United Kingdom>Edinburgh>Close Encounters
City exploration game

Close Encounters

4.5Player rating
Close Encounters image 1
Play at your pace 1.6 km Edinburgh App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Decrypt the Enlightenment’s secrets. Escape the enemy. Expose the truth

The player discovers a forgotten 18th century paper by the economist Adam Smith. But the paper is encrypted, and someone else wants to get their hands on it.

Players need to solve a trail of clues to decrypt the paper, stay ahead of a shady organisation that’s in hot pursuit through Edinburgh's historic Closes, and reveal the secrets of the Enlightenment.

Is this for you?

Who it's for

History fans and puzzle lovers will enjoy chasing a lost Adam Smith paper through Edinburgh's Old Town closes, decrypting it on a 1.6 km walk from the National Library of Scotland to Reid's Close. Allow about 70 minutes. It suits couples, friends and older children who like codes. If you want a live guide to question, or an indoor plan for a wet day, pick another walk.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

    The game is set in Edinburgh’s Old Town and will take you to some of the city’s historic Closes.

    You will assume the role of a Collections Specialist at the National Library of Scotland who has found an encrypted paper by Adam Smith. You will solve clues to decrypt it and stay ahead of a shady organisation that wants to get their hands on it.

From people who played this quest

Good times. In their words.

4.50 / 5

2 player ratings

Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

Edinburgh

A · Start

George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW, UK

B · Finish

Reid's Cl, Edinburgh, UK

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

The people behind the adventure

Created by kl-fox.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by kl-fox

Good to know before you play

  • Best during the day
  • Hidden History
  • No attractions ticket(s) required
  • This quest features interactive puzzles you’ll solve in the real world.
  • Step Into the Story

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where does the quest start and finish?
It starts at the National Library of Scotland and finishes at Reid's Close, so it is not a loop. In between you pass the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic, the Tron Kirk, Tweeddale Court and Adam Smith's Grave, among other stops in the Old Town.
How long does it take and how far is the walk?
Most players take about 70 minutes, including walking and solving the puzzles. The route covers 1.6 km through the Old Town closes. You can pause at any point and continue later, so there is no need to finish in one go.
Is it free, and do we need to book a time?
It is free to play, and no attraction tickets are needed for any of the stops. There is no group to join and no guide, so you can start whenever suits you and play together on your phones.
Is it suitable for children?
It suits older children who enjoy history and codes. The story has you decrypting an 18th century paper by Adam Smith while staying ahead of a shady organisation, with interactive puzzles solved in the real world. Younger children may need plenty of help from adults.
Is it outdoors, and what if it rains?
The route is an outdoor walk through Edinburgh's historic closes, courts and squares, and it is best played during the day. In wet weather you can pause the game, shelter, and pick up where you left off later.

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