How to Run a QR Code Scavenger Hunt (Step by Step)
By ERAGO · Published · 3 min read
A QR code scavenger hunt turns any space into a game: players find a code, scan it, get a clue, and head to the next spot. It works for Halloween parties, café promos, school events and team outings, and you can build one with nothing but your phone, a printer and free tools. Here's how.
Start making your clue QR codes →
Step 1: Plan the route and the prize
Decide how many stops you want. Five to eight is plenty for a 30–45 minute hunt. Sketch the route so players move through the whole space, and decide what they win at the end: a free drink, a discount, a small gift.
Step 2: Write the clues
Each clue should point to the next hiding spot without giving it away. Keep them short enough to read on a phone. A few examples for a Halloween hunt at a café:
- "Where cold things sleep but never dream." (the fridge)
- "I have pages but no story yet." (the guestbook)
- "Count the pumpkins, then look beneath the biggest." (window display)
Put each clue on its own simple page: a shared note, a form, a short video or a social post. Leave out the answer to the current clue, so a lucky guess doesn't skip a stop.
Step 3: Make one short link per clue
Create a short link for every clue with a name players can't easily guess, like erago.site/hunt-1, erago.site/hunt-2, and so on. Short links keep the QR codes simple and easy to scan. More importantly, they let you change a clue later without touching the printed code. On ERAGO, changing where a short link points is free, and a free account includes 25 short links, more than enough for a full hunt.
Step 4: Design and print the codes
Generate a QR code for each short link in the QR studio. For a Halloween theme, use near-black dots with a darker orange such as #c2410c on the corners. Bright orange is too light on white and triggers the low-contrast warning. Write a small number next to each code so you know which is which, and print them at least 3 cm wide. You can also add your logo; see how to make a QR code with a logo.
Step 5: Hide them (fairly)
Place codes where players can reach and scan them: eye or hand level, good light, flat surfaces. Avoid glossy laminate under bright lamps, since glare can stop a scan. Walk the route yourself and scan every code before guests arrive.
Step 6: Run it and adjust live
During the hunt, if a clue is too hard or a spot is blocked, just edit that short link's destination. The printed code on the wall instantly leads to the new clue. After the event, point the last code to a thank-you page, photo gallery or next-event signup.
Want to know where players got stuck? With Pro ($5/month) you get scan analytics for every short link, so you can see how many people reached each stop.
Make it Halloween
For more seasonal ideas, from spooky menus to costume voting, read our 6 Halloween QR code ideas for small businesses. From October 19 to November 1, the QR studio also has ready-made Spooky presets.
FAQ
How many QR codes do I need for a scavenger hunt?
Usually five to eight, one per stop. That gives a 30–45 minute game without players getting tired.
Can I change a clue after the QR codes are printed?
Yes, if each code points to an ERAGO short link. Edit the link's destination for free, and the printed code opens the new clue.
Do players need a special app?
No. Most phone cameras scan QR codes directly.