Virtual Treasure Hunt — FAQs

What is this?

This is a virtual treasure map with 10 stars. Each star hides a riddle. Solve a riddle, submit your answer, and race to be first. First timestamped correct submission (per JTQ’s hosting computer time) wins that star’s prize.

How do I play?

1. Open the map and click any star.

2. Read the riddle and submit your answer in the field provided.

3. If correct, you’ll be sent to the “Stake Your Claim” page to log your win.

4. If incorrect, a “Try Again” screen appears with a button back to the map.

What happens if I’m wrong?

You’ll see a prompt to try again and a button to return to the map. You can guess again—there’s no penalty other than time lost.

How do I win a star’s prize?

Be the first person to submit the correct answer for that star. We use JTQ hosting computer time (server time) to determine the first correct submission.

What time zone is used for timestamps?

All timestamps are recorded by the JTQ hosting server (Eastern Time / America–Detroit). Server time is the official time of record.

What if two people submit at the same time?

The server logs to the millisecond. The earlier server timestamp wins. If logs show an exact tie (rare), JTQ staff will review and decide the fairest resolution.

What is the “Stake Your Claim” page?

It’s the form you land on after a correct solve. You’ll enter basic info (name, email, and any details needed for prize fulfillment). You must complete this form immediately to lock in your claim.

Can I solve riddles out of order?

Yes. Click any star, in any order.

Can I keep trying if someone else already won a star?

Yes! You can still solve the riddle and earn the merit-badge patch for that star—even if the main prize is already claimed.

Do I get anything if I don’t win the prize?

Yes. Every participant who solves a star’s riddle receives a merit badge iron-on patch commemorating the solve. (Details on fulfillment below.)

How do merit-badge patches work?

• Per-star patch: Earned by submitting a correct answer for that star.

• Grand-prize patch: Earned by successfully completing all 10 stars and the final cipher.

• Patches are physical iron-ons; shipping details are in the Prizes & Shipping section.

What’s the grand prize and how do I unlock it?

You’ll need all 10 correct answers to decode the final cipher riddle. Use your solved answers as keys. The first timestamped successful completion of all 10 stars and the cipher wins the grand prize.

Do I need to save my answers?

Yes. Keep a personal record of every correct solve; you’ll need them to decode the final cipher. (We recommend writing them down in the exact, plain-text form you submitted.)

Are answers case-sensitive or punctuation-sensitive?

No. We compare answers in a normalized way (case/spacing tolerant). Spelling still matters—close guesses aren’t auto-accepted.

Can teams play?

Teams may collaborate, but only one prize is awarded per star to the first valid submission. If you’re playing as a team, decide who submits—multiple duplicate entries may slow you down.

Is there a limit to how many prizes one person can win?

One person may win multiple stars if they are the first solver for each. JTQ may impose limits at its discretion to keep competition fun and fair.

Are there hints?

If hints are released, they’ll be posted on the map page, click Updates.

What devices and browsers are supported?

Use a modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox) on desktop or mobile. Ensure cookies and JavaScript are enabled. If something seems off, try a hard refresh or a different browser.

I submitted a correct answer but didn’t get redirected. What now?

• Make sure you have a stable connection and try again.

• Clear your cache/refresh.

• If it persists, screenshot your entry and contact us immediately (see Support). We’ll verify against server logs.

How will winners be notified?

The person who completes “Stake Your Claim” first (for that star) is the provisional winner. We will email confirmation after verifying logs and eligibility.

What if the site goes down?

If there’s an outage, we will pause the hunt and post an update. Server logs determine the status of any submissions made before the outage.

Prizes & Shipping​

• Patches: Earn a patch for each star you solve and one for the final cipher.

• Shipping: Patches/prizes ship to addresses input on the stake your claim page. Please allow 1-2weeks for delivery. We will ship patches weekly typically on thursdays or fridays. You’re responsible for providing a valid address; undeliverable items may not be resent.

• Costs: Free shipping for patches and prizes. 

Eligibility & Fair Play

• One person = one identity. Don’t use bots, exploits, or automation.

• Don’t attack the site, scrape answer keys, or share spoilers that undermine fair play.

• JTQ may disqualify entries that violate rules or spirit of the hunt.

Privacy

We collect the minimum necessary info to verify winners and ship rewards (e.g., name, email, address). See our Privacy Policy for details. We don’t sell your data.

Fees

The hunt is $59 to play. If paid, your purchase supports prize pools, production, shipping, and future hunts. Any fees will be clearly listed at checkout. We also offer a No Purchase Necessary AMOE entry for every event. See site for details.

Accessibility

We aim to make riddles and pages accessible. If you need an accommodation, reach out before playing and we’ll do our best to help.

Can I stream or post my solves?

Sharing general progress or vibes is fine—just keep it fair for others.

Who’s in charge of disputes?

JTQ’s server logs and staff determinations are final in the case of timing, ties, suspected abuse, or technical anomalies.

Support

Questions or technical issues? Email: johnnystreasurequestinfo@gmail.com or use the Contact link on the site. Include your device, browser, and screenshots if possible.