Puzzles

Description
Puzzles are the most common form of game mechanic in ARG's, and are in fact one of the qualifying measures of an ARG. Solving puzzles is what makes it an alternate reality game. In most cases, an ARG without puzzles is referred to less specifically as an 'unfiction project'.

ARG puzzles can come in many forms, including codes, ciphers, steganography puzzles, real-life hunting, logic puzzles, and more. These are meant to hide pieces of the story, lead players on a hunt, and let them interact with the world of the ARG.

Codes and Ciphers
Refers to methods of encrypting text that must be deciphered to understand the real meaning of the text, often story information or a clue for the next puzzle.

Steganography
Defined as "the practice of concealing a message within another message"

Logic Puzzles
Refers to types of puzzles that are not a form of encryption, but instead a form of logic, such as riddles, scavenger hunts, clue deduction, etc.

IRL Puzzles
A form of storytelling and puzzle design that involves the real world, and players having to interact with the game outside of the internet. This can be in many ways, including roleplaying, geocache hunting, meetups, etc.