Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-03-26
ROCKS → READS
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects ROCKS to READS in 8 steps. This 5-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
ROCKS → LOCKS
Change the 1st letter R to L, turning ROCKS into LOCKS.
Step 2
LOCKS → LOOKS
Change the 3rd letter C to O, turning LOCKS into LOOKS.
Step 3
LOOKS → BOOKS
Change the 1st letter L to B, turning LOOKS into BOOKS.
Step 4
BOOKS → BOOTS
Change the 4th letter K to T, turning BOOKS into BOOTS.
Step 5
BOOTS → BOATS
Change the 3rd letter O to A, turning BOOTS into BOATS.
Step 6
BOATS → BEATS
Change the 2nd letter O to E, turning BOATS into BEATS.
Step 7
BEATS → BEADS
Change the 4th letter T to D, turning BEATS into BEADS.
Step 8
BEADS → READS
Change the 1st letter B to R, turning BEADS into READS.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 2. Most-changed position: 1 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 3, 1, 4, 3, 2, 4, 1.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 5.
Word stats: 9 words, 11 unique letters. Start/target share 2 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from ROCKS to READS?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from ROCKS to READS takes exactly 8 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 5-letter words. A good strategy is to look for common intermediate words or focus on changing vowels first.
Q: Where can I play past Word Ladder puzzles?
A: You can access our complete archive by clicking the "Puzzle Archive" link at the bottom of the page.
Word Definitions
ROCKS
LOCKS
LOOKS
BOOKS
BOOTS
BOATS
BEATS
BEADS
READS