How to Make a Warp Zone Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 21st type of maze construction is the Warp Zone maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Warp Zone Maze - A maze that contains warp zones that allow the solver to move across the maze with no regard to walls. Another construction difference from other mazes is that sections of the maze may be completely closed from entry without using the warp zones.

How to Make a Warp Zone Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

NOTE : Steps 2, 3, and 4 May be completed in any order

Step 2 - Draw the Warp Zones and Instructions

Create warp zones within the maze that will allow the maze solver to jump to different parts of the maze. Also add instructions to explain the warp rules. The more warp zones you create, the more complex the maze can become. For this example I used colored boxes, but any shape could work. If you are limited to black and white a variety of shapes and symbols could also be used to signify warp zones (Triangle, square, circle, diamond, etc.), or you could simply use letters of the alphabet.

Although you cannot see the guide grid I was using in the example, each warp zone was placed within a grid space so it will align with the maze pathways I make in future steps.

Step 3 - Draw the First Maze Section

Draw walls to create the first section of the maze. Unlike other mazes, because of the warp zones, these sections can be completely closed ! In fact, I suggest they are closed to take full advantage of the warp aspect of the maze. For my example below I used a standard path maze and completely closed the first section. The only exits from this section will come from one of the two warps. I also want to point out that each warp in this section was NOT placed at a dead end but rather in the middle of a continuing pathway. Although this section does not use it, in the future you may want to include multiple warps on a pathway to add more choice for the solver (just because you go over a warp does not mean you have to take it).

Step 4 - Add Additional Sections

I create a Warp Zone maze one section at a time. The first section below connects the initial red warp zone block to the other red block. This connects to the brown warp zone in addition to many dead ends. As you make a Warp Zone maze have an idea of what order you want the solver to take.

The third section connecting brown warp zones was drawn next (leading to a dead end). So Red to Brown to Dead End is not going to work.

The fourth and fifth sections connect the blue to green, and then the green to the purple.

Step 5 - Complete the Maze

Draw all sections of the maze to complete the maze.

Step 6 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red). For a Warp Zone maze you should also note the correct order of the warps !! The solution pathway will look very different than most mazes you create. If you think there could be any confusion with the answer, write out the color sequence of number the pathways to add clarity. In my example I believe the solution is clear, but I added a note at the bottom just in case !

Additional Warp Zone Examples

Here is a another example of a warp zone maze in a standard path format. This example uses dots for warps.

My second warp zone example includes a variety of sections where warp zones are vital to moving between them. In some ways this makes the solving easier since you could figure out sequences of warps before solving. Look back at first example above and notice without sections the solver has no idea which warp to travel to first since each is possible. The best way to counteract this is to add more warps as I did below.

And despite my first few examples using standard maze construction, that is not required. This third example is a mix of an Escape Maze, and a Warp Zone Maze with was made using an axonometric grid. The result is a Hexagon Maze that uses diamond shapes as warps and gives the maze a new look from our other examples.

For my fourth Warp Zone maze example I have this Cube Maze (made with an axonometric grid).

Free Downloadable Warp Zone Booklet

I did an entire month of daily mazes using warp zones and collected them into this booklet, free for you to download.

A WARP MAZE BOOKLET

29 pages, 29 warp mazes

File Size: 346 KB

Features each daily maze from February 2020. Warp mazes allow the solver to jump between points in the maze. Each maze gets progressively harder. Separate 4 page answer sheet available if you get stuck.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make an Object as Goal Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 20th type of maze construction is the Object as Goal maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Object as Goal Maze - A maze of any construction that has a goal of an object. The object can be within the maze or at the end of the maze.

How to Make an Object as Goal Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose a simple square.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal (The object)

For the below example I chose a corner start and a goal of Ohio, the Object as Goal. In this case I made the goal in the center, but it could have also been after a typical maze exit with the object placed there.

Step 2 - Draw the Maze Paths

Draw the walls starting from the entrance and working towards the goal. Remember to keep at least one pathway open as a possible solution. The maze design can be of any type, in this example I used a standard path maze, as long as the goal is an object.

Step 3 - Complete the Maze

Connect the solution pathway to the goal object to complete the construction of the maze.

Step 4 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red).

In many ways the Object as Goal maze is a sibling of the Escape Maze when the object is placed inside the outer walls. Instead of working from an internal start to the outside goal in and Escape maze you reverse it and move from an External start to an internal Goal.

Additional Object as Goal Maze Examples

Another example of the Object in Goal maze can be seen below where the solver must reach the grasshopper in center of the maze. This is also an example of a Draw and Cut construction where the pathways are created by cutting thru the walls of a series of boxes within boxes.

