Hidden messages that must be decoded or interpreted.
These ideas give ways to encode clues rather than providing encoded clues, so that you can build your treasure hunt as you like.
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Alphabet Substitution
Codes written in numbers, where each number represents a letter e.g. 1=a, 2=b…
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Anagram
The location of the next clue is an anagram.
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Encryption
The location of the next clue is encrypted with letter replacement.
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Flag Signals
Hunters are given a clue spelt out with maritime flag signals.
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Foreign Language
The location of the next clue is written in a foreign language.
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Letter Grid
A grid of letters only reveals the clue if read in the correct order.
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Letters In A Maze
The letters on the correct path through the maze spell out the location of the next clue.
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Miming Letters
Messages are mimed one letter at a time from one person to another.
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Mirrored Lettering
The location of the next clue converted into mirrored text. Convert the location of the next clue into mirrored text so that it can only be read by reflecting the text in a mirror. The easiest way to create the clue is to write it in front of a mirror, looking into the mirror whilst…
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Morse Code
The location of the next clue converted into morse code.
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Picture Codes
Clues are converted into pictures, where each word is a drawing.
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QR Codes
A secret message is coded into an image which can be read by (most) smartphones.
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Quotes
Treasure hunters are given a quote from a book or DVD, in which the next clue is hidden.
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Riddles
A riddle leads to the next clue, or must be answered by the treasure hunters to earn their next clue.
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Spelling Errors
Deliberate spelling mistakes in the clue’s text hide the location of the next clue.
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Story Map
Hunters must follow instructions using a map to determine letters of the clue.
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Wingdings
The location of the next clue is converted into the symbols using the Wingdings font.