Microsoft Treasure Hunt is a reimagined version of the classic Minesweeper game, bringing an adventurous treasure-hunting twist to the familiar puzzle mechanics. In this comprehensive how-to guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the game, from understanding the basics to expert-level strategies for maximizing your score and avoiding traps.
Introduction
Microsoft Treasure Hunt adds a fresh layer of excitement to the traditional Minesweeper by adding sprawling underground maps, hidden treasures, traps, and power-ups. Players explore subterranean caves, uncover treasures, and avoid dangerous traps while solving tile puzzles. If you’re a fan of strategy and puzzle games, Microsoft Treasure Hunt is a perfect mix of challenge and adventure. This guide will cover everything you need to know to become a pro at the game, including essential gameplay tips, strategies for avoiding traps, and ways to maximize your treasures.
Installing Microsoft Treasure Hunt
Before diving into the gameplay, let’s start with the basics of how to get Microsoft Treasure Hunt set up on your device.
Downloading from the Microsoft Store
The game is available on the Microsoft Store for free. Simply search for “Microsoft Treasure Hunt” in the store, and click Install to download it to your Windows device. The game is compatible with Windows 8 and later versions, making it accessible to a wide range of players.
Setting Up Your Game Profile
Once installed, launch the game and log in with your Microsoft account. This will allow you to save progress, track your high scores, and unlock achievements. Syncing your account also enables you to continue your game across multiple devices.
Understanding the Game Layout
Microsoft Treasure Hunt uses a grid-based map, much like Minesweeper, but adds several new features like treasure chests, traps, and power-ups. Understanding the layout is key to navigating the game effectively.
Grid Tiles and Numbers
Each tile you uncover will either reveal a number or be empty. The numbers indicate how many traps are hidden in the surrounding tiles. Just like Minesweeper, you’ll need to use these numbers to figure out which tiles are safe to click.
Types of Tiles
- Empty Tiles: Safe areas that can be uncovered without any risk.
- Numbered Tiles: Show how many traps are adjacent to that tile.
- Traps: Hidden dangers that you must avoid to keep your health intact.
Objective of the Game
Your goal is to uncover the hidden treasures within the grid while avoiding traps. Each successful tile uncovering will bring you closer to collecting more treasures and advancing deeper into the underground labyrinth.
Collecting Treasure and Items
Finding treasure is the primary objective in Microsoft Treasure Hunt, and there are various types of items to discover along the way. These treasures help you score points and purchase useful power-ups to aid in your journey.
Types of Treasure
- Gold Coins: The most common treasure that increases your score.
- Gems: Rarer than gold coins, gems provide a bigger score boost.
- Treasure Chests: Contain various loot like gold, gems, and sometimes special tools.
Strategy for Maximizing Treasure Collection
Prioritize collecting treasure chests over smaller items like coins. Chests contain more valuable loot and can even include special tools like the Pickaxe or Dynamite, which will be helpful in navigating difficult areas.
Navigating Traps and Hazards
As you progress, traps become more frequent and difficult to avoid. Successfully navigating these hazards is key to staying alive and progressing further into the game.
Identifying Trap Patterns
Use the numbers on the tiles to identify where traps are likely to be located. For example, if you uncover a tile that shows the number “1,” one of the surrounding eight tiles will contain a trap. By using logic and process of elimination, you can determine which tiles are safe to uncover.
Common Trap Scenarios
In higher levels, traps may be densely packed together, making it harder to navigate without hitting one. Use power-ups like the Pickaxe or Dynamite to clear tough areas where you suspect multiple traps are hidden.
Managing Your Health
If you accidentally uncover a trap, you’ll lose a heart. Once you lose all your hearts, it’s game over. However, hearts can be restored by finding health pickups scattered throughout the map or by purchasing them from in-game shops.
Using Power-Ups Effectively
Power-ups are essential for overcoming the game’s increasing difficulty. From clearing tiles to revealing parts of the map, knowing when to use these tools can make or break your progress.
Types of Power-Ups
- Pickaxe: Clears one tile safely, allowing you to avoid a potential trap.
- Dynamite: Clears a group of tiles in one area, which is useful when facing multiple traps.
- Map: Reveals a section of the underground, helping you plan your next moves.
Best Power-Up Strategies
Save your power-ups for the most dangerous situations, especially in later levels where traps become more frequent. Use Dynamite when surrounded by traps, and rely on the Pickaxe to safely uncover critical tiles without risk.
Expanding the Underground Map
Unlike Minesweeper’s static grid, Microsoft Treasure Hunt features an expanding underground map. As you explore, the map scrolls and reveals new sections filled with additional treasures and challenges.
Unlocking New Areas
You’ll unlock new areas of the map as you progress. These areas often contain rare treasures and more complex trap configurations, making them more challenging but rewarding.
Hidden Rooms and Secret Passages
Some sections of the map contain hidden rooms or secret passages. These can be uncovered using certain power-ups or by clearing specific tiles. Be on the lookout for clues that might indicate the presence of hidden areas.
Progression Through Levels
As you explore deeper into the underground, the game becomes progressively harder. You’ll encounter tougher puzzles, more traps, and higher rewards.
Increasing Difficulty
The game introduces new elements in higher levels, such as more traps, less space between safe tiles, and more complex treasure arrangements. Adapt your strategies as the difficulty increases, and don’t be afraid to take a step back to regroup and rethink your approach.
Checkpoints and Saving Your Progress
The game includes checkpoints where your progress is saved. If you lose all your hearts, you’ll restart from the last checkpoint rather than from the beginning of the level. Use this to your advantage and make sure to stock up on health and power-ups before progressing.
Advanced Tips for Treasure Hunters
For players looking to push their skills to the limit, these advanced tips will help you uncover every treasure and avoid even the trickiest traps.
Pattern Recognition
Experienced players can start recognizing patterns in the tile numbers that indicate where traps are likely located. By identifying these patterns, you’ll be able to uncover more tiles safely and with greater speed.
Farming Treasures
In some levels, treasure may respawn after a period of time. Use this opportunity to farm for extra gold and gems, which can be used to purchase valuable power-ups for future levels.
Managing Inventory and Purchases
In Microsoft Treasure Hunt, the treasures you collect aren’t just for scoring points — they also allow you to purchase useful items from shops found throughout the game.
Buying Power-Ups from Shops
Shops are located throughout the map, and you can purchase items like extra hearts, dynamite, or even the map tool. Plan your purchases based on the challenges ahead, and always ensure you have a healthy stock of power-ups.
Inventory Management
Avoid wasting power-ups in easy areas. Always carry a variety of tools to handle different challenges — for example, a mix of Pickaxes and Dynamite is useful for both small and large-scale problems.
Conclusion
Microsoft Treasure Hunt is an engaging and challenging game that rewards strategic thinking, careful planning, and smart use of power-ups. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to uncover hidden treasures, avoid deadly traps, and navigate the expanding underground world. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore treasure hunter, this guide will help you improve your skills and enjoy the game to its fullest.
