Crack the Code

In this game created by National Geographic Kids’ Explorer Academy, children can test their knowledge of ancient codes and ciphers through a series of puzzles. Based off the Explorer Academy book series, this cryptology game follows 12-year-old Cruz Coronado from the series as he breaks secret codes using two alphabetical disks. In the game, kids will team up with characters from the series to fight dangerous villains and solve mysteries. 

First, players are given a ‘training mission’ which teaches the kids how to work the decrypting tool – two alphabetical disks. Players are given missions with increasing difficulty levels to progress through the game from Novice to Master Code Breaker. After reaching the Advanced Code Breaker level, the words to decipher are connected to the book series ‘Explorer Academy’. The game contains hundreds of words and phrases to decrypt, offering players the opportunity to play the game over and over again.

This is a fun gamified learning activity for kids interested in history, cryptology, and adventure!