Puzzles, the marmite of Dungeons & Dragons! I'm joined by Michael Wu, a.k.a. DM Micycle, to discuss the nuances of designing puzzles for TTRPGs. Certain considerations have to made during the design process, as puzzles are a unique gameplay element in that they are challenges for the players, rather than their characters. Not only do we have to deal with regular awkward rolls (Wizard rolls low on INT, Barbarian rolls natural 20 to solve the puzzle, etc.), but also how to bridge the various gaps between players and their characters. This is a two-way problem, in that not only do characters have vast and innate understanding of the world that players do not (history, magic, science, creatures), but players are also often stronger than their characters (arithmetic, logic, reasoning). Accounting for both these is a critical component in designing challenging but fun puzzles.
Michael explains the differences between what he calls "escape room" and "interactive" puzzles. The former you're likely to find in official material as they are easier to produce and slot into campaigns, however they have several substantial drawbacks. Interactive puzzles on the other hand, although having a larger upfront overhead, are much more flexible, expandable, and engaging for both players and their characters. Ultimately it comes down to understanding; the rules are arbitrary and contrived. Bespoke interactive puzzles, however, have transparent constraints upfront meaning the players and their characters have everything they need to be able to solve it.
- 03:20 - "Required metagaming" - bridging the player/PC knowledge chasm
- 12:54 - The escape rooms of Tasha's Cauldron
- 21:10 - Designing robust puzzles
- 34:26 - Examples of in-universe applications
- 46:29 - Puzzles without an answer
- 52:16 - Handholding - bridging the player/PC strength ravine
- 55:14 - Incorporating real-world physical props
Find Michael on:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMmicycle
- Game Master's Toolkit 5e iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1528248704
- Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dmmicycle
- Website: https://dmmicycle.company.site/
Find me on:
- Website: https://www.thinkingcritically.co.uk
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Danilo_DnD
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinking_critically_dnd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThinkingCriticallyDnD
Intro Music: 'Local Forecast' by Kevin MacLeod
Intermission Music: 'Chill' by Kevin MacLeod
Outro Music: 'Local Forecast - Elevator' by Kevin MacLeod