Rules
- Begin with the displayed start word.
- Change exactly one letter position.
- Submit a valid word of the same length.
- Reach the target within the displayed move limit.
Move validation
| One letter | Exactly one position must differ. |
|---|---|
| Real word | Every rung must pass dictionary validation. |
| Same length | Letters cannot be inserted or removed. |
| Invalid rung | Rejected without using a move. |
Par and alternative paths
Lexora calculates the shortest route with breadth-first search before publishing a level. That distance becomes both Par and the maximum accepted move count. The displayed solution is not the only possible route: any valid alternative path wins if it reaches the target in time.
Word Ladder FAQ
How does Word Ladder work?
Change exactly one letter at a time to transform the starting word into the target. Every intermediate rung must be a valid word of the same length.
What does Par mean?
Par is the verified shortest number of changes between the start and target and is also the move limit for the daily puzzle.
Are alternative paths accepted?
Yes. Any sequence of valid same-length words is accepted when each rung changes exactly one position and reaches the target within the move limit.