Retro13 Puzzle Icons

Understanding the Puzzle Icons: Compass, Map, and Coin

If you've played a few Retro13 puzzle hunts, you've probably noticed the recurring icons: a compass, a map, and a coin. These aren’t just for decoration—they’re a visual way to help you understand how each puzzle is structured. Think of them as your guide through the hunt: first, you find your heading with the compass, then follow a path with the map, and finally reach your goal—the coin.

The compass represents direction–your orientation. What is the puzzle asking? What clues are visible? What direction should you take? The map comes next, guiding you through connections, layers, and logic. Each step brings you closer to understanding the puzzle’s core idea, giving you a path to search. And finally, the coin is the end goal—a word, phrase, or code that ties it all together. It’s the answer you submit, and hopefully the one that gets you the win.

Some puzzles will clearly identify which part is the compass or the map. Others may not tell you directly—part of the challenge is figuring out the steps on your own. The order might not always be linear, and you may jump back and forth between elements. Still, the idea is the same: there’s a story behind each puzzle, and these icons serve as a reminder that there is structure, even when it’s not obvious. Use them as a guide to stay grounded as you explore.

Happy puzzling—and may your compass stay true!