LinkedIn CrossClimb #654 Solution: February 13, 2026

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle #654 with our detailed walkthrough. CrossClimb challenges you to build a word ladder by changing one letter at a time, connecting clues into a seamless chain. Published on February 13, 2026, this puzzle tests your wordplay skills. Follow our step-by-step reasoning to climb from start to finish, including the compound finale.

Phase 1: Solving the Five Core Words

In the first phase, tackle each clue individually to uncover the five key four-letter words. Here's the logic behind each:

• Hint 1: Have a hankering for
  This phrase means to desire something strongly. The word is WANT – a perfect fit for craving or longing.
• Hint 2: Handheld component of a wizard or fairy costume
  Think magic! Wizards and fairies wield a WAND, the essential prop for spells and enchantment.
• Hint 3: Make smooth using rough paper
  Rough paper like sandpaper is used to SAND surfaces, smoothing wood or metal by abrasion.
• Hint 4: Having a healthy mind
  The opposite of insane, this describes mental wellness: SANE, meaning rational and sound of mind.
• Hint 5: Command on the File menu in Word
  A staple in Microsoft Word's File menu to preserve your document: SAVE.

Collect these: WANT, WAND, SAND, SANE, SAVE. Now, phase 2 awaits.

Phase 2: Building the Word Ladder

Drag and rearrange the words using the = symbols to form a vertical ladder where each step changes exactly one letter. Trial and error with logic reveals the optimal sequence:

WANT
 ↓ (T→D)
WAND
 ↓ (W→S)
SAND
 ↓ (D→E)
SANE
 ↓ (N→V)
SAVE

Verify the changes:

• WANT to WAND: Third letter T becomes D.
• WAND to SAND: First letter W becomes S.
• SAND to SANE: Third letter D becomes E.
• SANE to SAVE: Fourth letter N becomes V.

Phase 3: The Compound Question

Now, extend the ladder top and bottom with the clue: ___ and ___ (an alliterative phrase meaning "talk in a loud, angry way").

Building from the ends:

• Bottom of ladder (SAVE): Change S to R for RAVE – to speak wildly or angrily.
• Top of ladder (WANT): Change W to R for RANT – to complain loudly and vehemently.

RANT
 ↓ (R→W)
WANT
WAND
SAND
SANE
SAVE
 ↓ (S→R)
RAVE

Final Tips for CrossClimb Mastery

Stuck? Focus on common letter swaps (vowels like A/E, consonants like T/D). LinkedIn CrossClimb rewards vocabulary and pattern spotting. Share your ladder in comments – did you solve #654 faster? Check back daily for LinkedIn Games solutions including CrossClimb, Pinpoint, and more!