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Feature Reference

Reference articles that explain Backyard Hunt concepts and app features.
By Tomas Radvansky
• 12 articles

Gameplay

Understanding the gameplay mechanics in Backyard Hunt is essential for engaging effectively with the hunts. Once a hunt is created or selected from featured hunts, it needs to be saved to your personal section called "My Hunts," where you can access and manage your games. Backyard Hunt dashboard showing saved and featured hunts The dashboard is the starting point for creating, choosing, and replaying hunts. My Hunts This section is your personal hub for all the hunts you've created or selected. Here, you can: - Create New Hunts: Design your own custom hunts which will appear in this section. - Select Featured Hunts: Choose from pre-designed hunts curated by our team, suitable for a variety of themes and difficulty levels. Playing Hunts Once you've saved a hunt to "My Hunts," you can start playing according to the type of hunt: Scavenger Hunts - Start: Find the first clue. - Progress: Solve the tasks associated with each clue. - Completion: Continue finding and solving clues until all have been discovered and completed. The hunt finishes once all clues are found. Treasure Hunts - Start: Solve the tasks of the first clue. - Progression: Use the hint provided to find the next clue. - Final Clue and Treasure: Follow the clues and hints sequentially until you reach the final clue, which leads to the treasure. Replaying Hunts You can replay any hunt stored in "My Hunts" as many times as you like, enhancing the value and enjoyment of your creations. Management Tools - Clues Manager: Parents and organizers can use the Clues Manager to view and print QR codes for each hunt. This tool is especially useful in preparing for the hunts. - QR Codes: In Treasure Hunts, remember that you can reuse QR codes that are tied to specific locations, making setup more efficient and environmentally friendly. Backyard Hunt hunt details screen with multiple clues Open a hunt to review its clue list, adjust setup, share it, or start the game. For more information on managing your hunts, see the Hunts and QR Codes documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Authentication & Sign In

Backyard Hunt offers multiple ways to sign in and access your account, ensuring a convenient and secure experience across all your devices. Backyard Hunt sign-in screen Start from the sign-in screen and choose the account method you want to use. Backyard Hunt account registration screen New players can create an account with email and password before building hunts. Sign-In Options Email Authentication - Email & Password: Create an account using your email address and a secure password - Password Reset: Easily reset your password if forgotten through email verification - Account Verification: Verify your email address for enhanced security Facebook Login - Quick Sign-In: Use your existing Facebook account to sign in instantly - Secure Authentication: Leverage Facebook's robust security infrastructure - No Additional Passwords: Access your account without remembering another password - Cross-Platform Access: Consistent login experience across all devices Getting Started New Users 1. Download the App: Install Backyard Hunt from the App Store or Google Play 2. Choose Sign-In Method: Select either email registration or Facebook login 3. Complete Setup: Follow the onboarding process to set up your profile 4. Start Playing: Access featured hunts or create your own custom adventures Existing Users - Multiple Options: Sign in using your preferred method (email or Facebook) - Account Linking: Contact support if you need to link multiple authentication methods - Device Sync: Your hunts and progress sync across all signed-in devices Account Security Best Practices - Strong Passwords: Use unique, strong passwords for email-based accounts - Regular Updates: Keep your authentication information current - Secure Devices: Ensure your devices are protected with screen locks Privacy & Data - Minimal Data: We only access basic profile information necessary for account creation - No Posting: We never post to your social media accounts - Secure Storage: All authentication data is encrypted and securely stored Troubleshooting Common Issues - Login Problems: Try clearing app cache or reinstalling the app - Facebook Issues: Ensure you have the latest Facebook app installed - Account Recovery: Use the "Forgot Password" option for email accounts Support If you experience authentication issues, please contact our support team through the app's help section or visit our support website. For more information about managing your account, see the Account Settings documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Clue Tasks

