How to Solve LinkedIn CrossClimb #565: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Puzzle ID: #565 | Published: November 16, 2025 | Game: LinkedIn CrossClimb

LinkedIn CrossClimb presents a unique word ladder challenge where players must climb from a starting word to a target word by changing exactly one letter at each step. Today's puzzle (#565) guides you from ARES to MARS through five intermediate steps. Let's break down each clue and discover the satisfying logic behind this mythological-themed puzzle.

Understanding the Puzzle Structure

CrossClimb puzzles work like a word ladder where each answer differs from the previous one by only a single letter. The five hints below guide you through intermediate words, and the compound question reveals the top and bottom answers. Your goal is to connect ARES (Greek god of war) to MARS (Roman god of war) using the proper sequence.

Step-by-Step Solution Breakdown

Starting Point: ARES

We begin with ARES, the Greek god of war. This word will anchor the top of our puzzle, representing the first of two mythological deities mentioned in the compound question.

Hint 1: "___ and crafts"

Answer: ARTS

This is a straightforward clue referring to the common phrase "arts and crafts." By changing the E in ARES to a T, we get ARTS. This demonstrates the one-letter change rule perfectly—only the third letter changes from E to T.

Reasoning: ARES → ARTS (change E to T)

Hint 2: "Small scraps of food (also a way to sort the letters in 'SORT')"

Answer: ORTS

ORTS are small scraps or leftovers of food, an archaic but valid English word. The second part of the clue is a clever hint: "SORT" is an anagram hint (a way to sort the letters), and ORTS contains those same letters rearranged. From ARTS, we change the A to O, giving us ORTS.

Reasoning: ARTS → ORTS (change A to O)

Hint 3: "Cereal grain that can sometimes be 'wild' or 'rolled'"

Answer: OATS

OATS is a common cereal grain that comes in varieties like wild oats and rolled oats. From ORTS, we change the R to A, giving us OATS. This clue references everyday breakfast knowledge—many people enjoy rolled oats for breakfast.

Reasoning: ORTS → OATS (change R to A)

Hint 4: "Consumes a plate of food"

Answer: EATS

EATS is the verb meaning to consume food. From OATS, we simply change the O to E, giving us EATS. This straightforward clue represents an action word that completes an important phase of the climb.

Reasoning: OATS → EATS (change O to E)

Hint 5: "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ___"

Answer: EARS

This is a famous line from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," where Mark Antony delivers his renowned speech. The missing word is EARS. From EATS, we change the T to R, completing our intermediate steps with EARS.

Reasoning: EATS → EARS (change T to R)

Ending Point: MARS

Finally, we reach MARS, the Roman god of war, which completes our mythological connection. From EARS, we change the E to M, giving us MARS and completing the puzzle.

Reasoning: EARS → MARS (change E to M)

The Complete Word Ladder

Here's the full sequence with each one-letter change highlighted:

• ARES (A-R-E-S)
• ARTS (A-R-T-S) — change E to T
• ORTS (O-R-T-S) — change A to O
• OATS (O-A-T-S) — change R to A
• EATS (E-A-T-S) — change O to E
• EARS (E-A-R-S) — change T to R
• MARS (M-A-R-S) — change E to M

The Compound Question Connection

The final compound question asks: "Two names that represent the gods of war in Greek and Roman mythology." The answer beautifully connects both ends of the puzzle—ARES (Greek) and MARS (Roman)—creating a thematic framework that ties the entire word ladder together. This mythological theme makes the puzzle memorable and intellectually satisfying.

Tips for Solving Similar CrossClimb Puzzles

Work with easier clues first: Some hints are more straightforward than others. Start with the obvious ones to lock in letters and build confidence.

Remember the one-letter rule: Always keep in mind that exactly one letter changes between consecutive answers. This constraint significantly narrows your possibilities.

Use the final clue: The compound question often reveals important context about both the top and bottom words. Use this information to verify your solution makes thematic sense.

Check word length consistency: CrossClimb puzzles typically use words of the same length throughout. This helps eliminate incorrect possibilities.

Think phonetically and semantically: Sometimes considering how words sound or their categories (food, actions, descriptors) helps identify correct answers faster.

Conclusion

LinkedIn CrossClimb #565 showcases the elegance of word ladder puzzles by combining common phrases, food terminology, Shakespeare references, and mythological knowledge. By following the one-letter change rule and understanding each clue's context, you navigate smoothly from ARES to MARS. Whether you're a casual puzzle enthusiast or a dedicated CrossClimb player, mastering these step-by-step solutions improves your puzzle-solving skills for future LinkedIn games.

Keep practicing, bookmark your daily solutions, and enjoy the mental challenge that LinkedIn CrossClimb provides every day!