Word LadderQuiz ยท Brain
How to play Word Ladder
Word Ladder gives you two words of the same length. Climb from the start word to the goal word by changing exactly one letter per rung, and every rung must be a real word from the game's own word list. You can type the next word and press Enter, or tap a letter of your top word and pick its replacement on the on-screen keyboard.
Levels grow from three-letter ladders up to six letters and longer routes. Each level shows a par: the fewest rungs possible. Finish at par for three stars, within two extra rungs for two, and run out of rungs (par plus four) and you must try again. Undo and restart are free; a hint reveals the next rung of a shortest ladder, the first one in each level costs nothing and later ones are optional video rewards that cost a star. When you win, the game shows a shortest ladder so you can compare.
A new daily ladder is the same for everybody and keeps a streak going. Progress, stars, streak and sound settings are saved on your device, so you can close the tab and come back later. The game runs in the browser with no download and no account.
Controls
Type a word and press Enter (Backspace deletes). Or press 1 to 6 or click a letter of the top word, then type its new letter. Esc: menu.
Tap a letter of the top word, then tap a new letter on the on-screen keyboard. Or type a whole word and tap Enter.
FAQ
What counts as a valid rung?
A word from the game's list with the same length that differs from the word below it in exactly one letter and is not already on your ladder.
How do stars work?
Every level shows a par, the shortest possible ladder. Finish with par rungs or fewer for three stars, up to par plus two for two stars, otherwise one star. Each hint after the first one in a level costs a star (never below one).
What happens if I run out of rungs?
You have par plus four rungs. Undo and restart are free, so plan ahead. If you do run out you can try again or watch an optional video to add three rungs.
What is the daily ladder?
One new puzzle per day, the same for every player. Finish it on consecutive days to build a streak.
Is Word Ladder free?
Yes. It is free to play in your browser, with no download and no account.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. It runs on phones, tablets and computers. Tap a letter of the top word, then tap a new letter on the on-screen keyboard. Or type a whole word and tap Enter.