Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-04-20
WELLS → BASED
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects WELLS to BASED 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
WELLS → WALLS
Change the 2nd letter E to A, turning WELLS into WALLS.
Step 2
WALLS → WALES
Change the 4th letter L to E, turning WALLS into WALES.
Step 3
WALES → MALES
Change the 1st letter W to M, turning WALES into MALES.
Step 4
MALES → MAKES
Change the 3rd letter L to K, turning MALES into MAKES.
Step 5
MAKES → CAKES
Change the 1st letter M to C, turning MAKES into CAKES.
Step 6
CAKES → CASES
Change the 3rd letter K to S, turning CAKES into CASES.
Step 7
CASES → BASES
Change the 1st letter C to B, turning CASES into BASES.
Step 8
BASES → BASED
Change the 5th letter S to D, turning BASES into BASED.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 1, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 1 (3).
Change sequence: 2, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 5.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 6.
Word stats: 9 words, 10 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from WELLS to BASED?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from WELLS to BASED 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
WELLS
WALLS
WALES
MALES
MAKES
CAKES
CASES
BASES
BASED