LinkedIn CrossClimb #649 Solution: February 8, 2026

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle #649 with our detailed walkthrough. This word ladder game challenges you to climb from start to target, changing one letter at a time while matching clever clues. Keywords: CrossClimb answer, LinkedIn games solution, word ladder puzzle.

How CrossClimb Works

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, you fill the middle rungs with 4-letter words that fit the hints. Each step differs by exactly one letter from the previous. Solve the ladder to reveal the top and bottom words for the compound question. Pro tip: Start with easy clues and chain the one-letter changes.

Step-by-Step Solution for CrossClimb #649

Here's the full ladder, with reasoning for each hint and transition:

TOP: HARD
    |
   HAND  <-- Hint 1: Worker on a farm or deck
    |
   HIND  <-- Hint 2: Situated at the back, like two of a horse’s legs
    |
   RIND  <-- Hint 3: Outer layer of a fruit like a watermelon
    |
   RINK  <-- Hint 4: Place to shoot a puck
    |
   RICK  <-- Hint 5: Pop star Astley, or grandfather of Morty in a cartoon sitcom
    |
BOTTOM: ROCK

Hint 1: Worker on a farm or deck → HAND

"HAND" fits perfectly as a farmhand or deckhand—a classic multi-meaning clue. Starts the ladder strong with familiar worker lingo.

Hint 2: Situated at the back, like two of a horse’s legs → HIND

Change the A to I: HAND → HIND. "HIND" means rear or back, as in hind legs of a horse. One-letter swap confirmed, locking in the pattern.

Hint 3: Outer layer of a fruit like a watermelon → RIND

Swap H for R: HIND → RIND. Watermelon's tough green "RIND" is the peel or skin. Logical food clue that chains seamlessly.

Hint 4: Place to shoot a puck → RINK

Change D to K: RIND → RINK. An ice "RINK" is where hockey pucks fly. Sports hint keeps the momentum with a precise one-letter shift.

Hint 5: Pop star Astley, or grandfather of Morty in a cartoon sitcom → RICK

Drop N for C: RINK → RICK. Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up) or Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty. Pop culture double-whammy!

Compound Question Solution

With the ladder complete (HAND → HIND → RIND → RINK → RICK), tackle the final clue: "A two-word phrase for the musical genre of Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, and AC/DC, or how to describe a tough mineral."

• Top: HARD – Prepends to ROCK for HARD ROCK, the genre, and means tough like a "hard" mineral.
• Bottom: ROCK – Fits the music (classic rock bands) and geology (tough mineral).

HARD ROCK nails both interpretations. Enter it to win!

Tips to Crush Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Spot obvious clues first (e.g., HAND or RINK here).
• Verify one-letter changes after each word.
• Use pop culture hints like RICK for quick wins.
• Compound clues often play on phrases like HARD ROCK.

Bookmark for daily LinkedIn CrossClimb answers. Check our guides for Queens, Tango, and more LinkedIn games. Share your solve time in comments!