The following list of the Top Ten UNSOLVED armchair treasure hunts of 2023 includes a few that have been recently published in the early months of 2023. Others were published over the last couple of years, but remain yet to be solved.
For those unfamiliar with what an armchair treasure hunt is, they are produced puzzle hunts, with clues, leading to a hidden treasure. An armchair treasure hunt does NOT mean the hunt is all claimed from home, but that there are clues that can be solved from home before traveling to a location to find a treasure. Many new to the hobby of armchair treasure hunting often confuse the term to suggest the treasures of these hunts are claimed from home, and doesn’t include physically hidden treasure. That is NOT the case. The treasures of armchair treasure hunts can be claimed by either physically finding a hidden treasure or claiming treasure by alternate method, such as an email or other method as described in the hunt’s rules.
There are also multiple formats the clues for armchair hunts are released. The first armchair treasure hunt, Masquerade in 1979, was in form of a book. Today, however, hunts can be PDF’s, Videos, or released fully from a website.
Let’s get to the list and a brief summary for each. Just to note, lots of additional information and discussion of clues can be discovered on the MW Forum, or each of the hunt’s official websites or links.
1) The Hope Chest Treasure Hunt (USA)
The Hope Chest Treasure Hunt by Cris and Julie Dotson was released in January of 2023. Clues are within a book (available for purchase on the website ($90). The treasure is $50,000 Cash! BOTG is required to discover a series of 4 tags leading up to a final treasure capsule – all are hidden somewhere within the 5 following states: Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and/or Ohio. There is No end date.
2) Tribute: Hunt for the 13th Casque (USA)
Tribute: Hunt for the 13th Casque was released in 2019 by John Michaels and Kit Palencar. Clues are within a verse and image (available free on MW). BOTG is required. The treasure is an original casque of The Secret and gemstones. Approx. value $2000. There is no end date.
3) Wonderland Treasure Hunts (USA)
Best Riddles was the latest Wonderland Treasure Hunt published. It was released in January 2023 by David Jacobsen. Clues to a solving a Riddle are within a book (available on Amazon). It is Fully armchair – solve from home. The Treasure is a chest filled with coins, jewels, and other valuable items. There is No end date. Lots of discussion is found on the MW Forum.
The Hatter’s Hat treasure hunt by David Jacobsen was released in November 2020. Clues are within a book (available on Amazon). BOTG is required. The treasure is valued at over $10,000. There is no end date. Lots of discussion is found on the MW Forum.
4)Cupid’s Arrow (USA)
Cupid’s Arrow was released in January 2023 by Samanatha Dammer. Clues are within a PDF available to download for free here. BOTG is required. Treasure is $3500 cash. No end date. Lots of discussion, and clues, are found on the MW Forum.
5) Secret 40th Anniversary Hunt (USA)
The Secret 40th Anniversary Hunt was released in September 2022 by George Ward and Authur Scheijde. Clues are within Verse and Image – available on The Facebook Group page for the hunt. BOTG is required. Treasure are gemstones approx value $1700.
6) The Trials (USA)
The Trials I by Natalie Nelson was released in May 2023. Clues are within a PDF available for purchase here. ($10+). BOTG is required. Treasure is a Gem. No end date.
7)The Hare on the Moon (UK – can claim from USA)
The Hare on the Moon was released in 2019 by Joanna May (Book available on her website $65). Clues are within the book via text and images. It is fully armchair – Submission form for the correct location/answer on website. Treasure is a beautiful and valuable painting of the sacred three golden hares (value $5,000-10,000). No end date.
8) Quest for the Golden Monkey (USA)
Quest for the Golden Monkey was released April 2023 by TC Treasure. Clues on website/email (Link to site). BOTG required. Treasure is $200 each Golden Monkey (total of 3). Register before 12/23 to claim treasure.
9) Xavier Marx and The Missing Masterpieces (USA)
Xavier Marx and The Missing Masterpieces was released in October by Sean Cronin. Clues are within a book: Available on AMAZON ($19). A proxy item is hidden somewhere in the contiguous United States. BOTG is required. Treasure is $10,000 cash. There is no end date. Lots of discussion on the MW Forum.
10)The Incredible Hunt (USA)
The Incredible Hunt was released in June 2022 by Nick Owens. Clues within a box – with six cards (order on The Incredible Hunt website – $45). BOTG required. Six different treasure chests hidden (two have been found/4 remain). EACH Treasure found is $10,000 cash. There is No end date stated.
Honorable Mentions!
The Golden Apple Tale 40th Anniversary:
The Secret (9 remaining casques), The Beacon Star (Denver, USA), and The Oracle (UK)
Also a BONUS:
The 2023 Masquerade Tribute
The 2023 Masquerade Tribute launched in March 2023. Register/Donate for chance to win prizes ($19.79 minimum). All proceeds go to St. Jude’s Childrens Research Hospital (donate directly to St. Jude’s via THIS LINK: -Include in notes your MW Username). Multiple different Treasure Hunts and mini puzzles are being released throughout 2023. Hunt materials and puzzles released on private section of MW Forum – searchers need to be registered on MW Forum with Username. Treasures vary for each hunt and puzzle (see MW Forum for details). End date 12/31/23.