LinkedIn CrossClimb #652 Solution: Complete Word Ladder Guide

Game: LinkedIn CrossClimb | Puzzle ID: #652 | Published: February 11, 2026

Understanding the Puzzle Structure

LinkedIn CrossClimb #652 presents a fascinating word ladder challenge where players must climb from a starting word to a target word by changing exactly one letter at each step. This puzzle combines clue-solving with pattern recognition, requiring you to think about both vocabulary and letter positioning simultaneously.

The Complete Solution Path

The solution follows this elegant sequence:

• Starting Word: PARTS
• Step 1: PORTS
• Step 2: POSTS
• Step 3: POSES
• Step 4: HOSES
• Final Answer: HOSTS

Step-by-Step Solution Breakdown

Step 1: PARTS → PORTS (Components to Cities with Harbors)

The first hint asks for "Components," which corresponds to PARTS. Moving to the second clue, "Cities with harbors" requires changing just one letter. Replace the 'A' with 'O' to get PORTS—cities known for their harbor activities. This single-letter transformation demonstrates the core mechanic of the puzzle.

Step 2: PORTS → POSTS (Cities with Harbors to Sends in the Mail)

From PORTS, the third clue asks for "Sends in the mail." Change the 'R' to an 'S', transforming PORTS into POSTS. This represents the action of mailing letters or packages, maintaining four of the original five letters while shifting to a completely different meaning.

Step 3: POSTS → POSES (Sends in the Mail to Prepares to be Captured in a Photo)

The fourth clue, "Prepares to be captured in a photo," guides us from POSTS to POSES. Again, a single letter changes—the 'T' becomes an 'S'—showing how the puzzle systematically builds through minimal modifications.

Step 4: POSES → HOSES (Photo Preparation to Flexible Tubes)

Moving to the fifth clue, "Flexible tubes used to spray water on a fire" requires changing the 'P' to an 'H', yielding HOSES. This transformation showcases how completely different concepts can connect through the one-letter-change rule.

Step 5: HOSES → HOSTS (Tubes to People Who Make Celebrations Happen)

The final compound question asks for "A two-word phrase for people who make a celebration happen." This requires recognizing that HOSES leads to HOSTS (changing 'E' to 'T'), which represents people who organize and facilitate celebrations. The two-word answer is "PARTY HOSTS."

Key Strategy Tips for Solving CrossClimb Puzzles

Focus on Letter Positions: Each letter change occurs in a specific position. Think about which letter in your current word could logically change to fit the next clue.

Verify All Letters Change Properly: Double-check that only one letter differs between consecutive words. This constraint is what makes the puzzle challenging and satisfying.

Consider Common Word Patterns: Words ending in common suffixes or containing familiar letter combinations often appear in CrossClimb puzzles. This can help you predict possible transitions.

Use Clue Context: Each clue narrows down possibilities significantly. If you're stuck, re-read the clue carefully—it often contains the exact vocabulary you need.

Why This Puzzle Works

CrossClimb #652 brilliantly demonstrates how minimal changes can create maximum variety in meaning. Starting with PARTS (physical components), the puzzle travels through PORTS (geographic locations), POSTS (mail actions), POSES (photography preparations), HOSES (fire safety equipment), and finally HOSTS (party organizers). Each step feels logical once solved, yet discovering the path requires careful thought about word meanings and letter substitutions.

The compound question at the end—asking for "people who make a celebration happen"—perfectly encapsulates the entire puzzle's theme of connections and transformations, making PARTY HOSTS the ideal final answer.

Practice Your CrossClimb Skills

Now that you've seen how to solve this puzzle, try approaching future CrossClimb challenges with this same methodology: identify the most obvious clues first, work methodically through letter changes, and always verify that only one letter transforms at each step. With consistent practice, you'll develop the intuition to solve these word ladder puzzles more quickly and confidently.