# Laddergrams

> Word puzzle game where answers are formed by dropping letters. (iPhone/iPad app by John Blackburn.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laddergrams/id1133768652 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [John Blackburn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637339755)
- Category: Games, Puzzle, Word
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.70/5 from 110 App Store ratings · 25 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 9 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2016-12-20
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laddergrams/id1133768652/reviews.md

## What is Laddergrams?

Laddergrams is the classic and beloved word game enjoyed by magazine puzzlers for years—-and now it's on iOS for the first time!

Laddergrams are like crossword puzzles with numbered clues you solve by writing the answer into the proper spot in the puzzle.

Unlike crossword puzzles, though, Laddergrams are arranged into rows of three answers. And there's a twist: answers are formed by dropping a letter from their left neighbors, like TABLE > BEAT > ATE.

Enjoy tons of puzzles beautifully presented in stunning audio and animation, with unlimited hints and help tips.

Kind words:
“Comfort Food for Gray Matter!

These games are a flashback to nearly 60 years ago, sitting at my mother's knee as she helped me figure out the Laddergrams in Dell magazines. These are just as clever - the puns are great and bring a giggle when solved. Have tried to limit myself to one or two games a day so that they'll last longer but they're just too fun. Instead I've gone back and erased the answers so that I can play them again.

Also want to mention the superb customer service provided. I had occasion to email with a concern and received a response almost immediately (from a human being; not a form letter!) And the follow-up emails were timely and appreciated. Thank you, John. This is chicken soup for my aging brain.”

"Perfect! Addictive!—This game is a treat. Get it. You won't be able to put it down. Great way to dig up those old synonyms! For the lovers of words and puzzles!"

"Addictive—I am really enjoying the puzzles. I liked the free puzzles, and purchased books 1,2,3, and 4...This is a very fun puzzle."

"I am new to Laddergrams. If you like a challenge as much as I do, you will love Laddergrams. It is everything a game should be hard, fun, and a puzzle with a twist! Get your friends playing and challenge each other this game is such a blast!"

## Key features

- Word ladder puzzles
- Letter dropping mechanic
- Audio and animation
- Unlimited hints
- Multiple puzzle books

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Book 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 3: Halloween | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 5 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 6: Animals | $1.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 25)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laddergrams/id1133768652/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Great but please update!

*2022-09-02*

Amazing app but hoping for an update for y’all phones with notches and better keyboard

### 5/5 — Let’s Make a Deal

*2022-05-18*

Agree with other reviewers, it would be great to have a bulk buy price, like with cryptograms. You can buy several packages at once for a few dollars off.

### 2/5 — Glitchy and poor formatting

*2022-04-11*

I like the concept of this game and enjoy playing it when it works, but it’s extremely glitchy and the titles don’t show up correctly on my phone. So many puzzles I just can’t finish because if I leave them and come back my answers are deleted or messed up. I paid an extra couple dollars for an expansion pack and I can’t even finish it. Very irritating. if they fixed it I would love to keep playing.

**Developer response:** That certainly sounds frustrating. This is the first I've heard of this. Would you mind sending a screenshot of the broken layout to support@digitalglen.com along with your iPhone model, OS version?

### 4/5 — fun and simple but very very pricey!

*2021-10-10*

$12 for 150 puzzles! give us a break!

### 4/5 — Request

*2021-06-01*

Please provide a means to reset an entire Book of puzzles at once rather than having to reset each individual puzzle within a Book.

**Developer response:** Makes sense. Added to the improvements list for a later version, thanks.

### 5/5 — Love it and want more!

*2020-06-27*

My Family and I love this game! Please update it with more puzzles!

### 5/5 — New favorite app

*2020-03-05*

I’m enjoying playing this great app.  I’m unsure if I’d buy those packs because of high costs.  It’d be great there’d be discount price for buying five packs including future packs  I’d like to see free daily puzzles as we may play everyday.

### 1/5 — Missing puzzles

*2020-02-14*

I love this game but I purchased the first pack and never received the puzzle pack!  I tried deleting and restoring purchase but nothing.  I tried emailing through app and can’t. Very disappointed! Want my money back or the puzzles I purchased

**Developer response:** I don't know what the problem is, but please email me at support@digitalglen.com and we'll find the solution.

### 5/5 — Love it!

*2020-01-19*

Great game!!!

### 5/5 — Only place I can find this type of Laddergrams

*2020-01-19*

Great way to make a plane trip go by quickly!

## Frequently asked questions about Laddergrams

### What is Laddergrams?

Laddergrams is a word game where you solve puzzles by transforming words. Each puzzle consists of rows of three answers. The unique mechanic involves forming the next word by dropping a letter from the word to its left, like TABLE becoming BEAT, and then ATE.

### What are the key features of Laddergrams?

The app offers a classic word ladder puzzle experience with a unique letter-dropping mechanic. It includes numerous puzzles presented with audio and animation, along with unlimited hints and help tips to assist players.

### How much does Laddergrams cost?

The app is free to download and play, offering free puzzles to get started. Additional puzzle books can be purchased within the app for more content.

### What kind of puzzles can I expect in Laddergrams?

You can expect word puzzles that are similar to crosswords but arranged in rows of three answers. The core challenge lies in figuring out the words by dropping a letter from the previous word in the sequence, creating a word ladder effect.

### Who would enjoy playing Laddergrams?

This game is ideal for individuals who enjoy word games, brain teasers, and logic puzzles. It's particularly suited for those who appreciate a mental challenge and have a fondness for classic magazine puzzles.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.5 — 2019-05-22

The feedback submission form now works on newer models.

### 1.1.4 — 2018-04-06

Minor improvements.
Added request for rating.

### 1.1.3 — 2018-03-27

Restored keyboard to the proper size on iPad Pro 10.5..

### 1.1.2 — 2017-09-13

Updated to work on latest devices.

### 1.1.1 — 2017-02-23

Added Book 6: Animals.
Minor improvements.

## Apps similar to Laddergrams

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [WordsAside](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordsaside/id1660430493) | 5.0 (9) | Free | Games |
| [Word Ladder](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-ladder/id1527106984) | 4.4 (119) | Free | Games |
| [Qualuff Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/qualuff-puzzles/id1590588354) | 4.3 (3) | $3.99 | Games |
| [Clueless Crossword Puzzles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clueless-crossword-puzzles/id1561470872) | 4.8 (131) | Free | Games |
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| [Astraware Acrostic](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-acrostic/id1133591036) | 4.5 (53) | Free | Games |

## More apps by John Blackburn

- [Art Scrambles](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/art-scrambles/id776050667)
- [Wordsearch Galore!](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wordsearch-galore/id1100108242)
- [Crostics](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crostics/id1204549053)
- [Farm Rummy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/farm-rummy/id1478421648)
- [Karen's List](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/karens-list/id1592850738)

All apps by John Blackburn: https://appshunter.io/developer/1637339755

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-18.*
