Quick-Start Design Worksheet

Use this worksheet when starting a new adventure game puzzle design. Print or copy for each puzzle you design.

1. Puzzle Dependency Chart Template

Map your puzzles before coding. This chart reveals bottlenecks, parallel paths, and dead ends.

| Puzzle # | Puzzle Type | Dependencies (What this needs) | Unlocks (What this enables) | Difficulty |
|----------|-------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|------------|
| 1        | [type]      | [prerequisites]              | [next puzzles]            | [1-5]      |
| 2        | [type]      | [prerequisites]              | [next puzzles]            | [1-5]      |
| 3        | [type]      | [prerequisites]              | [next puzzles]            | [1-5]      |

Targets (from LucasArts analysis):

• 3-5 parallel chains
• 9-10 items per puzzle chain
• Bushy over linear

2. Design Checklist

For each puzzle, verify these principles:

• Limited Actions: Could this puzzle work with fewer verbs?
• Information as Puzzle Element: Does the player know what they need to find?
• Failure as Feedback: Does failing teach something useful?
• Synthesis Over Collection: Must player combine multiple sources?
• Inception: Does the puzzle teach its own solution?
• Reward Intent: Does near-correct execution work?
• Internal Logic: Does the solution follow from established rules?
• Clarity of Objective: Does the player know their goal?

If you answered “no” to 3+ questions, redesign before coding.

3. Questions to Ask About Each Puzzle

Answer these six questions before finalizing any puzzle:

1. What is the single most important piece of information the player needs? _______________

2. How will the player discover this information? _______________

3. What is the “hook” that makes this puzzle memorable? _______________

4. What happens if the player gets stuck? (hint system connection) _______________

5. Does this puzzle connect to the player’s overall goal? _______________

6. Is there more than one way to solve it? _______________

4. My Puzzle Design

Puzzle Name: _______________ Type: _______________ Core Mechanic: _______________

Solution Chain:

Dependencies: _______________ Unlocks: _______________ Failure Mode I’m Worried About: _______________

Playtest Question: _______________

5. Blank Puzzle Template

Copy this section for each puzzle in your game:

Puzzle Name: _______________ Type: _______________ Core Mechanic: _______________ Solution Chain:

Dependencies: _______________ Failure Mode I’m Worried About: _______________ Playtest Question: _______________