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Timebombs

Timebomb challenges are available only during a configured time window. They appear at a start time and close or disappear after the end time. Configure the window when creating or editing the challenge in the world control panel.

How they work​

  • Scheduled release - The challenge is not visible to players until its start time.
  • Limited availability - Once it appears, teams must complete it before the timer runs out. After that, it disappears or closes.
  • Player countdown - Player views can show a countdown for an active timebomb challenge.
  • Dashboard visibility - The world dashboard can count timebombs waiting to appear.
  • Progression interaction - A timebomb can still be affected by prerequisites or choice groups. A team may need to unlock it before the time window is useful.

Use timebombs to add urgency or time-limited objectives, such as "available for 2 hours only". In the challenge editor, enable Timebomb, set Appears at, and set Duration. The default duration in the form is one hour unless you change it.

When to use timebombs​

  • Short bonus rounds.
  • Limited-release challenges during a live workshop.
  • A surprise challenge that should appear at a planned moment.
  • A high-pressure branch where teams must decide whether to attempt it before it closes.

Avoid using timebombs for essential onboarding or first challenges unless every team will be able to see and solve them in time.

Avoid accidental lockouts​

  • Make sure the timebomb window falls inside the event period.
  • Check prerequisites: a team should be able to unlock the timebomb before the time window ends.
  • Announce important timebomb windows if they are part of the event design.
  • Avoid making core progression depend on a timebomb unless you intentionally want that pressure.
  • Check the player map before launch so the timebomb is not hidden behind a country, category, or progression state you did not expect.