Puzzle System

Puzzle Framework Design

Lock and Key System

Create flexible puzzle mechanics based on simple lock-and-key principles that can support various puzzle types:

Actor_Puzzle Components

Arrow Component: Root for positioning control
Static Mesh: Visual representation of puzzle (door, barrier, chest)
Puzzle Logic: Validation system for solution checking

Actor_Puzzle_Piece Components

Arrow Component: Root for positioning
Static Mesh: Visual representation of puzzle piece (lever, button, orb)
Box Collision: Interaction detection
Puzzle Reference: Connection to main puzzle actor

Puzzle Communication System

Create interface-based communication between puzzle pieces and main puzzle:

// Puzzle Interface System
Interface_Puzzle_Piece(Actor) {
// Called when puzzle piece is activated
// Receives reference to the activating piece
AddActorToCollectedPieces(Actor);
ValidatePuzzleCompletion();
}

Basic Puzzle Implementation

Simple Collection Puzzle

Create straightforward puzzle requiring all pieces to be collected:

Puzzle Setup Variables

Puzzle_Pieces Array: Instance editable array of required puzzle pieces
Puzzle_Pieces_Collected Array: Runtime tracking of activated pieces
Completion Logic: Compare array lengths for puzzle completion

Collection Validation

// Basic Puzzle Completion
OnPuzzlePieceActivated(PuzzlePiece) {
Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.AddUnique(PuzzlePiece);

if (Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.Num() >= Puzzle_Pieces.Num()) {
// Puzzle Complete
DestroyActor(Self); // Remove puzzle barrier
SpawnCompletionEffects();
}
}

Puzzle Piece Setup

Configure puzzle pieces for interaction:

Puzzle Variable: Reference to main puzzle actor (instance editable)
Interaction Integration: Use existing Interface_Interact system
Visual Feedback: Effects when piece is activated

Passcode Puzzle System

Sequential Activation Puzzle

Create puzzles requiring specific activation order:

Passcode Variables

Passcode Boolean: Enable passcode mode for order-sensitive puzzles
Collected Pieces Validation: Check exact sequence match

Passcode Logic Implementation

// Passcode Puzzle Validation
OnPuzzlePieceActivated(PuzzlePiece) {
if (Passcode_Enabled) {
Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.Add(PuzzlePiece); // Allow duplicates

ValidateSequence();
} else {
Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.AddUnique(PuzzlePiece);
}
}

ValidateSequence() {
ForEach(piece in Puzzle_Pieces_Collected) {
expected_piece = Puzzle_Pieces[CurrentIndex];

if (piece != expected_piece) {
// Wrong sequence - reset puzzle
Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.Empty();
SpawnFailureEffects();
return;
}
}

// Sequence still valid - check if complete
if (Puzzle_Pieces_Collected.Num() >= Puzzle_Pieces.Num()) {
CompletePuzzle();
}
}

Puzzle Visual Feedback

Success and Failure Effects

Provide clear feedback for puzzle interactions:

Completion Effects

Niagara Location Sphere: Position for effect spawning
Success VFX: Green omnidirectional burst for completion
Failure VFX: Red omnidirectional burst for wrong sequence
Audio Integration: Sound effects for success and failure states

Feedback Implementation

// Puzzle Feedback System
SpawnCompletionEffects() {
effect_location = Niagara_Location.GetWorldLocation();
SpawnSystemAtLocation(Green_Success_VFX, effect_location);
PlaySound2D(Success_Audio);
}

SpawnFailureEffects() {
effect_location = Niagara_Location.GetWorldLocation();
SpawnSystemAtLocation(Red_Failure_VFX, effect_location);
PlaySound2D(Failure_Audio);
}

Puzzle Examples and Variations

Common Puzzle Types

Framework supports multiple puzzle variations:

Multi-Switch Puzzle

Setup: 5 levers that must all be activated
Use Case: Unlock doors, disable barriers, activate mechanisms

Sequence Puzzle

Setup: 4 pillars that must be activated in specific order
Use Case: Combination locks, ritual sequences, security systems

Exploration Puzzle

Setup: Scattered objects that must all be found and activated
Use Case: Hidden switches, treasure hunt mechanics

Level Integration

Position puzzles strategically in levels:

Progression Gates: Block access to new areas until solved
Optional Content: Reward exploration with puzzle-gated treasures
Difficulty Scaling: Simple collection puzzles early, complex sequences later

Puzzle Polish and Expansion

Child Blueprint Organization

Create specialized puzzle types:

Door Puzzle: Uses door mesh, blocks passage
Chest Puzzle: Uses treasure chest, contains rewards
Mechanism Puzzle: Uses machinery, activates environmental changes

Audio-Visual Integration

State Changes: Visual/audio feedback when pieces activate
Progress Indication: Show player how many pieces remain
Environmental Integration: Puzzles that feel connected to world lore

The puzzle system provides engaging problem-solving gameplay while maintaining simple, extensible architecture that supports both basic collection challenges and complex sequence-based puzzles.