Clue tasks are critical components of the clues that make up your hunts in Backyard Hunt. Each task challenges players in different ways, contributing to the game's educational and entertainment value. We currently support three modules for creating clue tasks: Math, Selection, and Freeform Text, with plans to expand these options in the future. Backyard Hunt clue list with multiple clue tasks Saved clue tasks are listed on the hunt so you can review, reorder, or keep building. Math Module Create math-based tasks with custom settings: - Number of Problems: Set how many problems appear. - Precision: 0 = whole numbers. Other numbers define decimal places. - Allowed Operators: Choose from +, −, ×, ÷. - Complexity Levels: - Addition: Simple (no regrouping) or Advanced (with regrouping) - Subtraction: Simple (positive only) or Advanced (may include negatives) - Multiplication: Simple (single-digit) or Advanced (multi-digit) - Division: Simple (whole numbers) or Advanced (remainders/decimals) - Integer Only: Ensures results are always whole numbers. Selection Task Module Build multiple-choice questions: - Question Setup: Enter a single or multiple-choice question. - Answer Options: Add possible answers (usually 2–6). - Correct Answer(s): Select one or more correct options. Freeform Text Module Used for open-ended, creative clues: - Write Anything: Add any clue or instruction (no input needed). - No Correct Answer: Players tap "Next" to continue. - Best For: Actions like "Do 5 star jumps!" or "Take a selfie with a tree." For more information on how these tasks integrate into the overall hunt experience, see the Clues and Presets documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Hunts

In Backyard Hunt, a 'hunt' refers to a game or activity in which participants follow clues to reach an end goal. There are two main types of hunts you can engage in: Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Hunts, each offering a unique play experience. Backyard Hunt create hunt form Use the create hunt form to choose the hunt type, name the game, and set the basic details. Treasure Hunts Treasure Hunts are structured with a specific order: - Sequential Clues: Players must solve each clue in order to receive a hint that leads them to the next one. - Ordered Progression: Each clue solved brings players closer to discovering the final location. - Final Clue: This special clue reveals the location of the treasure or reward, marking the culmination of the hunt. - Hint System: Each clue includes a hint to help players find the next clue's location, enhancing the narrative and exploration elements of the hunt. Scavenger Hunts Scavenger Hunts offer a more flexible gameplay structure: - Random Order: There is no set order in which clues must be found. Players can find and solve clues in any sequence. - QR Codes as Identifiers: QR codes used in Scavenger Hunts do not correspond to specific locations but serve as unique identifiers. They can be placed randomly within the play area. - No Clue Hints: Clues do not include hints because their order and discovery are non-linear. - Completion: The hunt is completed when all clues have been found and solved, regardless of the order. Choosing and Creating Hunts - Curated Hunts: Users can select from a variety of pre-designed, themed hunts, suitable for different age groups and interests. - Custom Hunts: For those looking to personalize their experience, the app allows users to create their own hunts, customizing everything from the theme to the complexity of the clues. Backyard Hunt hunt details page after creation After creating a hunt, add clues and review the hunt details before sharing or playing. By understanding the differences between Treasure and Scavenger Hunts, players can choose the style that best suits their group's interests and dynamics, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable hunting experience. For more information on how to create and manage hunts, see the Gameplay and QR Codes documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

QR Codes

QR codes are a central feature in Backyard Hunt, serving as the primary method for players to access clues during hunts. Here's everything you need to know about how QR codes work in our app, including their generation, usage, and management. Backyard Hunt QR code management screen The QR code screen lets organizers prepare reusable codes before running a treasure hunt. Static QR Codes Static QR codes are bound to locations selected in your settings. These codes can be printed directly from the settings page or exported as a PDF for printing at a later time. They are ideal for treasure hunts where the location of each clue is important. Dynamic QR Codes Dynamic QR codes are generated as part of Scavenger Hunts. Unlike static codes, scavenger hunts are not bound to specific locations and do not provide hints for the next clue. Instead, random QR codes are generated for every Clue Task you create, adding an element of spontaneity and fun to the game. Reassigning QR Codes If you wish to use your already printed QR codes—whether they are dynamic from previous scavenger hunts or static ones from the settings page—you can do so by reassigning the QR code within the Hunt Editing page for a specific Clue Task. This flexibility allows you to reuse resources and customize your hunts further. Scanning QR Codes - Primary method: scan QR codes using the in-app scanner while playing a hunt. This ensures the best experience and immediate clue redemption. - For convenience, v1.1.6 adds support for external QR code links. Scanning a Backyard Hunt QR with the iOS system scanner or Android Camera will now open Backyard Hunt and redeem the clue when the app is installed and you have an ongoing hunt in game mode. For more information on how QR codes are used in hunts, see the Hunts and Gameplay documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Hunt History

