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Multiple choice challenges

Use a multiple choice challenge when players should select one answer from a fixed set of options.

Multiple choice works well for knowledge checks, guided training, warm-up questions, policy checks, and lessons where the goal is recognition rather than discovering a hidden flag.

How players solve​

  1. The player opens the challenge.
  2. They read the prompt and options.
  3. They select one option.
  4. They submit the answer.

The correct option scores the challenge. Wrong options can apply a penalty if the challenge is configured that way.

Writing good options​

  • Make every option plausible enough that the question is meaningful.
  • Avoid trick wording unless the lesson depends on it.
  • Keep options similar in length where possible.
  • Do not make the correct option obvious through formatting.
  • Explain the concept in the challenge text if the goal is teaching.

Penalties​

Multiple choice challenges can use penalties to discourage guessing. Before enabling penalties, decide whether the challenge is intended as assessment or guided practice.

For beginner labs or onboarding events, no penalty may be better. For competitive events, penalties can make guessing more costly.

Common mistakes​

  • Creating options that are too vague to distinguish.
  • Using multiple answers that could reasonably be correct.
  • Forgetting that players may discuss options in teams.
  • Applying harsh penalties to a learning-first challenge.

See also: Challenge types, Making/editing a challenge, and Submitting flags and using hints.