In WordSteps, you need to transform the start word into the target word by changing just one letter at a time. Each step must create a valid English word. For example, to change "COLD" to "WARM", you might go: COLD → CORD → CARD → WARD → WARM.
WordSteps offers three difficulty levels: Easy (3-letter words), Classic (4-letter words), and Hard (5-letter words). The more letters in the words, the more challenging the puzzle becomes. Each difficulty level has a different number of attempts allowed based on the optimal solution path.
The number of allowed attempts is calculated based on the optimal solution path between the start and target words. We analyze the minimum number of steps needed and then provide additional attempts to give you a reasonable chance to solve the puzzle. Easy puzzles get more extra attempts than Hard ones.
If you're stuck, try using the Hints section below the game board. It shows possible valid words you can make by changing one letter, with dots indicating how many letters match the target word. You can also use the Undo button to take back your last move.
Yes! Every WordSteps puzzle is carefully selected to ensure it has at least one valid solution path. The number of attempts you're given is always sufficient to solve the puzzle using the optimal path plus some extra moves in case you take a different route.
Green letters (correct) are in the right position in the target word. Yellow letters (present) appear in the target word but in a different position. Gray letters (absent) don't appear in the target word at all. These colors help guide you toward the target word.
New puzzles are released daily at midnight. Each difficulty level (Easy, Classic, and Hard) gets a new puzzle every day, so you can play up to three new challenges each day. Previous days' puzzles are also available in the archive.
Yes! You can access previous daily puzzles by clicking on the calendar icon or visiting the archives section. This is a great way to practice and improve your word ladder skills by playing puzzles you might have missed.
After completing a puzzle, click the "Share" button to share your results with friends. The share feature creates a custom message showing your performance without spoiling the solution for others. You can share directly to social media or copy the text to paste anywhere.
WordSteps is based on the classic "Word Ladder" puzzle invented by Lewis Carroll (author of "Alice in Wonderland") in 1877, originally called "Doublets." Our digital version adds modern features like hints, color coding, and different difficulty levels while maintaining the original challenge.