The Hunt History feature allows you to review and analyze your completed hunts, providing detailed insights into your performance and solution attempts. This feature helps you track your progress over time and learn from previous gameplay experiences. Accessing Hunt History To view your hunt history: 1. Navigate to History: From the main dashboard, access the History section to see all your completed hunts. 2. View Past Games: Browse through a chronological list of all hunts you've finished. Past Games Overview The Past Games list displays: - Hunt Name: The title of each completed hunt - Completion Date: When you finished the hunt - Hunt Type: Visual indicator showing whether it was a Treasure Hunt (sequential) or Scavenger Hunt (random order) - Progress Bar: Visual representation of how many clues you solved out of the total - Completion Statistics: Shows "X of Y clues solved" for each hunt Detailed Game Progress When you select a specific completed hunt, you can view: Game Summary - Hunt Details: Name, type, and completion timestamp - Overall Progress: Complete breakdown of your performance Clue-by-Clue Analysis - Clue Status: Visual indicators showing which clues were solved, skipped, or left incomplete - Attempt Count: Number of solution attempts for each clue - Clue Types: Icons indicating whether clues were Math, Selection, Text, or Final clues - Navigation: Tap any clue with attempts to view detailed solution analysis Solution Analysis For each clue with solution attempts, you can access detailed analysis including: Question Display - Original Questions: View the exact questions that were presented during gameplay - Question Types: Support for math problems, multiple choice questions, text inputs, and image-based selections Answer Analysis - Your Responses: See exactly what you answered for each attempt - Correct Answers: Compare your responses with the correct solutions - Multiple Attempts: Track your progress across multiple solution attempts if you made errors Visual Feedback - Success Indicators: Green checkmarks for correct answers - Error Highlighting: Clear indication of incorrect responses - Attempt Numbering: Sequential tracking of multiple attempts - Image Support: For image-based selection clues, view actual image thumbnails with success/failure indicators Benefits of Hunt History Learning and Improvement - Mistake Analysis: Review incorrect answers to learn from errors - Pattern Recognition: Identify areas where you consistently struggle or excel - Progress Tracking: Monitor improvement over time across different hunt types Memory and Reference - Game Recall: Refresh your memory about specific hunts you've completed - Solution Reference: Look back at clever solutions or challenging problems - Achievement Review: Celebrate your completed hunts and track your gaming journey Educational Value - Learning Reinforcement: Revisit educational content from completed hunts - Skill Assessment: Understand your strengths in different clue types (math, logic, observation) - Family Sharing: Review family gaming sessions and discuss solutions together Certificate of Completion For a special memento of your achievement, you can generate a personalized Certificate of Completion for any finished hunt. Hunt History Features - Persistent Storage: All your completed hunts are automatically saved and remain accessible - Detailed Analytics: Comprehensive breakdown of every solution attempt - Rich Media Support: Full support for text, images, and interactive content in solution reviews - Intuitive Navigation: Easy-to-use interface for browsing through your gaming history - Refresh Capability: Update your history data to ensure you have the latest information The Hunt History feature transforms your completed games into valuable learning experiences, helping you become a better hunter while preserving memories of your adventures. For more information on creating and playing hunts, see the Gameplay and Hunts documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Certificates

