LinkedIn CrossClimb #646 Solution: February 5, 2026 - Complete Walkthrough

Crack today's LinkedIn CrossClimb #646 puzzle from February 5, 2026, with this detailed step-by-step guide. CrossClimb challenges you to guess five 4-letter words from clues, arrange them into a ladder where each changes exactly one letter, and solve the top and bottom compound phrase. Keywords: LinkedIn games, CrossClimb solution, daily puzzle #646, word ladder.

Phase 1: Solve the Five Clues

First, enter the correct words for each hint. Here's the reasoning:

1. Hint 1: Switzerland’s capital, which is a homophone of a word meaning “set ablaze”
   Answer: BERN
   Switzerland's capital is Bern, pronounced like "burn" (set ablaze). Perfect 4-letter fit.
2. Hint 2: Coffee seed
   Answer: BEAN
   A coffee bean is the seed used to brew coffee. Classic term.
3. Hint 3: What a drummer keeps for the band
   Answer: BEAT
   Drummers keep the beat to guide the band's rhythm.
4. Hint 4: Poorly behaved child
   Answer: BRAT
   A brat is a spoiled or naughty kid.
5. Hint 5: Actor Pitt who was in “Se7en” and “Ocean’s Eleven”
   Answer: BRAD
   Brad Pitt starred in those iconic films.

Enter these: BERN, BEAN, BEAT, BRAT, BRAD.

Phase 2: Arrange the Word Ladder

Drag words using the = symbols to form a chain with one letter change per step. The correct order is:

BERN
BEAN
BEAT
BRAT
BRAD

• BERN → BEAN: R → A (position 3)
• BEAN → BEAT: N → T (position 4)
• BEAT → BRAT: E → R (position 2), A → A (wait, actually E to R in pos2, T to A? No: BEAT to BRAT: pos2 E→R, pos3 A→A, pos4 T→T? Wait, precise: B E A T → B R A T (only pos2 E→R changes).
• BRAT → BRAD: T → D (position 4)

This creates a smooth climb from top (BERN) to bottom (BRAD).

Phase 3: Solve the Compound Question

Clue: ___ and ___ (phrase referring to where one’s childhood took place).

Extending the ladder:

• Top: Above BERN → BORN (E → O in position 2: B E R N → B O R N)
• Bottom: Below BRAD → BRED (A → E in position 3: B R A D → B R E D)

"**Born and bred**" means raised in a specific place from birth—your childhood home turf. Fits perfectly!

 BORN
  BERN
  BEAN
  BEAT
  BRAT
  BRAD
  BRED

Quick Tips for CrossClimb Success

• Double-check one-letter changes—only valid ladders unlock phase 3.
• Homophones and wordplay are common in clues.
• Compound phrases often complete the puzzle theme.
• Play daily on LinkedIn for streaks and fun!

Congrats on solving CrossClimb #646! Share your ladder in comments. Check back for tomorrow's LinkedIn games solution. #LinkedInCrossClimb #DailyPuzzle #WordLadder