What are text adventures?

Text adventures are one of the earliest forms of computer games. Long before graphics were common, players explored fictional worlds described entirely with text. The game would describe a place, situation, or event, and the player would respond by typing commands to decide what to do next.

How do classic text adventures work?

In traditional text adventures, the player interacts with the game by typing short text commands. Common examples include:

• Movement: "go east", "go upstairs", "go inside", "go kitchen"
• Picking up items: "take sword", "take mushroom", "pick up key"
• Using items or objects: "use key", "use oven", "unlock door"
• Looking around or examining things: "examine chest", "examine painting", "search cabinet"

The game interprets these commands and responds with new descriptions, discoveries, or consequences.

Playing adventures on this website

The adventures here can still be played entirely by typing commands, just like the classic games. However, they also include quality-of-life improvements that make them easier to play, especially for newcomers.

Depending on the adventure, you may see:

• clickable links for movement (such as directions or exits),
• buttons for actions like use, examine, or take,
• lists of visible items or objects you can click on instead of typing.

For example, you can click Use, then click an Iron key item, and the game will perform the command for you automatically.

How much clicking support is available depends on the adventure's author. Some adventures may be very beginner-friendly, others intentionally require more typing.

Room and History panels during play

For player's convenience, the adventure interface is split into two panels. One panel shows the current room description (hence you do not need to scroll back to see the initial room description), while the other displays the history of your commands and the game's responses. In some situations, an important information may appear in the panel you are not currently focusing on. It is recommended to keep an eye on both panels during play, so you do not miss key events or clues.

Recommended first adventure

The introductory adventure is designed for new players and can be completed using only mouse clicks. This allows you to learn the structure of text adventures without worrying about exact commands.

However, even in this adventure there are alternative paths and hidden solutions that can only be discovered by typing the correct command at the right place and time. This reflects how most adventures are intended to be played: clicking for convenience, typing for depth.

Character sheets

All adventures can be played for free. For players who want to track progress and achievements, Character Sheets are available from the Dungster's shop on the market.

A Character sheet allows you to:

• save your progress in an adventure (happens automatically),
• redeem the sheet after winning,
• receive a trophy and have your achievement recorded.

There are single-use and reusable versions, depending on how often you plan to play.