Upon completing a hunt, Backyard Hunt offers a beautifully designed "Certificate of Completion" to celebrate your achievement. This feature provides a memorable, shareable keepsake of your adventure. Generating a Certificate After finishing a hunt, you can generate a certificate from the Game Progress screen in your Hunt History. 1. Navigate to the History section from the main dashboard. 2. Select the completed hunt you want a certificate for. 3. On the Game Progress page, tap the certificate icon (🏅) in the top-right corner. 4. A dialog will appear, prompting you to enter the participant's name. 5. Enter the name and tap "Generate." Certificate Details The generated certificate is a multi-page PDF document, perfect for printing or sharing digitally. First Page: - Title: "Certificate of Completion" - Participant's Name: The name you entered. - Hunt Name: The name of the hunt you completed. - Completion Date: The date and time you finished the hunt. - Total Duration: The total time it took to complete the hunt. The certificate features a decorative, thematic border, making it a true treasure. Second Page: For a more detailed look at your performance, the second page includes a table with a breakdown of the clues from the hunt: - Clue Number: The order of the clue. - Clue Name: The name of the clue. - Duration: Time taken to solve the specific clue. - Attempts: Number of attempts to solve the clue. - Status: The final state of the clue (e.g., Solved, Skipped). This detailed summary is great for reviewing your gameplay and celebrating your problem-solving skills.

Last updated on May 08, 2026

Shared Private Hunts

What are Shared Private Hunts? Shared Private Hunts are available for subscribed "Pro" users, allowing them to share their custom private hunts with others. These hunts can be shared via a link or a QR code, making it easy for friends and family to join the fun without needing a "Pro" subscription. Backyard Hunt share hunt dialog The share dialog is where owners create private links, QR invites, and multiplayer sessions. Steps to Share Your Private Hunt 1. Create Your Private Hunt: - Open the Backyard Hunt app. - Design your hunt by setting up the clues and tasks as per your preference. 2. Navigate to Share Option: - Once your hunt is ready, go to the hunt settings. - Select the "Share" option. 3. Choose Sharing Method: - You can share your hunt via a link or by generating a QR code. 4. Set Preferences for Shared Link: - Start Date and End Date: Specify the date range during which the link can be used. - Number of Uses: Define how many times the link can be followed before it expires. 5. Share the Link or QR Code: - Distribute the link or QR code to your friends or family. They don't need a "Pro" subscription to participate. They can simply download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and scan the QR code or follow the link to join the hunt. Using the Shared Hunt - Install the App: The recipients should install and open the Backyard Hunt app. - Join the Hunt: Tap the QR code scanner icon in the top left corner or follow the shared link. - Enjoy the hunt! Managing Your Shared Links As the owner of the private hunt, you have control over your shared links: - Multiple Links: Create multiple shared links for the same hunt with different preferences. - Preferences: Set specific start and end dates, and limit the number of uses for each link. - Monitor Usage: Track how many times each link has been followed and manage their status. You can deactivate the links if needed. Shared Private Hunts make it simple and fun to involve your friends and family in your custom hunts, ensuring everyone can join the adventure without additional subscriptions. For more details and assistance, visit the Account Settings and Gameplay documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Account Settings

Manage your account settings to personalize and secure your Backyard Hunt experience. Here's how you can update your profile, manage subscriptions, and adjust your preferences. Backyard Hunt profile settings screen The Profile tab keeps account details, subscription actions, and sign-out controls in one place. Backyard Hunt locations and hints settings screen The Locations/Hints tab controls which hiding places can be used when building treasure hunts. Profile In the Profile tab, you can manage your personal information and subscription details: - Change Name: Update your name in the profile settings to reflect how you'd like to be identified within the app. - Current Plan: View your current subscription plan details. - Subscribe or Cancel Subscription: Easily manage your subscription through the account settings. Choose to subscribe to unlock premium features or cancel your existing subscription according to your needs. Locations / Hints The Locations/Hints tab allows you to customize the game settings for a more personalized experience: - Select Locations: Choose from both global locations and your custom locations for use in hunts. - Create Custom Locations: Add your own personalized location hints tailored to your specific environment. - Edit Custom Locations: Modify your custom location hints at any time with the rich text editor. - Auto-Select Locations: Enable Backyard Hunt to automatically select and use these locations during hunt creation. Creating Custom Location Hints You can create personalized location hints that perfectly match your home, yard, or hunting area: 1. Add New Location: Tap the "+" button to create a new custom location 2. Enter Location Details: Provide a descriptive name and detailed hint description 3. Rich Text Formatting: Use the built-in editor to format your hints with emphasis, lists, and styling 4. Save and Use: Your custom locations become immediately available for selection in hunts Custom locations are marked with a "Custom" label and take priority over global locations with the same name, giving you complete control over your hunt experience. About / More The About/More tab provides additional information and resources: Backyard Hunt About settings screen The About tab links to support, policies, version details, and account actions. - App Information: Access important information about the app, including the current version. - Help: Find links to help resources and support. - Versions: View version history and updates. - Social Links: Connect with us on our social media platforms. - Miscellaneous: Other information that doesn't fit into the other categories. For more information on managing your account settings, see the Gameplay and Sharing documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Custom Hints

