Decoding the Hunt: A New Series of Puzzle Reviews

If you’ve ever stared at a puzzle for hours wondering, “How did anyone solve this?”—you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too. That’s why I’m starting a new blog series focused on breaking down and reviewing puzzle hunts and treasure hunts, both solved and unsolved.

This series is all about learning. I’ll dive into the structure of puzzles, explore the tricks and mechanics that creators use, and highlight the clever (and sometimes surprising) ways solvers have cracked the code. Whether it’s a simple wordplay challenge or a multi-layered cryptic rabbit hole, each post will take a closer look at what makes these puzzles tick.

As possible I'll also highlight stories and notes from real hunters—what they noticed, how they followed the clues, and the missteps along the way. These firsthand accounts bring a human side to the solving process and can help all of us become better at spotting patterns and asking the right questions.

Along the way, who knows—we might uncover fresh insights that help crack active hunts still waiting for a winner. Consider this part puzzle post-mortem, part treasure-hunting research mission. If you're a puzzler, a hunter, or just someone who loves a good mystery, come along for the ride. Let’s learn how to solve the unsolvable—one puzzle at a time.

The first two puzzle reviews of the series are posted Hare-Y Connections and TREASUREFIX BONUS