In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck in the yellow and purple categories, primarily due to the overlapping nature of the words and the potential for misclassification. For instance, players might confuse 'RETURN' and 'BENEFIT' as synonyms in a broader sense, leading them to mix them with the other categories. Similarly, in the purple category, the beginnings of 'MUM' and 'VAMP' could mislead solvers who might not immediately think of them as starting points for monster names, as they may not recall specific examples or may consider them too vague. This confusion can lead to inefficient grouping and wasted time as solvers try to force connections that aren't there.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of each category. For example, in the yellow category, all words relate directly to outcomes of effort, which can help clarify that they do not belong to any other category. In contrast, the purple category requires specific knowledge of monster lore, which can often trip up solvers who are unfamiliar with the references. A good strategy is to initially categorize words by their most apparent connections and then refine those groups as more words are placed. By keeping an eye on the meanings and contexts of the words, players can avoid misgrouping.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to look for definitive categories that have clear, non-overlapping definitions. If a word can reasonably fit into more than one category, it’s often a sign that it should be set aside until the more obvious connections are made. Additionally, when encountering words that seem to have multiple meanings or associations, it can be helpful to write down potential categories next to them and see which ones hold up under scrutiny. This can help prevent premature conclusions and lead to more accurate groupings.