Create personalized location hints that perfectly match your environment and make your treasure hunts truly unique. The Custom Hints feature allows you to add, edit, and manage your own location descriptions for an enhanced hunting experience. Backyard Hunt Locations and Hints settings Custom hints are managed alongside the built-in hiding places in Settings. What are Custom Hints? Custom hints are personalized location descriptions that you create to guide players to specific places in your treasure hunts. Unlike the pre-made global locations, custom hints are tailored to your specific environment—whether it's your backyard, home, neighborhood, or any other familiar area. Creating Custom Hints Getting Started 1. Navigate to Settings: Open the app and go to the Settings tab 2. Select Locations/Hints: Choose the "Locations/Hints" tab from the settings menu 3. Add New Location: Tap the floating "+" button or the add icon in the section header Adding Location Details When creating a new custom hint, you'll need to provide: - Location Name: A clear, descriptive name for your location (e.g., "Garden Shed", "Oak Tree by the Fence") - Location Description: A detailed hint that guides players to the location Using the Rich Text Editor The location description field features a powerful rich text editor that allows you to: - Format Text: Add bold, italic, and underlined text for emphasis - Create Lists: Use bullet points or numbered lists to break down complex hints - Add Structure: Organize your hints with clear formatting for better readability Managing Your Custom Hints Viewing All Locations In the Locations/Hints settings, you'll see a unified list that includes: - Global Locations: Pre-made locations provided by Backyard Hunt - Custom Locations: Your personally created locations, marked with a "Custom" label Editing Custom Hints 1. Find Your Location: Look for locations marked with the "Custom" label 2. Tap Edit: Use the edit icon next to any of your custom locations 3. Make Changes: Modify the name or description as needed 4. Save: Your changes are immediately saved and available for use Selecting Locations for Hunts - Check/Uncheck: Select which locations (both global and custom) you want available for your hunts - Mix and Match: Combine global locations with your custom ones for varied hunt experiences - Priority System: Custom locations with the same name as global ones will take priority Best Practices for Custom Hints Writing Effective Hints - Be Descriptive: Provide enough detail to guide players without making it too obvious - Use Familiar References: Include landmarks or features that your players will recognize - Consider Difficulty: Adjust the complexity based on your players' ages and experience Examples of Good Custom Hints For "Garden Toolshed": "Look for the small wooden building where Dad keeps his lawn mower and gardening tools. It has a red door and sits behind Mom's rose bushes." For "Kitchen Window": "Find the window where morning sunlight streams in while we eat breakfast. Look for the spot where herbs grow in small pots on the sill." Organization Tips - Use Clear Names: Choose location names that are easy to remember and identify - Group Similar Areas: Consider creating hints for different areas of the same space - Update Regularly: Modify hints if your environment changes or if players find them too easy/difficult Benefits of Custom Hints Personalized Experience - Environment-Specific: Perfect match for your unique space and layout - Family References: Include inside jokes, family traditions, or personal landmarks - Difficulty Control: Create hints with exactly the right level of challenge Enhanced Engagement - Local Knowledge: Players use their familiarity with the area to solve clues - Creative Freedom: Express your personality through hint writing style - Evolving Hunts: Update and improve hints based on player feedback Educational Value - Observation Skills: Encourage players to notice details about their environment - Reading Comprehension: Practice understanding and following written directions - Problem Solving: Develop critical thinking through hint interpretation Integration with Hunts Using Custom Hints in Treasure Hunts Custom hints work seamlessly with treasure hunts, providing location guidance that leads players from one clue to the next. Your personalized descriptions help create a narrative that's specific to your environment. Combining with Global Locations You can mix your custom hints with global locations to create diverse hunting experiences that include both familiar personal spaces and more general location types. QR Code Compatibility Custom hints work with the same QR code system as global locations. You can print and reuse QR codes for your custom locations just like any other hunt location. For more information on setting up and managing your account preferences, see the Account Settings documentation. To learn more about creating hunts with your custom locations, visit the Hunts and Clues guides.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Clues

