#I also have been doing random puzzled pints from the archive

[gaypapercuts]

What puzzlehunts did you do this year? Any favorites?

I’ve done quite a few this year! In order-ish:

Bloomberg summer of puzzles: I liked the idea of a lot of these puzzles, but it definitely felt like the writers had “it’s too easy! Add an extra layer on!” moments on a couple of them, where a puzzle would be really clean and then there would be something that didn’t exactly feel natural.

What’s the point? probably had my fav concept, but decoding into gibberish is risky (especially when the characters needed for it weren’t on the provided code sheet for that code)

Puzzle University: I’ve been somewhat following along with cypherhouse’s solve of this—doing the puzzles I can on my own and then watching his solves of the others. Some really cool ones here! English’s two-answer mechanic was neat and the ‘across the pond’ puzzle especially fit this well.  Perhaps recency bias, but I’m really enjoying the sociology round—love the Octopus’s chumblr page!

@welcomeinitiate: Unfortunately this one started during Bloomberg / work busy season, so I had limited time to solve. Finally decoded the video right before galactic but didn’t make any additional progress. I’m not sure if it has been solved yet or not – I left off with something v similar to the WAC wifi password but no idea where I should use it  – would be cool to see a solution if it’s over

Galactic: We got really far this year (34/39). The card gimmick took a little bit to get used to as someone who doesn’t play deckbuilder games, but there were some interesting card puzzles in there (Coloring was the standout for me, even if the saddle mountain thing was bullshit imo)

The standard puzzles were definitely easier than prior years, but all really clean with fun A-ha moments. Beige Flags was probably my fav here. The fact that there's a highway with a 26 lane stretch also greatly stresses me out.

Huntinality III: Will likely be doing this. Did not realize until tonight that it started on Friday! I’m going to put on my clown makeup and say that I think it’ll have a little red riding hood theme for absolutely no reason but pure vibes

What were your fav puzzles from the year, anon? Feel free to drop me a message—I want more puzzle friends!