The goal
Start from the first word and reach the last word. Beat or match par, which is the number of steps in the shortest possible ladder (what par is). You can finish in more steps, and your result shows how you compare.
Making a step
Each step changes exactly one letter of the current word, in place, and must make a real four-letter word. You cannot rearrange, add or remove letters. A word already on your ladder cannot be used again (what counts as a step).
Type a word and choose Add step, or press Enter. The game accepts common four-letter words from its own list, so names, abbreviations and rare words may be missing (which words are accepted).
Undo and hints
Undo removes your last step. Hint shows a next word on a shortest route from where you are, without adding it, and every hint you use appears in your result (what a hint shows).
Puzzles and saving
There are 24 curated puzzles, each with a shortest ladder of three to seven steps. Choose one from the puzzle menu or use New puzzle (how many puzzles there are). Switching puzzle asks for confirmation if you have unfinished progress.
There is no timer, and free play is not ranked. Your ladder and hints are saved in this browser when storage is available (is Word Ladder timed). After you finish, Show a shortest ladder reveals one best route and Share result copies your result and the game link.
The daily ladder
The daily challenge gives everyone the same pair for the day, with a shortest ladder of four to seven steps. Your score is your final ladder’s steps plus one for every hint and one for every undo, and the lowest score is ranked first (how the daily scores). You get one scored ladder a day, and it locks when you reach the last word.
Putting the rules to work
The Word Ladder strategy guide turns these rules into tips for beating par, or play Word Ladder free now.
Word Ladder rules questions
What counts as a step in Word Ladder?
One step changes exactly one letter of the current word in place, and the result must be a word from the game’s list that is not already on your ladder.
Read the full answer →What is par in Word Ladder?
Par is the number of steps in the shortest possible ladder between the two words. You can finish in more steps, and your result shows how you compare.
Read the full answer →What does a Word Ladder hint show?
A hint shows a next word on a shortest route from where you are. It does not add the word, and each hint used appears in your result.
Read the full answer →Is Word Ladder timed?
No. Word Ladder has no timer, and only the daily ladder is ranked. Your ladder and hints are saved in this browser when storage is available.
Read the full answer →How does the Daily Word Ladder score?
Your score is your final ladder’s steps plus one for every hint and one for every undo. The lowest score wins, and par is the best you can do.
Read the full answer →Which words does Word Ladder accept?
Word Ladder accepts common four-letter words from its own word list. Names, abbreviations and rare words may be missing.
Read the full answer →How many Word Ladder puzzles are there?
There are 24 curated puzzles, each with a shortest ladder of three to seven steps. Choose one from the puzzle menu or use New puzzle.
Read the full answer →Play Word Ladder free →Your game is saved in this browser. No sign-up.