Design a scavenger hunt with QR codes without an app: Stepwise Guide

Sneh Ratna
Last Updated: August 30, 2019

A scavenger hunt is a game wherein you define a list of very specific objects that teams have to obtain usually without purchasing them. While there is a ton of information on how to create a QR code scavenger hunt, none of them abide by the rules of the original scavenger hunt. This quick yet comprehensive guide will teach you how to create a fun scavenger hunt using QR codes.

Version #1: QR code scavenger hunt without internet

Planning a scavenger hunt indoors with limited network? This version of the QR code scavenger hunt is for you!

Here’s how it works:

Make a list of objects that you want teams to find.
Find the best image to represent them online
Start creating Text QR codes on the QR code generator
Upload the image as a logo
Customize the QR code so that the colors of the logo are fairly similar to the color of the QR code
Generate and test your QR code
Download it

To show you how simple this is, let’s take an example.

Say, the object you want to be found is a red axe. Find the best image online and open the generator.

Choose Plain Text QR Code as the QR code type

Next, type in the next clue for example “Purple Flower”

Upload the image as logo by clicking on ‘Upload Logo’

Change the color to match the logo

Generate the QR Code

Download the QR code

How the QR Code Scavenger hunt will work:

The objective of this treasure hunt is to find all the QR codes. You can create several QR Codes like so and place them strategically in a demarcated area. Since the image of the object is hidden in the QR code, teams will have to hunt for the QR Code and the QR code will reveal the next object that needs to be found.

Each team will just need the latest smartphone. There is no app required at all. All iPhones (iOS 11 and higher) and Android smartphones (Android 8 and higher) are capable of scanning QR codes natively.

Related: How to scan QR Codes

Make the QR Code scavenger hunt more challenging:

Print up some empty QR codes to make the game harder. Creating the empty QR codes would require you to add a special character to the text field. Instead of a clue, just type a dot or a comma.

Version #2: QR code scavenger hunt with internet – Make scavenger hunts engaging!

Want to create an engaging QR code scavenger hunt? This is the perfect method for you. This works best for large gatherings, corporate events and even schools.

For this QR code scavenger hunt, you will need to create landing pages.

First Click on ‘Create QR Code’

Choose ‘Landing Page’

Choose or create a new landing page. This is simple to do and doesn’t require any coding. Once you’re done, click on ‘Next’

Customize the QR code – Change the color and add a logo

Download it

How this QR code scavenger hunt will work:

The objective of this QR code scavenger hunt is to find all the objects mentioned in the landing pages. This makes the game far more interesting and is suitable for larger audiences.

You can tell teams to start from one particular QR code. Each team will scan the QR Code to know which is the first object they must look for. You can also hide the location of the next QR code in the first landing page.

Turn up the QR code scavenger hunt a notch

Just like in Version #1, you can print out some dummy QR codes. But with this version, you can create a time-based QR code scavenger hunt.

By using the schedule function in the dynamic QR code, you can get teams to hunt for a particular clue in a set time. If they fail to do so, you can change the landing page attached to the QR code to “This clue has been destroyed” and award the team that finds the most number of objects in the shortest amount of time.

QR Code Scavenger Hunt: Where should you create one?

Shopping malls: Malls are the perfect place to execute a QR code scavenger hunt. They draw in huge crowds over the weekends and QR codes can easily be hidden inside the vast malls.
Schools: Teachers can use a QR code scavenger hunt to teach a difficult or otherwise boring topic to their class and keep them engaged.
Events: A scavenger hunt is a perfect addition to a large event. With the right incentives, it can be a great way to keep attendees engaged and have them come back next year.
Corporate Outings: A perfect ice-breaker for large teams, a QR code scavenger hunt is cost-effective and can be designed to keep employees entertained and foster team spirit.

Want to design a QR code scavenger hunt without an app? Schedule a call with our team to get started right away!