Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#1

Post by thomaswc » Wed, Dec 24, 2025, 1:30 AM UTC

It's a a long puzzle, somewhat akin to a 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Solving it collectively with others is encouraged.

If you are the sort that likes rules, the rules are you can use Google or whatever external sources you like for help. View page source, however, is cheating.

Hat tip to Octagon and the TND crew for help in play testing and proposing categories.

Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45
thomaswc.com

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#2

Post by baubino » Wed, Dec 24, 2025, 2:41 AM UTC

I clicked straight through without reading your directions and I liked figuring out the puzzle of the puzzle. I really appreciate a long puzzle. This is great!

edit: Now I see that the bigger challenge is finding the small collections again after I’ve grouped a few together.

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#3

Post by eastoeast » Fri, Dec 26, 2025, 5:19 AM UTC

This is a lot of fun! Works decently well on mobile too. One suggestion (although, take it with a grain of salt)- I didn’t notice the deselect since header disappears on zoom. Might be better that way, but might be useful sticked top. Nice work!

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#4

Post by russdill » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 1:31 AM UTC

Geez, last time the year was a square was 1936. And it won't be again until 2116.

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#5

Post by madsushi » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 1:53 AM UTC

Thanks for sharing. Although 'Boromir' and 'One does not simply' should absolutely be a match!

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#6

Post by Uvix » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 2:02 AM UTC

Interesting idea. One note: sometimes after I connect two items it'll reselect the combined item, sometimes it won't. I'd prefer if it never did, but at least if it was consistent I could get used to having to click "Deselect" each time...

EDIT: Also, would be helpful if the items where I've created a category were somehow grouped (column on the left?) so when I find a third item, it's easier to find the ones I'd already joined.

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#7

Post by scubbo » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 3:13 AM UTC

This is magnificent <3

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#8

Post by nhhvhy » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 5:52 AM UTC

5 hours into “just checking it out”.. very nice puzzle.

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#9

Post by huydotnet » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 6:16 AM UTC

very nice! would be nicer if it can be playable on mobile, i know where i'm gonna spend my time waiting for my wife at the mall now.

Re: Show HN: A 45x45 Connections Puzzle To Commemorate 2025=45*45

#10

Post by vessenes » Tue, Dec 30, 2025, 6:53 AM UTC

Thomas, I love this! I vibe coded a bunch of quality of life improvements to this and put it up here: https://vessenes.github.io/2025is45x45/ .

Note - you didn't license your original page; I've released my modifications under CC0 and linked back to you -- if you hate it, I'll take it down. I just thought it was fun but I wanted something that was a little easier to engage with.

Quick summary of features - some font and ui design, "S" to shuffle, "R" to reset, "/" to search, Esc works throughout, pinned boxes so you can scroll and search.. that's the main stuff.