Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-05-31
SAVES → HANDY
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects SAVES to HANDY 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
SAVES → WAVES
Change the 1st letter S to W, turning SAVES into WAVES.
Step 2
WAVES → WIVES
Change the 2nd letter A to I, turning WAVES into WIVES.
Step 3
WIVES → LIVES
Change the 1st letter W to L, turning WIVES into LIVES.
Step 4
LIVES → LINES
Change the 3rd letter V to N, turning LIVES into LINES.
Step 5
LINES → LANES
Change the 2nd letter I to A, turning LINES into LANES.
Step 6
LANES → LANDS
Change the 4th letter E to D, turning LANES into LANDS.
Step 7
LANDS → HANDS
Change the 1st letter L to H, turning LANDS into HANDS.
Step 8
HANDS → HANDY
Change the 5th letter S to Y, turning HANDS into HANDY.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 1, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 1 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 2, 1, 3, 2, 4, 1, 5.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 1, C→V 0, C→C 5.
Word stats: 9 words, 11 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from SAVES to HANDY?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from SAVES to HANDY 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
SAVES
WAVES
WIVES
LIVES
LINES
LANES
LANDS
HANDS
HANDY