Frequently asked questions

What is Break 5?

Break 5 is a free daily word ladder game. Every day at midnight UK time you get two five letter words. Turn the first into the second by changing one letter at a time, where every step must be a real English word.

How do you play a word ladder?

Change exactly one letter per move to make a new real word, until you reach the target word. For example: SKATE, SLATE, SLACK, SNACK.

What is par in Break 5?

Par is the number of moves in the best route using common words only, so every puzzle is achievable with vocabulary you know. Match it or beat it for bragging rights.

What is the difference between par and shortest?

Par is the best route using common words only, so you can always get there with vocabulary you know. Shortest is the shortest possible route once obscure words are allowed too. It only appears when it beats par. Matching par is the everyday target; matching shortest is the flex. Both ladders are revealed once you finish.

What is the Broke 5 badge?

Finish the daily puzzle within 5 minutes to earn the Broke 5 badge. There is no time limit otherwise; take as long as you need.

How do hints and undo work?

A hint reveals one letter of the next word on the par route and adds 30 seconds to your time; you get up to three per puzzle. Undo removes your last rung and the clock keeps running. Hard mode switches both off: no undo, no hints, and going over par ends the attempt.

Can several people in my household play?

Yes. Every device gets its own guest attempt and accounts are never limited, so a family on one connection can all play. If a lot of different guest devices show up on one connection in a single day we ask the rest to sign in, which is free.

Is Break 5 free?

Yes. Play as a guest with no account, or join free to appear on the daily leaderboard, build streaks and create private leagues.

Something else? About & how to play covers the rules in full, or email hello@break5.co.uk.