Cluesname

Cluesname is a label used in puzzle construction and related domains to identify a single clue within a larger collection. It serves as an opaque or human-readable identifier that allows authors, solvers, and software to reference the clue without duplicating its content. While not universally standardized, cluesnames commonly appear in puzzle files, hunt catalogs, and metadata schemas, where they help organize clues, track progress, and map clues to answers.

The form of a cluesname varies: it may be short alphanumeric tokens such as CLUE_A12, descriptive names like The Dragon's Key, or a combination. In practice, cluesnames are stable references; content can be updated without changing the identifier, preserving links in write-ups and solvers' notes. In some systems, cluesnames are exported as metadata fields in JSON, XML, or database records.

In puzzle hunts and ARGs, cluesnames support branching paths and scoring by keeping a consistent handle for each clue across revisions and languages. For example, a puzzle set might label a riddle as cluesname Riddle of Echoes and link it to the answer REVERB in the solution map. In educational contexts, cluesnames facilitate collaboration by letting students discuss a clue without exposing its solution prematurely.

Related terms include clue, puzzle hunt, metadata, identifier, and answer. Cluesname is primarily a tooling concept in puzzle design and information management, rather than a standalone game mechanic.