How to play Word Ladder
Climb from the start word to the target word by changing exactly one letter at a time. Every step must be a real English word, and letters keep their positions (no rearranging).
Example: COLD → CORD → CARD → WARD → WARM.
- Type your next word on your keyboard or the on-screen keys and press Enter. The letter you need to change is highlighted as you type.
- Undo removes your last step. Hint fills in the next word on a shortest route from where you are now.
- The par shown is the fewest steps possible, found by a breadth-first search over the word list. Match it for a perfect score!
Options
Choose 3-, 4- or 5-letter words and a difficulty: Easy ladders need 3–4 steps, Medium 5–6 and Hard 7 or more. Your best scores and number of perfect ladders are saved.
About this word ladder
Change one letter at a time to turn one word into another. Play Word Ladder free in your browser on desktop, tablet or phone. It works offline once loaded — perfect for travel. Your progress and best scores are saved on your device. Popular searches: word ladder puzzle.
Word Ladder FAQ
Is Word Ladder free to play?
Yes. Word Ladder is completely free on GamesVora. There is nothing to download or install and you don't need an account.
Can I play Word Ladder offline?
Yes. Once you have opened GamesVora while online, Word Ladder is saved on your device and you can keep playing without an internet connection.
Does Word Ladder work on mobile phones and tablets?
Yes. Word Ladder works in any modern browser on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops and desktop computers, with touch, mouse and keyboard controls.
Is my progress saved?
Your settings, best scores and statistics are saved in your browser on this device. Clearing your browser data will reset them.
What other games are like Word Ladder?
If you enjoy Word Ladder, try the other games in our Word Games collection — they are all free and work offline too.
