FAQ - Categories

[AARPTeri]

What is Categories?

Categories is a word-matching puzzle game where you are presented with a grid and must combine words into the categories they fit into. Categories might be palindromes, or homophones, or just words that all deal with the same topic, like a sport. Combine all the words correctly to win!

How do I start?

From the home screen, click “Daily Puzzle” for today’s three games, or “500 Levels” to play additional puzzles.

How do I play?

Gameplay is straightforward: choose the grid size you’d like to play and, when you see the grid, click the words that you think fit into a category. When you’re confident, click “submit.” If you’re not correct, you’ll lose one of your chances. If you are correct, those words will be removed from the grid.

How do I know that a group of words fit into a category?

Categories can be any group of words that fit together. Maybe they’re a group of palindromes or homophones; perhaps they’re a group of words that all have to do with one sport; they could be a group of animals. Keep thinking critically about how words can fit together!

How do I win?

When all the words have been placed into correct categories, you win the round.

How big are the grids?

In Categories, you can choose from one of three grid sizes: 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5.

How many words fit into a category?

That depends on the grid size. In a 3x3 grid, each of the three categories will have three words. In a 4x4 grid, each of the four categories will have four words. In a 5x5 grid, each of the five categories will have five words.

What happens when I lose?

If you are unable to solve the puzzle before submitting too many mistakes, you’ll be presented with two options: either take the game over and start a new game or watch a video to refill your chances. In a 3x3 grid, you can make three mistakes; in a 4x4 grid, you can make four mistakes; in a 5x5 grid, you can make five mistakes.

Will the game tell me if I’m only one word away from getting the correct category?

Yes! If you’ve guessed all the words correctly except for one (for example, four out of five correct in the 5x5 grid), a yellow box will pop up that says you are just one away.

Can I get hints?

There are no hints in Categories, but if you’re feeling stuck, you can click on “reveal” at the bottom of the screen. When you do, you’ll be shown a video; when it’s over, one of the categories will be filled in!

How often can I play Categories?

Every day there will be a new 3x3, 4x4, and 5x5 puzzle. If you’d like to play more, click “500 Levels” on the home screen instead of “Daily Puzzle.” From there, you’ll have plenty more games to play!

Can I see my stats?

Yes! Click the graph icon at the top left of the screen to see your best time, total wins, and total losses for all three puzzle sizes.

How do I go back to the home screen?

While playing, there will be an icon at the top left of the screen that includes a left-pointing arrow in a box. Click that to head back to the home screen.

[SD1638]

Where or how can you submit your score.  I solve the puzzles and get no score, also have to click on recently played and go back into the game to pick a new series. This game is not loading correctly.

[Bonnie318]

Just sucks in general. Waaaay too many ads.

Do not recommend.😖

[john98584]

Game is not loading. Has been showing since debut "Daily Game High 0." 

[PaulaAnn1]

The Top Scores aren't loading either.  All three all always 0.  I've been playing this fun game for a couple of weeks now and all the TOP SCORES are 0.  

[ciptra38]

Same for me - no score

[ciptra38]

Also, there is an ad EVERY time you click!

[GloriaA760522]

  I use  DuckDuckGo as my browser to avoid the ads.   It’s also a safer browser.  Good luck.   Happy New Year!

[ciptra38]

Thanks Gloria!  - will check out DuckDuckGo...