Princeton Puzzle Hunt 2025

What are the puzzles like?

Sixteen total puzzles will come in three rounds: New York Times games, classic video games, and board games. There are a huge variety of puzzle types involving wordplay, logic, and combinations of the two.

For an example of a puzzle-hunt style puzzle, check out this game-themed puzzle from Jane Street, but remember that every puzzle-hunt puzzle is different, so there won't be any of this style in our hunt. We hope each of our puzzles feels like you're playing the game it's themed around!

How do I solve a puzzle?

Every answer to a puzzle is a real English word or phrase. When you think you have the correct answer, type it into the answer box on the puzzle page.

If you've never done a puzzle hunt before, don't worry! We'll post a presentation here of puzzle rules, structure, and tips a few days before the hunt. In particular, there will be hints given every 10 minutes if you're stuck on a puzzle, and you won't need to solve every puzzle to progress.

The expected difficulty of the hunt is around that of CMU's puzzle hunt, but because of the frequent hinting, we expect that all teams regardless of experience will be able to at least complete the first round in the four hours!

How do I register?

Register your team of four (or fewer if you want) here!

What do I need?

• A team of no more than four people. We recommend having at least three people if you want to finish in the allotted time, but we'll also post the puzzles afterwards if you don't finish!
• A laptop, phone, or other device with internet access. You'll need this to register, view puzzles, and submit your answers.
• If you're a Princeton student competing in person, we'll have printouts of all the puzzles for you. Otherwise, it may be helpful to have a printer or online annotation tool ready so you can collaborate with your team. Each puzzle is a single-page pdf for ease of printing.

How long will it last?

The hunt will run from May 3rd 01:30PM to May 3rd 05:30PM EDT.

If you're solving in-person, we ask that you arrive half an hour beforehand so we can explain the rules, provide food, and make sure teams are all set up properly, but don't feel that your entire team needs to stay the whole time!

I think there is an error in this puzzle.

You can contact the staff at puzzles@princeton.edu. If there is in fact an error, we will make an announcement to everyone.

Is there anything else I should know?

Nothing on this and the registration page is a puzzle crucial for completing the hunt. No, really, this is not a puzzle.

Wait, I have more questions!

Email puzzles@princeton.edu with "Puzzle Hunt" somewhere in the subject line.