Word Ladder is a classic puzzle invented by Lewis Carroll in 1877. The rules are simple and the puzzles are satisfying: take a starting word, change one letter at a time, and reach a target word. Each step along the way has to be a real word.
CAT to DOG? CAT → COT → DOT → DOG. Three steps, each one a real word.
Where to find it
Go to Activities → Brain Games, and tap Word Ladder.
How to play
Tap Play.
You will see a starting word (like CAT) and a target word (like DOG).
Change one letter in the starting word to make a new real word.
Keep changing one letter at a time until you reach the target.
Each step must be a real English word. The game will tell you if it is not.
The rules
Change one letter at a time. You cannot change two letters in the same step.
Every step must be a real word. No made-up words, no abbreviations.
You cannot rearrange the letters. Position matters. CAT to TAC is not a valid step, even though both are words in other contexts.
The word length stays the same the whole way. If you start with 3 letters, every step has 3 letters.
What it trains
Vocabulary. Short words in particular, which often get overlooked.
Spelling. Because each step must be a real word, you notice how letters combine.
Creative thinking. Finding the path requires trying possibilities you might not have considered.
How long a puzzle takes
Two to five minutes. Shorter ladders go faster. Longer ones (5 or 6 letter words) can take a bit more thought. Every puzzle has a solution.
How to solve a ladder
Look at the target word. Which letters does it share with the starting word? Those letters can stay. The others need to change.
Change the easiest letter first. If you can see a real word that is one letter away from the start and closer to the target, that is usually a good first step.
Do not be afraid to try and back up. The game will tell you if your word is real. Just try.
Short words are your friend. The puzzle usually wants you to go through common three-letter words like CAT, HAT, HOT, DOT, DOG.
If you get stuck
Tap Hint to see the next step in a known solution path. Using a hint does not disqualify you. The goal is finishing, not perfection.
It counts
Every solved ladder contributes to your ThriveScore. Word Ladder is one of those games that gets easier with practice, in a way you can feel. After a week of playing, the same length ladders go noticeably faster.