🪜 Word Ladder
Change one letter at a time to climb from the start word to the goal.
STEPS 0PAR —BEST 0
START
GOAL
How to play Word Ladder
- Press New Game. You are shown a start word and a goal word.
- Type a four-letter word that changes exactly one letter of the word above it.
- Each rung must be a real word in the dictionary.
- Keep climbing until you reach the goal word. Beat par for a clean solve.
Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Type + Enter | Submit the next word |
| Undo | Step back one rung |
| Ctrl+F | Enter or leave full screen |
Tips & strategy
- Work from both ends — think what word sits just before the goal, too.
- Vowel swaps (CAT→COT) often open the most paths.
- Par is the shortest possible ladder; matching it is an excellent result.
- If you get stuck, Undo and try changing a different letter earlier.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a valid move?
A real four-letter word that differs from the previous word in exactly one letter position.
What is par?
The length of the shortest possible ladder between the two words — the target to beat.
How is my score tracked?
Your record is the most puzzles you solve in a single session.