NYT Connections 30 January, 2026: Word games continue to dominate the online puzzle market and NYT Connections has emerged as a hit among players seeking both intellectual stimulation and entertainment with more than a million daily active users by 2025, it challenged people to think beyond traditional word puzzles. The game requires players to identify groups of four items that have something in common, combining deduction, word knowledge and pattern recognition skills.
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle game from The New York Time and the objective is simple use 16 words and categorize them into four groups of four, each with its own level of difficulty. The color indicators correspond to the difficulty level, ranging from easy green to purple, which is the most difficult. You get a maximum of four errors, which gives it a bit of leeway without diminishing the intellectual advantage. It is free to play on both computers or mobile devices and it has become a popular pastime for word game enthusiasts worldwide.
How to Play NYT Connections
- Identify groups of four words that share a common theme.
- Click or tap on words to select them as part of a group.
- Correctly grouped words disappear from the board, revealing remaining challenges.
- Groups vary in difficulty: green (easy), yellow (moderate), blue (hard), purple (very hard).
- Up to four mistakes are allowed before the game ends.
- Use process of elimination to solve tricky groups if unsure.
Today’s Connections Words for 30 January (Friday)

- MINUTE
- TAPE
- AREA
- COMPACT
- COMB
- POKER
- STICKER
- PATCH
- BAND-AID
- NAIL FILE
- LINT ROLLER
- UPPER
- CLUSTER
- HELPING
- TWEEZERS
Today’s Connections Hints for 30 January (Friday)
- Yellow: Section of space
- Green: Tools for personal grooming
- Blue: Items with a sticky side
- Purple: Words that can pair with “hand”
NYT Connections Answers for 30 January (#964)
- Yellow (Region): AREA, CLUSTER, PATCH, POCKET
- Green (Grooming Items): COMB, COMPACT, NAIL FILE, TWEEZERS
- Blue (Things with Adhesive Surfaces): BAND-AID, LINT ROLLER, STICKER, TAPE
- Purple (Hand): HELPING, MINUTE, POKER, UPPER
FAQ’s NYT Connections
- Is NYT Connections free to play?
Yes, it is playable for free on the NYT Games website and app. - Can you make mistakes?
Players are allowed up to four incorrect guesses per puzzle. - Are the puzzles daily?
Yes, a new puzzle is released every day. - Does difficulty vary?
Each group has a difficulty rating: green (easy) to purple (very hard). - Can you play on mobile?
The game is fully accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.
