If you’re someone who starts their day with a cup of coffee and a brain teaser, then the Connections hint for today’s NYT puzzle might be just what you need. The New York Times’ Connections game has quickly become a daily ritual for word game lovers, challenging players to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four connected sets. But let’s be honest—some days, the puzzle can feel like it’s speaking a whole different language.
That’s where we come in. Whether you’re stuck on the last group or just need a gentle nudge to get started, today’s Connections hint for October 18, 2025 (game #860) will help you keep your streak alive and your mind sharp.
What Is NYT Connections?
Before we dive into today’s Connections hint, let’s take a quick look at what the game is all about. NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times that presents players with a 4×4 grid of 16 words. The goal is to group these words into four sets of four, each connected by a common theme.
The themes can be anything—synonyms, categories, puns, or even pop culture references. The challenge lies in spotting the subtle links while avoiding the dreaded “red herrings” that are designed to throw you off.
Connections Hint: October 18, 2025 (Game #860)
Today’s puzzle is a delightful mix of pop culture, wordplay, and a bit of sports trivia. If you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with some gentle nudges.
Group 1 Hint: “They’re All in the Game”
Think about things you’d find in a sports setting. This group is all about sports-related terms. If you’re a fan of the field, this one should come naturally.
Group 2 Hint: “They’re All in the Kitchen”
This group is tied to cooking or kitchen tools. Think about what you’d use to prepare a meal or bake a cake.
Group 3 Hint: “They’re All in the Movies”
This one’s for the cinephiles. These words are connected to film genres or movie-related terms.
Group 4 Hint: “They’re All in the Mind”
This group is a bit abstract. The connection here is mental or emotional states—words that describe how someone might feel or think.
Today’s Connections Puzzle Strategy
If you’re new to the game or just want to improve your approach, here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you solve today’s puzzle and future ones:
– Start with the obvious: Look for words that clearly belong together. If you see “bat,” “ball,” “glove,” and “pitcher,” it’s a safe bet they’re all baseball-related.
– Watch out for red herrings: The NYT puzzle creators love to include words that seem like they belong together but don’t. Don’t fall for the trap!
– Use the process of elimination: Once you’ve locked in one group, it becomes easier to spot the remaining connections.
– Say the words out loud: Sometimes hearing the words can help you notice a pattern you might miss by just reading them.
Why People Love NYT Connections
The popularity of the game has soared in 2025, with thousands of players sharing their scores and strategies online. What makes it so addictive?
– It’s quick but challenging: You can play it in five minutes—or spend an hour trying to crack it.
– It’s social: Many players share their results on social media, sparking friendly competition.
– It’s educational: You’ll expand your vocabulary and sharpen your pattern recognition skills.
The Connections hint community has also grown, with players helping each other out while still keeping the fun intact.
Final Thoughts
Today’s Connections hint for October 18, 2025, should give you the edge you need to solve game #860 and keep your streak going strong. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a curious newcomer, remember that the joy of the game lies not just in getting the right answers, but in the journey of discovery.
So take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and dive back into the grid. And if you ever need a little help, you know where to find your daily dose of hints and encouragement.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and puzzle data from The New York Times as of October 18, 2025. Puzzle content and answers may vary by region and time zone. For the most accurate and up-to-date version of the game, please visit the official NYT Games website.
