FAQ

1.    What is Crack The Code?

Crack the code is a puzzle-hunt/escape room styled game where the objective is to solve a number of puzzles.  Each puzzle will either take you to a different location of the school, or take you one step closer to the final solution.  The objective is to solve all the puzzles to unlock a box and claim the treasures inside.

2.       Are the puzzles hard? 

The puzzles are meant to challenge your thinking but at the same time be solvable by anybody.  This means any person in grade 8 would have as good a chance of solving a puzzle as a teacher or adult in the school.

3.       Do I need to know a lot of math to solve the puzzles?

No.  The puzzles are based on logic and reasoning.  Math knowledge may be helpful, but is not required to solve the majority of puzzles.  It is much more of an advantage to be able to identify patterns and have insight thinking than knowing lots of high level math.  Again, puzzles are designed so that anybody in high school and beyond can solve them.

4.       Do I need to know a lot about the theme to play?

Knowledge about the theme may help add enjoyment to the playing experience, but Crack The Code is designed to be played by all.  Remember, anything related to the theme that is unfamiliar can be found quickly through an internet search.

5.       How do I get started?

Although Crack The Code can be played by yourself, it is a lot more fun to team up with others.  Find some friends who are interested in playing to form a team, and start strategizing how to win!

6.       When is Crack The Code?

Crack the Code will take place during the week of February 5th to 9th, 2024.   Look for the locked box found by the office in the morning of Monday, February 5th, 2024 to start your puzzle-solving journey!

7.       How long does Crack The Code take?

Crack The Code requires a time commitment from you and your teammates.  In past years, students would come in early before school, play through lunch, and stay after school to solve puzzles and to get a leg up on competing teams.  It usually takes between three and five days to complete but the game will run until either four teams unlock the box or until Friday after school, whichever is later.

8.       Who are prizes awarded to?

Prizes are usually given to the first four teams to successfully unlock the box (using proper means).  Only students are eligible for prizes.

9.       Why Crack The Code?

Crack The Code is meant to be fun experience.  It tackles many of the core competencies in education, promotes logical thinking and cooperation skills, and is cross-curricular.  Also, I happen to enjoy creating such puzzles and it’s a joy to watch participants excited about solving them.

10.    Who can play?

Crack The Code is open to anybody at Seaquam.  Any students, teachers, and adults working at the school can participate.  However, prizes are reserved for students only.

11.    Can I ask for help from others?

Sure.  As long as you’re playing by the rules, anything goes.  Feel free to do internet searches, to partner up with other teams, or ask willing teachers for help.  Please be considerate of others though.  Not everyone will be involved with the game and may not want to be bothered. 

12.    Speaking of rules, what are the rules?

In short, the rule is “Be Respectful”.  Treat others how you would like to be treated, and treat the game and game equipment with care.  Do not be cheeky and try ripping chains off the box, or to hack locks and destroy property.  Leave game props where you see them for other groups to enjoy.  Play within the spirit of the game so that everyone can enjoy and have a positive experience about it.

Some puzzles require teams to use items to solve.  Do not take more than you need.   Leave items for other teams to use.

Crack The Code should not get in the way of your studies.  School is/should be your first priority, so make sure you attend all classes, complete all your work, and study for any quizzes/tests.  Do not bother teachers while they are in class and teaching, and do not work on Crack The Code puzzles during class time unless permitted by your teacher.

13.    How many people should be on a team?

There is no official rule to the size of teams, but usually, a team of about six people is ideal.  Any bigger and some students will not get a chance to participate.  Also, you would have to divide prizes amongst more people!

14.    How do I communicate and share puzzles with my team?

Have a chat group where everyone can contribute ideas and share updates with others.  Also, use google sheets to solve puzzles.  This way everyone can work on the puzzles at the same time and see what is being done.  

15.   What if I get stuck or can't solve a puzzle?

Remember, you are working in teams. What one person may not get another person might find easy.  Also, internet searches are allowed, and teams can always ask other teams for help.  Read questions carefully. There usually are clues in the text that will help with a particular puzzle.

16.   What resources are available to help me out?

There are many resources available on the web.  Here are some of the ones I use.

17.   How have teams done in the past?

Here is a summary of the previous hunts

Year Theme Days to Win Number of Teams Completing all Puzzles

2024 Alice and Wonderland - Down the Rabbit Hole 2 9

2023 The Amazing Race Seaquam                                                                         3                                                                             2

2022 Sherlock Holmes and the Adventures of the Empress' Gem 5 2

2021 No Hunt Due to Pandemic

2020 Harry Potter and the Chocolate Frogs 5 4

2019 Monopoly - It's All Fun and Games 3 6

2018 Alice in Wonderland - Who 'Chat'ted Up the Mouse 5 5

2017 No Theme 4 2