Comparison
NYT Connections vs Clusters
NYT Connections asks you to sort sixteen words into four hidden groups. Clusters is Coronet Arcade's independent daily on that connecting-wall format, free in any browser.
Side by side
| Feature | NYT Connections | Clusters |
|---|---|---|
| Daily board | One puzzle a day | One free daily, the same board worldwide |
| Groups | Four groups of four | Four groups on the daily. Unlimited adds five- and six-group boards |
| Mistakes | A few strikes end the run | The same strike limit |
| Account | NYT Games | Optional. The board plays in the browser without signing in |
| Past boards | NYT’s archive | A 60-day archive with the Arcade Pass |
| Price | NYT Games | Free to play. Arcade Pass is $4.99 once, for extra hints, the archive, and expert practice |
| Other puzzles | Connections | Thirteen daily puzzles in the same browser |
What's the same
Both hide four categories of four words in a grid, cost you a strike for a wrong group, and end the run after a few strikes. The trap is the same: words that could belong to two groups are the ones to leave until last.
How Clusters differs
Clusters Unlimited pushes past four groups to five- and six-group boards, which sharply increases the overlap between categories. It plays in the browser with no login, beside twelve other puzzles. Ordinary practice is free; the optional Arcade Pass adds the 60-day archive and expert practice.
Verdict
Connections players will slip straight into Clusters, with bigger boards in practice and an archive.
Free and the Arcade Pass
The daily board and ordinary practice are free. The optional Arcade Pass is a one-time $4.99 purchase for extra hints, a 60-day archive, and expert practice.