Word Ladder Game
Solve clues to guess each word in the chain. Climb the ladder from top to bottom!
How to Play
Word Ladder is a word chain puzzle where you solve clues step by step to climb the ladder. Each word connects to the next through a theme!
Read the Clue
Each rung of the ladder has a clue. Use it to guess the word.
Type Your Answer
Use the on-screen keyboard or your physical keyboard to type the word.
Use Hints Wisely
Stuck? Use a hint to reveal a letter. You have 3 hints per puzzle.
Climb the Ladder
Solve all words to complete the puzzle. Watch your tries!
- Hints: Each hint reveals one unrevealed letter in the current word. You get 3 hints per puzzle.
- Tries: Each wrong guess uses a try. Run out and the puzzle ends! You get 3 tries.
- Timer: The timer starts on your first keypress. Aim for a fast finish!
- Themes: Each puzzle follows a thematic chain - the words are connected!
About Word Ladders
Word Ladder puzzles were invented by Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, in 1877. Originally called "Doublets," the puzzles challenged players to transform one word into another by changing a single letter at each step.
Vocabulary Benefits
Word Ladder games are excellent vocabulary builders. By solving clue-based word chains, players naturally expand their word knowledge, improve spelling, and strengthen the mental connections between related words. Teachers and parents love them as engaging learning tools.
Brain Training
These puzzles exercise multiple cognitive skills simultaneously: verbal reasoning, pattern recognition, working memory, and lateral thinking. Regular play can improve your ability to make word associations and think creatively under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! The game is completely free to play with 20 unique puzzles. No sign-up required.
There are currently 20 themed puzzles ranging from easy to challenging. Each puzzle has 5 to 6 words in the chain. We add new puzzles regularly!
If you use all 3 tries, the puzzle ends and the remaining words are revealed. You can retry the same puzzle or move on to the next one.
Each hint reveals one unrevealed letter in the current word. You get 3 hints per puzzle, so use them strategically on the trickier words!
Absolutely! The game is fully responsive with an on-screen keyboard, making it perfect for phones and tablets.
Yes! Each puzzle follows a theme. The words form a chain where each word connects to the next through meaning, association, or category. The theme is revealed when you complete the puzzle.