Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Spoiler warning: Hints appear first; the complete NYT Connections solution for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, is below them. This is game #863.
NYT Connections hints for Tuesday, October 21
Use these nudges if you want to solve the 16-word grid before seeing the categories. Each hint gives one example word without revealing its full group.
- One group consists of familiar ranks in a deck of cards.
- One group shares a meaning close to taking on a task.
- One group is made up of NBA team names.
- One group contains things you can operate remotely.
One example from each group
- Card ranks: QUEENS
- Taking on a task: HANDLES
- NBA teams: BUCKS
- Remote-controlled things: DRONES
Full Connections answers for October 21, 2025
The complete solution, reported by both TechRadar and Forbes, is:
- PLAYING CARDS: ACES, JACKS, KINGS, QUEENS
- TAKES ON: ADDRESSES, DOES, HANDLES, TACKLES
- N.B.A. TEAMS: BUCKS, BULLS, HORNETS, SPURS
- THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES: DRONES, GARAGE DOORS, TELEVISIONS, WIIS
Why the grid can mislead
KINGS and ACES can suggest basketball, but here they belong with the playing-card ranks. The NBA group is BUCKS, BULLS, HORNETS, and SPURS. Separating words that fit more than one association is part of the challenge: Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four sets of four based on shared themes, according to the NYT Help Center.
#1 Best Overall
How to play or replay this puzzle
The daily game releases at midnight in the player’s timezone and is available on the NYT Games website and apps, says the NYT Help Center. Its Connections archive includes puzzles dating back to June 12, 2023, and is available to Games and All Access subscribers. The Help Center notes that archived play affects certain statistics but not streaks; check the current access terms if you plan to replay.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
