Colossal Cave

Embark on a timeless journey through a sprawling cave system packed with treasures, creatures, mazes, and wits-defying puzzles. The great grandpappy of adventure games will test you and tickle your problem-solving skills as you unearth its plot and secrets. Through cunning trial-and-error you will crawl through tight squeezes, encounter impressive caverns, collect inventory, locate treasure, thwart dwarf attacks, all while keeping your eye on the score before your lamp goes out.

Dust off your vintage Colossal Cave maps from the 70s or 80s, they'll still work like a charm. This is a faithful, unchanged tribute to the original game design. Need a little nudge? Stuck on the dragon? Call our classic hint line at 1-206-207-9017 for a helping hand. Can't seem to make progress? Search online for hints and tips that have been shared for decades. Any tips or tricks regarding the original game play will still work here. Or, join our Discord for even more support!

Discover the legend

Developed in the mid-1970’s by amateur cave spelunker, this classic text-adventure was originally crafted as a way for a father to entertain his two young daughters. Will Crowther based his design on detailed cave maps he’d made with his wife, Patricia, of the Bedquilt section of Kentucky’s Mammoth cave. Family cave exploration is at the heart of this game.

Shortly thereafter, the code-prankster, Don Woods, discovered the game on the ARPANET and expanded the cave. He layered in more fun, fantasy, puzzles, and a vexing 350-point system.

Years later, Don’s expansion became the most accessible and the definitive version of Colossal Cave Adventure.

Graphic designer pioneer

Enter Roberta Williams. She first played the game in 1979 and was instantly hooked. She spent weeks playing the game, taking notes and mapping out the cave, as it was revealed through the textual descriptions in game. Her mind was filled with imaginary neon mushrooms, misty underground lakes, a snappy bivalve mollusk, and a noticeably absent giant. After finishing the game, and all 350 points achieved, she was ready for another adventure – a dilemma in 1979. If it was another adventure she wanted, she’d have to make her own!

And, indeed she did. In 1980 she designed and developed the world’s first graphic computer game, Mystery House.

Timeless quest ahead

This groundbreaking game is considered one of the most influential in history, establishing conventions that have become standard in the adventure game genre. It has been ported to just about every computer and console, played by millions, and inspired many other games, books, movies, and TV series.

Relive the golden age of adventure gaming. Immerse yourself in a timeless exploration through a sprawling cave system filled with treasures, creatures, and brain-teasing puzzles. Transport back to a more innocent time and experience the retro-cool of point-and-click mechanics, accompanied by an art style that harkens back to the golden age of adventure games. This lovingly and respectfully assembled tribute is brought to you by boutique studio, Cygnus Entertainment. Ken and Roberta Williams are committed to sharing and preserving the spirit of classic adventure games.

Get lamp

With its challenging and mind-bending puzzles, this explorative game will keep you enthralled. Explore 14 distinct regions filled with magic, hidden secrets, breathtaking views, and cave-dwelling creatures of all types. Each area offers a unique and enchanting experience. And with over 20 individual achievements to find and accomplish, you'll be hooked for hours.

Key features

• Simple, intuitive, point-&-click controls
• Captivating, colorful, and immersive regions
• Challenging, logic-driven puzzles
• A perfect blend of challenge and reward
• Scenic subterranean vistas with hidden secrets
• Over 20 individual achievements to accomplish
• A game that is incredibly fun and engaging
• A game experience unlike any other

And, as much as this game is steeped in gaming history and lore, there’s also a reason it’s stood the test of time and become so richly intertwined with gaming culture. It’s fun! It is also thought provoking and challenging. It is both simple and complex. It's creative - and, as Roberta says, it’s a fantastic design.

Venture down into Colossal Cave and explore its depths. Don’t forget your lamp!