LinkedIn CrossClimb #616 Solution: January 6, 2026 Daily Puzzle Walkthrough

Crack today's LinkedIn CrossClimb #616 puzzle published on January 6, 2026! This addictive word ladder game challenges you to climb from start to finish by changing one letter at a time. Solve each clue, reorder rows, and unlock the compound finale: a two-word crustacean protein source. Follow our step-by-step reasoning—no spoilers until you try!

How CrossClimb Works: Quick Refresher

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, fill clues with 4-letter words. Each must differ by exactly one letter from the prior/next. Drag to reorder, then tackle the top/bottom combo clue. Keywords: CrossClimb answer, LinkedIn games, daily word ladder, puzzle solution Question ID 616.

Step-by-Step Clue Solutions & Ladder Logic

Start filling hints, watching for one-letter diffs. Here's the chain:

Hint 1: Lacking brightness or color

DRAB – Dull, colorless fabric or vibe. Classic opener fits perfectly.

Hint 2: Pull along with effort

DRAG – Haul heavily. Changes B→G from DRAB. Effortful tug matches clue.

DRAB → DRAG (position 4: B to G)

Hint 3: Talk boastfully about accomplishments

BRAG – Swagger about wins. Shifts D→B in position 1 from DRAG. Boastful chatter nailed.

DRAG → BRAG (position 1: D to B)

Hint 4: 2024 album by Charli XCX, or a spoiled child

BRAT – Iconic pop record or whiny kid. Tweaks G→T in position 3 from BRAG. Dual-meaning gem.

BRAG → BRAT (position 3: G to T)

Hint 5: Pulsate like a heart

BEAT – Throb rhythmically. Alters R→E in position 2 from BRAT. Heartbeat precision.

BRAT → BEAT (position 2: R to E)

Reorder the Ladder

Drag rows to form seamless chain: DRAB → DRAG → BRAG → BRAT → BEAT. Each step one letter apart—verify visually in-game!

Compound Question: Two-Word Source of Protein from a Crustacean

Unlocks top/bottom: CRAB MEAT. Shellfish protein duo. Fits ladder ends:

CRAB → DRAB? Wait, no—top/bottom connect via chain logic.
Full: CRAB (top) to MEAT (bottom) via intermediates.

CRAB (crustacean) + MEAT (protein). One-letter links: CRAB→DRAB (C→D pos1), BEAT→MEAT (B→M pos1). Perfect closure!

Pro Tips for Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Spot misfits early—wrong words won't ladder.
• Test anagrams or synonyms if stuck.
• Compound clues blend hints; think combos like food sources.
• Practice daily for LinkedIn games streak boosts!

Congrats on solving CrossClimb #616! Share your time in comments. Check tomorrow's LinkedIn CrossClimb answer. #LinkedInGames #CrossClimb #WordLadder #DailyPuzzle