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Organiser guide

How to organise an orienteering game

An orienteering game can be prepared in one evening. Here is the whole process from idea to results table, with practical tips on number of points, timing and teams.

Start creating for free →Try the demo game
An organiser putting up a QR checkpoint
Price
Start for free
Players
On a phone, no app
Checkpoints
QR codes or GPS
Results
Live, also on a screen

What to decide before you start

First decide three things: where the game takes place (indoors, a yard, a park or a city), how long it lasts and who plays. For a one-hour game, 8 to 12 checkpoints is usually enough; for children, fewer and closer together.

Decide whether people play solo or in teams. One phone per team is enough, and teamwork is usually the most fun part. With many teams, allow points in any order so everyone does not crowd at one point.

In Atklāj everything happens in the browser: you prepare the game on a computer, print the QR codes, and participants play on their own phones without an app. Results and points are counted automatically.

Place and route

Mark checkpoints on a map and switch on the GPS check if needed.

Varied tasks

Multiple choice, text, number, photo or a simple check-in.

Instant results

Points, time and ranking in a table you can also show on a screen.

From idea to a ready game in four steps

1Build the gameA guide walks you through name, time and map points.
2Print the QR codesEvery checkpoint in one PDF.
3Play on a phoneNo app. Atklāj counts the points.
4See the resultsLive, on a big screen too.

Step by step

  • 1. Create a free organiser profile at atklaj.lv and start a new event.
  • 2. Enter the event name and description and set the time: one period or separate days.
  • 3. Choose solo or team play, and whether points go in a fixed or free order.
  • 4. Add checkpoints with questions, tasks, photo answers and hints.
  • 5. Mark the points on the map. If codes cannot be put up, choose “GPS only” mode.
  • 6. Download all QR codes in one PDF, print them and put them up.
  • 7. Test the game yourself with a phone before opening it to participants.
  • 8. During the game follow results and participant photos in the organiser panel or on a big screen.
  • 9. After the game email participants their results and download the answers or photos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to prepare an orienteering game?

A simple game with 8 to 10 points can be prepared in one evening. Coming up with the questions takes the most time, so the task ideas page helps.

How much does it cost to create an orienteering game?

The first game can be prepared for free on the Start plan. Bigger events have paid plans per event or per year; prices are at atklaj.lv/pages/abonementi.php.

How do I prevent cheating?

A checkpoint opens only after scanning its QR code, and you can switch on the GPS check so answers are only possible on the spot. Photo tasks are good proof that a team really was there.

What if it rains?

Put the QR codes in clear sleeves or laminate them, and plan a few points under cover. You can change the game time at the last minute, and the participant link stays the same.

More ideas

Create your own QR orienteering game →Orienteering games for schools →An orienteering game for your company event →Orienteering games for cities and tourism →A treasure hunt game for birthdays →A Christmas where everyone plays →An advent calendar game →A game for your Christmas party →Secret Santa without names in a hat →Orienteering games for camps and youth groups →An interactive trail for museums and nature parks →Task ideas for an orienteering game →AI checks the answers for you →

Your idea can become a QR adventure

Create an organiser profile and prepare your first game for free. For a bigger event, choose a plan right when you sign up. See prices

Start creating →