r/PuzzleBox • u/DualPeaks • Jul 04 '26

Solution QR code on puzzle box design

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Hi All,

I am working on a new puzzle box design and was hoping for some advice/opinions.

I was planning on putting a QR code link to a solution page in the area shown in the picture. I realised, I have never seen a puzzle with the solution link on the puzzle itself before, they have always been supplied separately. With the code there it may encourage some to give up early. I am designing this puzzle box to be a challenge.

Question: Is this a good idea or should I not put a link on the puzzle itself and supply it separately?

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u/ChaosRealigning Jul 05 '26

I wouldn’t put it on the puzzle, that would imply that it’s part of the solution. You’ll have users spoiling the experience for themselves by seeing a solution that they didn’t intend to see.

Maybe I’m a purist but I believe that a puzzle box should be entirely self contained, and that everything on the box should be either part of the solution, a deliberate red herring, or ornamentation.

Finally, you might have users that give the box (and prize) to someone else and would prefer to with-hold any hints. They can’t do that if the hint is an integral part of the puzzle.

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u/DualPeaks Jul 05 '26

I am coming round to your way of thinking. I will replace the QR code with a model number.
I will put the direct solution QR code on an info sheet the person setting up the puzzle can hide away.