Games Like Connections (2026): 9 Daily Word Puzzle Games

Connections has a way of becoming part of the morning. You read sixteen words, spot a link or two, second-guess yourself and sort them into four groups before the coffee goes cold. Once you've finished it for the day, it's natural to want another puzzle with the same pleasure of spotting a hidden pattern.

I'll be straight with you: very few games copy the sorting-into-groups idea exactly. What I've gathered here are nine daily and word-based puzzle games that share its feel, in no particular order and sorted from A to Z. Some are about links between words, some are about letters and some are quick guessing games. Every detail comes from each game's own website, so I've kept the descriptions short and left out anything I couldn't confirm there. If you'd like puzzle ideas for computers as well, my guide to free offline puzzle games for PC is a good next stop.

Connections-style puzzle games in one table

In the free to play column, Yes means the game's own website says it's free to play. No means I couldn't confirm that on the page I read, which isn't the same as saying it can't be free, so check the app store or website yourself before you decide. Details change, so don't rely on this table alone.

Game	Platforms	Good for	Free to play
Codenames Online	Web, iOS, Android	Giving one-word clues that link several words	No
Crosswordle	Web	A daily grid where you swap tiles into place	Yes
Semantle	Web	Daily guessing by how close words are in meaning	No
Squaredle	Web	A daily word search with clearing squares	Yes
Waffle	Web	Swapping letters until every word reads correctly	No
Wordfeud	iOS, Android	Playing word games against friends or random opponents	No
Words With Friends	iOS, Android, web	Social word play with daily puzzles	No
Wordscapes	Mobile	Relaxed word puzzles on your phone	No
Worldle	Web, iPhone, Android	A daily geography guess from a country's outline	Yes

Nine puzzle games to try after Connections, A to Z

Codenames Online

Best for: People who enjoy spotting links between words and who'd like to play it with friends, using a shared room link.

Crosswordle

Best for: Players who like a short daily puzzle with colour clues and a limited number of moves to work with.

Semantle

Best for: Word fans who like a daily guessing game and are happy to learn by trying words and seeing what happens.

Squaredle

Best for: Players who like finding words in a grid, with long words rewarded and a fresh puzzle each day.

Waffle

Best for: People who enjoy a daily swap puzzle with a swap limit and a star score at the end.

Wordfeud

Best for: Players who'd like several games running at once, taking turns against friends or other people.

Words With Friends

Best for: Players who want a classic one-on-one word game, plus solo challenges and daily puzzles, on a phone or in a browser.

Wordscapes

Best for: People who want a mobile word game to dip into during a break, with no need to rush.

Worldle

Best for: People who like a daily guessing puzzle with clues after each try, but with maps in place of words.

What makes a puzzle feel like Connections

When people say they want something like Connections, they usually mean one or two particular things. Knowing which helps you choose, because the games above scratch different itches.

• Spotting a hidden link. The thrill of seeing that four unrelated words share a theme. Games built on word associations come closest.
• A small daily habit. A single puzzle a day that takes a few minutes and then leaves you alone until tomorrow.
• Misdirection. Words that seem to belong together but don't. Letter and swap puzzles trade this for a different kind of cleverness.
• A limited number of tries. Having only a few mistakes available is what keeps each guess feeling important.
• Sharing with others. Part of the fun is comparing how you got on with friends, family or colleagues.

Connections fans: matching a puzzle to your mood

• You love word links: look for clue-giving and association games.
• You love letters: grid searches and swap puzzles reward patient eyes.
• You love a quick guess: daily guessing games with feedback after each try take a minute or two.
• You want company: turn-based word games let you play against friends over days.
• You want a change of pace: a map or geography puzzle uses the same habit with a different subject.

If you like playing together, my list of two player games for one phone has ideas for passing a device back and forth, and puzzle games for a plane journey is useful for a long trip.

Questions to ask before you pick a Connections-style game

• Does it need an internet connection, or can I play offline?
• Is there one puzzle a day, or can I play as many as I like?
• Will it work in my browser, or do I need to download an app?
• Do I need to make an account to keep my streak?
• If a child will play, what does the age rating say on the app store page?

Building a daily puzzle habit alongside Connections

A few small habits can turn a handful of puzzles into a pleasant routine rather than a time sink.

1. Pick a regular moment, such as with your morning drink or on a break.
2. Start with the puzzle you enjoy most and treat the others as extras.
3. Limit yourself to a few puzzles a day so they stay fun.
4. Share your result with a friend or family member for a bit of friendly rivalry.
5. If a puzzle feels like a chore, drop it and try a different style.

A note for parents about word and puzzle games

Puzzle games are usually gentle, but some include chat with other players, adverts or social features. Check the age rating on each app store page, look at what the game says about online play, and talk with your child about who they might be playing with.

Mistakes people make when hunting for games like Connections

• Expecting an exact copy and feeling let down when a game works differently.
• Starting too many daily puzzles at once and burning out.
• Not checking whether a game needs an account or a connection.
• Skipping the app store page and finding it isn't available on their device.
• Forgetting to check the age rating before handing over a phone.

Do you make mobile or PC games? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Choosing your next Connections-style puzzle

Think about what you enjoy most about Connections, whether that's the links, the misdirection or the daily ritual. Try two or three games for a week, keep the one you look forward to and let the others go. For more places to browse, Google games you can play offline is another quick read.

Frequently asked questions

Are there games exactly like Connections?

Very few copy it exactly. Most games with a similar feel share the daily format, the word play or the hidden-link idea. Try a couple of different styles to see which one you enjoy.

Are games like Connections free to play?

Some on this page say on their own website that they're free to play, while for others I couldn't confirm it from the page. The free to play column shows which is which, so check the app store or website in your country.

Can I play these puzzle games offline?

It depends on the game. Daily puzzles usually load from the internet, so many need a connection. Check the game's website or store page for details.

Are word puzzle games suitable for children?

Ratings differ from game to game. Look at the age rating on each app store page, check any chat or social features, and play together first if you're unsure.

Do I need to download anything?

Some of these games run in a web browser and others are phone apps. The platforms column shows which, but check each game's own page for the latest.