Puzzle specification
🧩 Puzzle Specification Template
Printable version: docx
Instructions: Use this template to define each puzzle in your escape room. Every puzzle must be clearly described so it can be built, tested, and reset by someone else. This is a living document — update it as you iterate.
🧠 Puzzle Title:
What is the name or internal label for this puzzle?
1. 🎯 Puzzle Objective
- What should the players accomplish?
- What knowledge or skill do they need to solve it?
Example: Redirect a laser beam using mirrors to activate a hidden sensor.
2. 🔍 Clue & Discovery Structure
- How do players discover this puzzle?
- Are there clues hidden in the room, embedded in narrative, or given directly?
- Does it depend on solving another puzzle first?
Example: The player finds a power diagram inside a hidden folder that hints at aligning cables by color.
3. 🧪 Puzzle Mechanics
- Step-by-step description of how the puzzle works
- What are the inputs, what process is required, and what triggers success?
Example: Players place mirrors on marked grid points. When the laser hits the sensor, the circuit completes and a lock opens.
4. 🔧 Components and Materials
- List all required items (physical and/or digital)
- Include tools, props, electronics, software, etc.
Example: 1x laser pointer module, 3x acrylic mirrors, 1x light sensor, Arduino with relay.
5. ✅ Solution Path
- What is the correct sequence of actions or logic?
- Include diagrams if helpful.
Example: Mirrors placed on B2, D3, F1 to direct beam to target sensor.
6. 🧠 Player Experience
- What should players feel during this puzzle (e.g., tension, satisfaction, confusion)?
- Estimated difficulty: 🔹 Easy / 🕘 Medium / 🔺 Hard
7. 🔄 Reset Instructions
- How is the puzzle returned to its starting state?
- Who is responsible, and how long should it take?
Example: Staff places mirrors back in the tray and resets the laser alignment — ~30 seconds.
8. ⚠️ Failure Modes / Risks
- What can go wrong? (e.g., tech failure, player misuse, design ambiguity)
- How will you mitigate these?