LinkedIn CrossClimb #617 Solution: Master Today's Word Ladder Puzzle (January 7, 2026)

Crack the LinkedIn CrossClimb #617 puzzle published on January 7, 2026! This daily word ladder challenge requires guessing words from clues, then arranging them into a chain where each differs by exactly one letter. Once ordered correctly, unlock the compound clue for the top and bottom words. Follow this step-by-step CrossClimb solution to climb from start to finish using logical reasoning and common vocabulary.

Understanding CrossClimb Rules for #617

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, solve each clue to reveal 4-letter words. Reorder them to form a valid ladder—no rearranging letters, just one swap per step. All must be dictionary words. Today's puzzle (Question ID: 617) builds a smooth progression ending in a high-stakes twist, unlocking the final compound question.

Step-by-Step Clue Solutions and Word Ladder Reasoning

Start by tackling the hints individually. Each clue points to a precise 4-letter word. Then, connect them via single-letter changes. Here's the breakdown:

Hint 1: Very positive film review, or a wild party

The word is RAVE. A rave review gushes praise for movies, while a rave is an energetic bash. Perfect opener for the ladder.

Hint 2: Wander around

Enter ROVE. To rove means to roam aimlessly. From RAVE, swap the A to O: **R A V E → R O V E**. One-letter change confirmed!

Hint 3: Red flower that symbolizes love

That's ROSE. The classic Valentine's rose. From ROVE, change V to S: **R O V E → R O S E**. Seamless fit.

Hint 4: Gain altitude, or get out of bed

RISE nails it—rise up in the air or from sleep. Swap O to I in ROSE: **R O S E → R I S E**. Climbing higher!

Hint 5: High ___, high reward

RISK completes the phrase "no risk, no reward" (or high risk, high reward). From RISE, change E to K: **R I S E → R I S K**. Edge-of-your-seat finish.

Full Word Ladder Sequence for CrossClimb #617

RAVE
ROVE
ROSE
RISE
RISK

Verify the chain:

• RAVE → ROVE (A→O)
• ROVE → ROSE (V→S)
• ROSE → RISE (O→I)
• RISE → RISK (E→K)

This order unlocks the compound question!

Compound Question Solution: Top and Bottom Words

"One word meaning to store a computer file, and another describing where you might store it."

• Top: SAVE – Hit save to store your file.
• Bottom: DISK – Floppy disk or hard disk for storage.

They connect perfectly: RISK → SAVE? Wait, no—position them to fit the ladder ends. SAVE slots above RAVE? Actually, the full climb integrates: imagine SAVE → RAVE (S→R, but check game flow). In CrossClimb, top/bottom extend the chain. Today's: **SAVE** (store file) leads into RAVE (S→R? Game validates SAVE as top, linking via puzzle logic), ending RISK → **DISK**? RISK to DISK swaps R→D, I→I, S→S, K→K? No—puzzle confirms SAVE and DISK as the unlocked pair fitting the ladder ends.

Tips to Solve Future LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles Faster

• Guess broadly: Clues like "wander" could be roam, but only ROVE fits the ladder.
• Change vowels first: O to I, A to O here.
• Work from anchors: RISK screamed the endgame.
• Use hints sparingly: Reorder reveals mismatches.
• Common words win: No obscurities in daily #617.

Congrats on solving CrossClimb #617! Share your streak in comments. Check back for tomorrow's LinkedIn games solutions. #LinkedInCrossClimb #WordLadder #DailyPuzzles #617