The New York Times Company

03/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/02/2026 08:13

The 1,000th Connections Puzzle Is Almost Here

Thousands of categories. Millions of players. Billions of solves.



From breakfast tables and coffee shop lines, to morning commutes and family group chats: Connections from New York Times Games has been challenging millions of solvers daily since launching in June 2023. Written by puzzle editor and Connections writer Wyna Liu, this 16-word puzzle tests your wit, vocabulary and creativity.



On March 7, start the day by playing the 1,000th Connections puzzle. Whether solving daily or starting a new streak, take on the milestone puzzle along with millions of like-minded solvers.



"Experiencing the growth of Connections has been such a wonderful surprise!" Liu said. "I never imagined it would inspire this kind of discourse, humor, vexation and even metagaming. I've learned so much over the past few years, and the game has evolved as solvers have gotten wise to its tricks. It's incredibly meaningful to me that something I love making is something people enjoy talking about - even on the days when it's a challenge. I'm honored and excited to keep growing this game with them."



New Badges to Unlock With Connections 1,000

Celebrating gameplay with in-game badges has become a rewarding new addition to New York Times Games, allowing players to commemorate their achievements and reflect on progress. When the 1,000th Connections puzzle is published on March 7, solvers can earn two special new badges.

  • 1,000th Puzzle Challenge Badge: Awarded to players who solve the 1,000th Connections puzzle, available on March 7, 2026 at midnight.
  • 1,000 Connections Badge: Awarded to players who complete a total of 1,000 puzzles. This milestone can be reached at any time. No streak is required.


Many players love to start their day with Connections, with the most popular solve time on New York Times Games between 9-11 a.m. Drawing on this beloved routine, New York Times Games is fueling solvers' morning gameplay all week leading up to the 1,000th Connections puzzle with a limited-edition drink named "Purple First."



Named after the prominent color in the Connections icon and the fan-favorite strategy of solving the hardest category first, this striking beverage is a colorful nod to each category in a solved Connections puzzle. The layers of flavors are:



  • Purple: Purple Sweet Potato, Taro, Maple, Coconut Cream
  • Blue: Blue Spirulina, Maple, Almond Cream
  • Green: Green Grape, Kiwami Super Ceremonial Matcha, Almond Cream
  • Yellow: Pineapple, Maple

Available at all Matchaful locations in New York City between 8-11 a.m. from Monday, March 2, to Saturday, March 7, Purple First is complimentary* (while supplies last) and can be claimed by any customer who shows that they have solved the daily Connections puzzle from their mobile device.



Matchaful Locations:



  • Soho: 184 Prince Street, New York
  • Nolita: 217 Mulberry Street, New York
  • West Village: 87 Christopher Street, New York
  • Midtown East: 240 E 54th Street, New York
  • Brookfield Place: 250 Vesey Street, 2nd Floor, New York
  • Williamsburg: 92 Berry Street, Brooklyn
  • Clinton Hill: 44 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn

To mark the 1,000th Connections puzzle on March 7, players can stop by the Matchaful location on Prince Street from 8-11 a.m. and solve for additional merchandise such as Connections themed pajama sets and keepsake patches of the 1,000th Puzzle Challenge Badge (while supplies last). Plus, connect with other solvers and enjoy Purple First on its final day of availability.



Connections' devoted fan base is a testament to New York Times Games' commitment to delivering diverse, quality and human-crafted puzzle games that everyone can enjoy playing every day. Connections is free to play in the New York Times Games app on iOS and Android, as well as mobile web and desktop.




Offer of complimentary Connections-themed Matchaful drink and merchandise is for a limited time while supplies last. One free drink can be redeemed per person who shows that they have solved the daily Connections puzzle at participating New York City locations. Offer may not be combined with any other offers, discounts or coupons. Other exclusions may apply. Offer starts 8:00am on Monday March 2, 2026, and ends 11:59 p.m. E.T., Saturday, March 7, 2026. Full terms available: http://nytimes.com/connections1000



The New York Times Company published this content on March 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 02, 2026 at 14:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]