Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-10-15
SHIFT → STAKE
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects SHIFT to STAKE in 6 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
SHIFT → SHIRT
Change the 4th letter F to R, turning SHIFT into SHIRT.
Step 2
SHIRT → SHORT
Change the 3rd letter I to O, turning SHIRT into SHORT.
Step 3
SHORT → SHORE
Change the 5th letter T to E, turning SHORT into SHORE.
Step 4
SHORE → SHARE
Change the 3rd letter O to A, turning SHORE into SHARE.
Step 5
SHARE → SHAKE
Change the 4th letter R to K, turning SHARE into SHAKE.
Step 6
SHAKE → STAKE
Change the 2nd letter H to T, turning SHAKE into STAKE.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 2: 1, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 2, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 3, 4 (2).
Change sequence: 4, 3, 5, 3, 4, 2.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 3.
Word stats: 7 words, 10 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from SHIFT to STAKE?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from SHIFT to STAKE takes exactly 6 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
SHIFT
SHIRT
SHORT
SHORE
SHARE
SHAKE
STAKE