Clues are essential elements of any hunt in Backyard Hunt, acting as steps that guide players through the game. Understanding how to create, use, and modify clues is key to crafting an engaging and successful hunt. Backyard Hunt hunt details page with multiple clues Each clue appears on the hunt details page so you can keep building and checking the sequence. What is a Clue? A clue in Backyard Hunt consists of several components that define its role in the game: - Clue Task: This is the primary component of the clue, which includes a task that players must solve to "unlock" or move past the clue. Detailed information about clue tasks will be available in a separate section of the help documentation. - Clue Hint: For Treasure Hunts, a clue hint provides guidance on where the clue is hidden, aiding players in locating it. In contrast, for Scavenger Hunts, since the location does not matter, there are no hints and players find clues at random. Using and Modifying Clues Users have the flexibility to either download pre-existing hunts, which come with attached clues, or create entirely new custom hunts: - Pre-existing Hunts: Download and use Treasure or Scavenger hunts with ready-made clues. - Custom Hunts: Create new hunts and add as many custom clues as desired. Creating Clues When adding new clues, users can choose to build them completely from scratch or use presets to simplify the process: - Custom Build: Fully customize every aspect of the clue. - Presets: Select content from our predefined, curated categories for each task type. Managing Hints For hints associated with clues: - Typed Hints: Directly type out where the clue is hidden for one-time use. - Location List: Choose from global locations and your custom location hints. This includes both pre-made locations and personalized hints you've created in Settings. - Custom Location Hints: Create and manage your own location descriptions that perfectly match your environment. These appear in the location list alongside global options. - QR Code Reuse: If you select the same location as previously used, you can reuse already printed QR codes, maintaining stability across games. Special Clue Type: The Final Clue - Final Clue in Treasure Hunts: This is a unique type of clue, applicable only in Treasure Hunts. It is always the last clue and leads players to the actual treasure or reward. All Treasure Hunts must include exactly one final clue. By leveraging the flexibility and tools provided in the Clues section, users can craft personalized and dynamic hunts that provide endless fun and challenge for all participants. For more information on how to create and manage clues, see the Clue Tasks and Hunts documentation. To learn about creating personalized location hints, visit the Custom Hints guide.

Last updated on May 10, 2026

Presets

In Backyard Hunt, you have the flexibility to craft your own hunts and clues by choosing from one of our interactive modules – Math, Free Text, or Selection. However, to streamline the process and enhance your game, we also offer a variety of preset content. Categories of Presets We provide an extensive range of categorized presets, currently including: - Adventure, Africa, America, Animals, Asia, Australia, Australia & Oceania - Biology, Birthday Party Activities, Books, Capitals, Cartoons, Christian, Cities - Cuisine, Dinosaurs, Easter, Europe, Exercise, Fairy tales, Games - Geography, Heart, History, Insect, Inventions, Inventors, Kindness - Landmarks, Legends, Mythology, Mythology and legends, Nature, Nature Art - North America, Nursery Rhymes, Oceania, Rainforest, Riddles, Sea - South America, Space, Sport, Stories, Superheroes, Under the sea - United States of America, Universe, USA, Virtue, Wizards, World How to Use Presets When creating a new clue and selecting one of our modules (Math, Selection, or Free Text), you can also populate the content from predefined categories. This integration allows you to create enriched, themed clues without the need to craft every detail yourself. Example: - Question: "What do you call a group of fish?" - Possible Answers: "School," "Flock," "Herd," "Pack" - Categories: Nature, Animals, Biology With presets, setting up your hunt becomes quicker, easier, and more thematic. Choose presets to make your game more engaging and fun for all players. For more information on how these presets integrate with clue tasks, see the Clue Tasks documentation.

Last updated on May 10, 2026