And here is an example of a more traditional Object as Goal maze. This is also a good example of a Kids maze with a simple solution and subject matter appropriate for children. Here the Object Goal is a flower. But this example also has an object as Start !!

And my third example is another easy maze made for children. This Walrus maze has an object as both the Start and Goal, each also enclosed inside the outline of the maze,

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Dual Entrance/Exit Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 19th type of maze construction is the Dual Entrance/Exit maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Dual Entrance/Exit Maze - A maze that can be solved moving in either direction. The start and the goal are interchangeable. The construction of the maze happens in two directions to prevent “backwards solving” or starting from the goal to help solve a maze.

How to Make a Dual Entrance/Exit Maze

• Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

• Step 1.5 - Choose both of the Start/Goals

For the below example I chose the dual start/goals of Cleveland and Cincinnati. I add the double arrows in each location to designate that this is a dual entrance/exit maze. There is also an option to add directions if you think they are necessary ( I do not believe they are), but once the maze is completed anyone who has seen a maze before will know what to do. And, there is no way for them to make a mistake solving the maze since they can start where they want !

• Step 2 - Draw the Maze Paths

A Dual Entrance Maze is constructed in 2 directions at the same time, unlike traditional single start mazes. This helps the maze maker create a more complex maze since the solver will have choices to make regardless of the direction chosen. A Dual Entrance maze also can be made with any construction type. For the example below I used a standard path maze. I also prefer designing pathways coming from each possible entrance.

Continue drawing maze walls, remembering to leave open possible pathways for a solution.

And more walls.

• Step 3 - Complete the Maze

Connect pathways from each side of the design to create a solvable pathway and complete the construction of the maze.

• Step 4 - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red). This is a good time to try solving the maze in each direction just to see if you notice anything off in your design. The first few times you make a dual entrance maze you may notice that one way is more difficult to solve than the other. That is normal and you will improve your designs with practice.

Additional examples of Dual Entrance/Exit Mazes

Below is another example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze. This particular Heart maze is also a good example of a horizontal maze. I think vertical mazes are a great construction method to use for this type of maze. Why ? They just work. Try solving this one. If you hit a dead end solving from one entrance try the other one. What do you think ?

A second example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze is this much more difficult Croissant Maze. The shape of the pastry made the dual entrance construction fit well. I also used a standard equal construction for the pathways.

Well I may as well use a grid maze for my third example. This Hamburger Maze in greyscale is a rework of my original full color standard maze of the same drawing. It is also an example of a maze that can be dual use as a coloring page.

I did a 3 part blog series on maze constructions if you want to design your own type of maze. Part 1 includes the dual entrance/exit.

Part 1 - Starting and Ending a Maze - Speaks to the 9 most popular ways to start and stop a maze

Part 2 - Maze Path options - Explores the 12 different pathway options for a maze

Part 3 - Conditional Path options - Speaks to 11 different conditional options to add to a maze to make it more enjoyable

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.

How to Make a Find Items Maze

In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 18th type of maze construction is the Find Items maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.

Find Items Maze - A maze that requires the solver to visit specific places within the pathways or find items along the way before reaching the goal. To properly solve the maze restrictions may exist on where the solver goes first, second, etc.

How to Make a Find Items Maze

Step 1 - Draw the Outline

The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.

Step 1.5 - Choose the Start and Goal

For the below example I chose the start of Cleveland and the goal of Cincinnati.

Step 2 - Draw the Solution with Items

Draw a loose outline of the maze, remembering to leave holes in the walls for later path creation. Leave Items the solver needs to discover along the maze path, in this example different colored balls. I used a standard path maze for the example but most constructions of mazes will work for Find Item mazes.

Step 3 - Complete the False Paths

Complete false paths from the openings you left in step 2 to complete the maze.

Step 4 - Add Directions for the Solver

This step can be completed at any time. Ask the solver to find the items in the maze. Let them know of any conditions - Do they need to collect them in order ? Can they backtrack and visit a path more than once ? If there is no backtracking the false paths in Step 3 do not need to be dead ends. They can be paths that lead to false backtracking situations.

Step 5 (Optional) - Make the Maze Solution

Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red).

Additional Find Item Maze Examples

Another example of the Find items maze is the map of France below from my Countries of Europe maze book. Each country requires the solver to visit cities along the way to the goal, the capital of the country, in this case Paris. Maps work well for this maze type. Here the directions are on top are link the items to specific cities on the map.

For my second example I have made a Find Items maze for an older child. The format works very well for mazes meant for kids, including the use of fun objects/animals to create more enjoyable mazes. In this case a grasshopper and leaves.

And a third example specifically made for kids using pretzels. Although not said in the instructions this maze can be made more difficult by adding the phrase “you may not visit a spot more than once”.

Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.

If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.