GAMEPLAY & PUZZLE DESIGN · GUIDE 16/50 · FREE REFERENCE

Offer hints without solving everything

The problem

An automatic solution can remove the satisfaction of discovery.

Practical procedure

Use a pathfinder to suggest only the next direction and optionally reveal remaining optimal moves.

Worked scenario

A hint might say 'Try moving up first' instead of drawing the entire 18-step route.

Acceptance check

Measure whether hints improve completion while preserving voluntary problem solving.

Apply the method

Use the related interactive tool to try the concept on an inspectable example. Record the starting assumptions and expected result before changing settings, then compare what the tool actually does. Where the result differs, keep the release marked experimental and document the discrepancy.

Further reading: Relevant primary technical documentation. This guide is an educational procedure, not a substitute for independent usability or compliance review.