How to Play College Student Missing Hiking Case
College Student Missing Hiking Case is a unique Chinese ARG (Alternate Reality Game) mystery where you investigate your brother's disappearance. This free browser game features keyword search gameplay and multiple endings.
Getting Started
1. Game Entry
Click the "Play Now" button above to open the game in a new window. The game starts at Fu'an Family Restaurant's website - a crucial location in the mystery.
No download required - play directly in your browser on desktop or mobile devices. The game runs smoothly on modern browsers with JavaScript enabled.
2. Understanding the Interface
The game presents itself as a realistic restaurant website with:
- Search Box: Your primary investigation tool (top right)
- Navigation Menu: Explore different sections (Home, Menu, Environment, "Fu'an Rice")
- Content Areas: Read clues hidden in announcements, descriptions, and images
- Footer: Track your progress with page counters (e.g., "01/36")
3. Core Gameplay Mechanics
Keyword Search System
The heart of the game is keyword searching:
- Type words or phrases related to clues you find
- Successful keywords unlock new pages and hidden content
- Try variations: full names, abbreviations, pinyin, numbers
- Combine multiple keywords for deeper discoveries
Example: Finding a napkin with strange symbols? Try searching the restaurant's name or symbol meanings.
Evidence Collection
As you explore:
- Click on suspicious elements - images, text, dates
- Take notes of important details manually
- Screenshot interesting pages for later reference
- Track relationships between clues in different pages
Non-Linear Investigation
There's no progress bar or quest markers:
- Explore freely in any order
- Multiple investigation paths lead to different discoveries
- Some clues require combining information from various pages
- Dead ends teach you what to avoid
4. Solving Puzzles
The game includes various puzzle types:
Symbol Puzzles: Decipher mysterious symbols and marks
Code Puzzles: Crack numerical or alphabetical codes
Folk Puzzles: Apply Chinese zodiac, lucky numbers, and folklore knowledge
Logic Puzzles: Connect events, timelines, and character relationships
Tips for puzzle-solving:
- Read all content carefully - details matter
- Consider Chinese cultural elements (zodiac animals, number symbolism)
- Try different keyword combinations if stuck
- Revisit previous pages with new information
5. Multiple Endings System
Your choices and investigation depth determine which of two endings you'll reach:
- Thorough Investigation: Find all crucial clues for the complete truth
- Partial Investigation: Miss key evidence and get an incomplete picture
- Replay Value: Try different approaches to discover all content
No spoilers here - your journey of discovery is part of the fun!
6. Hidden Content & Easter Eggs
Beyond the main story, the game contains:
- 5 Special Pages: Secret pages with bonus content
- Multiple Easter Eggs: Hidden jokes and references
- Backstory Elements: Deep lore for dedicated investigators
Finding secrets requires:
- Creative keyword searching
- Exploring every menu option
- Paying attention to subtle details
- Thinking outside the box
Controls & Navigation
Desktop:
- Mouse: Click links and buttons
- Keyboard: Type keywords in search box
- Browser back/forward: Navigate page history
Mobile:
- Touch: Tap links and buttons
- Virtual keyboard: Enter keywords
- Swipe/gesture: Navigate as usual
Progress Tracking
The game autosaves your progress via browser cookies. To continue:
- Use the same browser on the same device
- Don't clear cookies/cache mid-game
- Each browser session is independent (useful for replays!)
Tips for New Players
- Start by exploring - click everything on the homepage
- Search obvious keywords first - restaurant name, menu items, dates
- Don't rush - this game rewards patience and observation
- Take breaks if stuck - fresh eyes find new clues
- Embrace the mystery - not knowing is part of the experience
Game Length
- First Playthrough: 2-3 hours average
- Finding All Content: 4-6 hours
- Speed Run: 1-2 hours (with guide knowledge)
Your actual time depends on investigation thoroughness and puzzle-solving speed.
Need Help?
If you're completely stuck:
- Revisit all pages and re-read content
- Try keyword variations (simplified Chinese, pinyin, English)
- Consider Chinese cultural elements you might have missed
- Check our FAQ section below for hints
- Join community discussions for non-spoiler guidance
Remember: The satisfaction of discovery is worth the struggle. Resist the urge to look up full solutions immediately!
Ready to Investigate?
Now that you understand the basics, click "Play Now" and begin your investigation into the mysterious disappearance at Fu'an Family Restaurant. Good luck, detective!



