How to Play Word Steps

Game Overview

Word Steps is based on the classic word ladder game invented by Lewis Carroll in 1877. The challenge is to transform one word into another by changing just one letter at a time, with each step forming a valid English word.

Word Ladder Game Rules

  1. Start with the given word
  2. Change exactly one letter to form a new valid word
  3. Continue changing one letter at a time until you reach the target word
  4. Complete the challenge within the allowed number of attempts
COLD
→
CORD
→
CARD
→
WARD
→
WARM

Example: COLD → WARM in 4 steps

Game Interface

  1. Starting Word: The word you begin with
  2. Word Chain: Your previous moves
  3. Input Row: Where you enter your next word
  4. Target Word: The word you're trying to reach
  5. Virtual Keyboard: Click letters or type on your keyboard
  6. Hints: Suggestions for possible next words

Letter Color Guide

A
Green: Letter is in the correct position in the target word
B
Yellow: Letter is in the target word but in a different position
C
Gray: Letter is not in the target word

These colors help you understand which letters to keep, which to move, and which to change in your next word.

How to Make a Move

Typing a Word

  1. Click on an empty box or use keyboard to type letters
  2. Change exactly one letter from the previous word
  3. The word will be automatically submitted when complete
  4. Or press Enter/click the Enter key to submit

Using Hints

  1. Check the hints section below the game board
  2. The dots show how many letters match the target word
  3. Click any hint to automatically fill it in
  4. Click "New Hints" for different suggestions

Strategy Tips

  • Watch the colors: Use letter colors to guide your choices
  • Think step by step: Sometimes the best path isn't the most direct one
  • Use vowels strategically: Changing vowels often creates new valid words
  • Common endings: Words with common endings like -ING, -ED, -ER can be helpful
  • Plan ahead: Think about your next move before committing
  • Consider multiple paths: If you get stuck, try a different approach
  • Refresh hints: If the current hints aren't helpful, get new ones
  • Undo moves: Use the undo button if you want to try a different path
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