Rung #65: SHIPS to CROWN — the solution

The Rung ladder from October 18, 2026: SHIPS to CROWN, one letter at a time, every step a real word. Par is 6: the shortest climb there is takes 5 rungs, and par gives you one to spare.

The puzzle

Climb from SHIPS to CROWN. The shortest climb through the whole accepted dictionary, counting the leap — two letters changed in one move, once, at the cost of two rungs — is 5 rungs; par is one more, so the shortest route comes in under it. The leap does not shorten this one: 5 rungs is the shortest climb with or without it.

The walkthrough

A climb under par, one of 21 shortest: at every step a single letter changes and every word on the way is one the game accepts.

1. SHIPS → CHIPS — the first letter, S becomes C.
2. CHIPS → CHOPS — the third letter, I becomes O.
3. CHOPS → CHOWS — the fourth letter, P becomes W.
4. CHOWS → CROWS — the second letter, H becomes R.
5. CROWS → CROWN — the fifth letter, S becomes N.

Other routes as short: SHIPS · CHIPS · CHOPS · CROPS · CROWS · CROWN; SHIPS · CHIPS · CHOWS · CROWS · CROWN; SHIPS · CHIPS · CROPS · CROWS · CROWN; and more.

The answer

SHIPS · CHIPS · CHOPS · CHOWS · CROWS · CROWN — 5 rungs.

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About Rung

Rung is Noggin’s daily word ladder: five letters, one changed at a time, par set by the shortest climb there is. Any real word is a rung; a two-letter leap is yours once a day, and a hint when you are stuck. How to play Rung, or play today’s.