How to play Poople

The three word ladder rules

Read the starting word at the top of the ladder, then type the complete word you want to use next.

• Every word must have exactly four letters and appear in Poople’s game dictionary.
• Change exactly one letter from the previous word. Keep all other letters in their positions.
• Keep making valid changes until the new word matches the target.

A complete example: POLL to POOP

POLL → POOL → POOP is a legal two-move ladder. First, change the third letter of POLL from L to O to make POOL. Then change the fourth letter of POOL from L to P to make POOP.

POLL → POOP is not a legal single move because both the third and fourth letters change. Rearranging letters, adding a letter, or submitting the same word again is also not allowed. Count the changes, not the words: the example has three words but only two moves.

Enter words and explore your options

Use your physical keyboard or tap the keys on screen. Enter submits your word, and Backspace deletes a letter before submission. An invalid word or change shows a message so you can correct it.

Hint first identifies a letter position, then offers a definition clue, and finally fills in a suggested next word for you to submit. Moves shows valid next words and highlights choices on a shortest route. The information icon beside a ladder word opens its definition.

Undo removes the last accepted move. Reset starts the ladder again. Hard Mode in Settings disables undo and rewinding, so switch it off if you want to experiment freely.

Understand par and the result screen

Par is the fewest moves needed between the starting word and the target using the game dictionary. Reaching the target completes the puzzle even when you take a longer route. A shortest path may be less obvious than a series of words that look closer to the target.

After a win, the result screen shows your moves, par, and route. Compare paths puts your solution beside a shortest solution; Replay steps through your own ladder. Share result creates a scorecard and a link you can send to a friend.

Make your own word ladder

Open the custom puzzle builder and enter different four-letter start and target words. The builder checks that both words are in the dictionary and that a connecting ladder exists before you play or copy its link.

Custom targets do not have to be POOP. For example, COLD → CORD → CARD → WARD → WARM is a legal four-move ladder between COLD and WARM. You can preview a shortest solution in the builder or leave it hidden while your friend tries the puzzle.

Frequently asked questions