Words · Word steps
Word Ladder
Change one letter at a time to turn the start word into the target.
About Word Ladder
Word Ladder turns one word into another by changing a single letter at a time, with every step a real English word. Reach the target in as few steps as possible — the minimum is shown.
Play a new daily puzzle every day, or pick Easy, Medium or Hard in practice mode for unlimited puzzles.
How to play
- From the start word, each step changes exactly one letter (no adding, removing or reordering) and must make a real English word.
- Keep going until you reach the target word.
- Fewer steps is better — the minimum is shown.
Undo goes back a step; a hint plays the next step for you.
Type the next word and press Enter. Green letters already match the target.
Tips & strategies
- Change letters that already match the target last.
- Vowels are often the easiest letters to change.
- If stuck, step away from the target to find a new path.
FAQ
How do you play Word Ladder?
From the start word, each step changes exactly one letter (no adding, removing or reordering) and must make a real English word. Keep going until you reach the target word. Fewer steps is better — the minimum is shown.
Is there a new Word Ladder puzzle every day?
Yes. A new daily puzzle arrives at midnight (your local time) and everyone gets the same one. Missed days can be played from the archive.
Do I need to sign up or install anything?
No. Daily Brain runs in your browser. You can add it to your home screen and it keeps working offline after the first visit. Progress is stored only on your device.
Are there difficulty levels and hints?
Practice mode offers Easy, Medium and Hard with unlimited new puzzles. Hints are available when you get stuck and are recorded in your result.