Word Links: a free browser game
Word Links is a free word connections game with twelve independently written boards. Each board contains sixteen words arranged into four hidden categories. Choose four words that share a connection, submit the set, and use the remaining field to narrow the next group. This is an original Joywisp practice collection, with its own answers and categories; it is not the New York Times daily Connections puzzle.
How to play Word Links
- Find four categories of four words. A successful set leaves the field and reveals its category.
- A wrong set costs one of four mistakes. Three words from one hidden group receive a one-away message.
- Finish all four groups before the fourth mistake. Undo restores your previous submission; the next board begins a new puzzle.
Word Links strategy
Look beyond the first pair
Two words that seem related are only a starting point. Look for a complete set of four before submitting. An instrument, a book part and a familiar phrase can share a word without belonging to the same intended group.
Use a solved group to simplify the field
After a correct set leaves the board, reconsider the remaining words. A word that seemed ambiguous may now have only one plausible partner category. There is no reward for guessing quickly.
Treat one away as a specific clue
One away means exactly three of your selected words share one of this board’s categories. Change a candidate thoughtfully. It does not identify which word is wrong or reveal the category name.
A worked example
On the first authored board, OAK, PINE, ELM and MAPLE form the Trees group. Three of those words plus DRUM produce a one-away message. That example explains how the feedback works; the other eleven boards use different categories and words.
Questions about Word Links
Is this the official Connections game?
No. Word Links uses original Joywisp boards and category choices. It does not import the New York Times puzzle, results, streaks or account data.
Do the categories change every day?
This is a twelve-board practice pack. Next puzzle moves through that pack; it does not claim to reproduce a daily editorial feed.
Can a word belong to more than one idea?
A word may suggest several associations, but each board assigns it to exactly one intended group. The revealed category explains the authored connection.
What happens after four mistakes?
The round ends and the board’s groups are shown. You can undo the last submission to reconsider, or choose the next original board.
Local progress, keyboard play and privacy
This original player runs in your browser. Refreshing the same tab restores the puzzle and its bounded undo history; closing the tab ends that session. If tab storage is blocked, the live round remains playable and the player explains the limitation. Keyboard users can reach controls with Tab and activate buttons with Enter or Space. The player sends no guesses, word groups, moves or hint requests to a remote game service. Read the storage details →