Word Ladder
COLD to WARM, one letter at a time.
About Word Ladder
Change the starting word into the target word, one letter at a time, making a real word at every step. Each puzzle shows the shortest possible ladder, so you know how good your solution is. Hints show the next step on a shortest route.
How to play Word Ladder
- Type a four-letter word that changes exactly one letter of the last word.
- Every step must be a real word.
- Reach the target word.
- Try to match the shortest possible number of steps.
Tips and strategy
- Work from both ends: what words are one step from the target?
- Vowel swaps often open up new paths.
Word Ladder FAQ
Which words are allowed?
Guesses are checked against a 42,000-word English dictionary. Answers are always common, everyday words.
Is Word Ladder free to play?
Yes. Word Ladder is free in your browser on OFF PLAY, with nothing to download or install.
Find more word games, browse all free games or check the leaderboards.
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