How to Play Interactive Fiction

Interactive fiction is a form of computer game in which you type commands in plain English, and the computer responds with descriptions of what happens.

Basic commands

LOOK (or L)

Describes your surroundings.

INVENTORY (or I)

Lists what you're carrying.

EXAMINE (thing) (or X (thing))

Looks more closely at something.

GO (direction) (or just the direction)

Moves you. Directions: NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST, UP, DOWN, IN, OUT (or N, S, E, W, U, D).

TAKE (thing) / DROP (thing)

Picks up or puts down an object.

AGAIN (or G)

Repeats the last command.

UNDO

Takes back the last move.

SAVE / RESTORE

Saves or restores your progress.

QUIT (or Q)

Ends the game.

Tips

• Read room and object descriptions carefully — details matter.
• Try examining everything mentioned in a description.
• If you're stuck, try THINK ABOUT (puzzle) or just explore further.
• Save often.