Rung #81: PILLS to MAKER — the solution

The Rung ladder from November 3, 2026: PILLS to MAKER, 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 PILLS to MAKER. 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 43 shortest: at every step a single letter changes and every word on the way is one the game accepts.

1. PILLS → MILLS — the first letter, P becomes M.
2. MILLS → MALLS — the second letter, I becomes A.
3. MALLS → MALES — the fourth letter, L becomes E.
4. MALES → MAKES — the third letter, L becomes K.
5. MAKES → MAKER — the fifth letter, S becomes R.

Other routes as short: PILLS · MILLS · MILES · MALES · MAKES · MAKER; PILLS · MILLS · MALES · MAKES · MAKER; PILLS · MILLS · MILES · MIKES · MAKES · MAKER; and more.

The answer

PILLS · MILLS · MALLS · MALES · MAKES · MAKER — 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.