLAR – BRACE, POST, PROP, SUPPORT

      BBQ OFFERING – DOG, LINK, RIB, WING

      ___ NECK – BOTTLE, BREAK, GOOSE, TURTLE

      Connections grids vary significantly and change each day. If you were unable to solve today’s puzzle, make sure to check back tomorrow.

      NYT Connection FAQs

      What time does the Connections puzzle reset?

      The puzzle resets daily at midnight local time.

      Who is responsible for editing the NYT Connections game?

      Wyna Liu, who has been editing puzzles at The New York Times since 2020, takes charge of editing Connections daily.

      “A few months ago, a new task landed on my desk: create the game boards for Connections, a category-matching game that had just received approval and was looking for an editor,” Liu shared in a June 2024 article describing her process. “Most of my experience has been with crosswords, and I was eager to try something new. I’ve enjoyed learning how puzzle editing works once a game is approved and understanding how our team fits into a larger ecosystem.”

      On the first anniversary of Connections' launch earlier this year, Liu shared a TikTok highlighting her favorite puzzles thus far:

      @thegamesteam ? happy one year anniversary to connections, our newest official NYT game ? #nytgames #nytconnections #nyt ♬ The Kite Live by Luisa Marion – luisa_marion_music