Editing Geocaching (section)

====Mystery cache====
Also called a 'puzzle cache', players might need to solve a puzzle or bring a special tool to reveal the next waypoint or final coordinates. Most often, the final container is not at the posted coordinates which is noted in the cache description.<ref name="geo_types"/> Some puzzles can be easy and involve basic math [[operation (mathematics)|operations]] or they can be quite difficult, with some of the more challenging ones requiring a firm understanding of [[computer programming]]. Geocaching Toolbox, a website dedicated to create and solve puzzle geocaches, provides a comprehensive list of common puzzle cache ciphers.

There are also some subcategories of the mystery cache, which are normally listed as a Mystery Type, which are listed below.

=====Challenge cache=====
This requires a geocacher to complete a reasonably attainable geocaching-related task before being able to log the cache as a find online.<ref name=challenge>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=206 |title=Challenge caches |website=geocaching.com |publisher=Groundspeak |access-date=2019-09-08 |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622190335/https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=206 |url-status=live}}</ref> It does not restrict ''geocachers'' from finding the cache and signing the logbook at anytime. However a geocacher is not allowed to log a find on the geocaching website unless they qualify for the challenge specified in the cache description. Examples include finding a number of caches that meet a category, completing a number of cache finds within a period of time, or finding a cache for every calendar day.

Since 2017, Groundspeak has required new challenges to have a ''geochecker'' in which users can put their name into an algorithm to see if they qualify without the need of physically checking all of one's previous finds. These ''geocheckers'' can be requested using the ProjectGC forums where volunteers can write and create scripts for specific challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Challenge Checkers |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=780 |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en}}</ref> Groundspeak also has been more strict into what types of challenges are published. For example, prior to 2017 it was possible to create a challenge cache to find 10 caches that have a food item in the title. Under current guidelines, this is no longer allowed because it restricts geocachers to find specific geocaches. Instead, Groundspeak has encouraged new challenges to be more creative. Acceptable challenges include finding caches in 10 states, finding 100 traditional geocaches, or finding 1000 geocaches with the "wheelchair accessible" attribute.<ref name=challenge />

=====Bonus cache=====
A bonus cache requires the finder to have found an amount of caches, usually in a specific series by the same hider, before finding the bonus cache. The cache can be any type, however a bonus cache cannot be required for a second bonus cache.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marshall |first1=Lucy |date=January 6, 2025 |title=Geocaching Help Centre |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=927 |access-date= |website=www.geocaching.com |language=en}}</ref>

=====Moving or travelling cache=====
These were found at a listed set of coordinates. The finder hides the cache in a different location, and updates the listing, essentially becoming the hider, and the next finder continues the cycle. This cache has been discontinued at geocaching.com and those that have been grandfathered in are solely declining and are being archived.<ref name="Cache Parameters"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=890 |title=The history of traveling caches |website=geocaching.com |access-date=2019-09-08 |publisher=Groundspeak |archive-date=August 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804032603/https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=127&pgid=890 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=====Chirp cache=====
Also known as a '''wireless beacon cache'''. This is a [[Garmin]]-created innovative on multi-caches using wireless beacon technology. It is a physical game piece, about the size of a half dollar that can be hidden anywhere. Powered by a small battery, it is able to transmit a signal detectable on [[Garmin]] devices. The Chirp stores hints, multicache coordinates, counts visitors, and can confirm the cache is nearby.<ref>[http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/10/garmin-chirp-brings-geocachers-even-more-creativity-connectivity.html Garmin chirp Brings Geocachers Even More Creativity, Connectivity] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301003905/http://garmin.blogs.com/my_weblog/2010/10/garmin-chirp-brings-geocachers-even-more-creativity-connectivity.html |date=March 1, 2012}}, published October 15, 2010</ref><ref>[https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=74811&pvID=75243 Garmin Chirp] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302092159/https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=74811&pvID=75243 |date=March 2, 2013}}, retrieved January 13, 2013</ref> These caches caused considerable discussion and some controversy at Groundspeak, where they were ultimately given a new "attribute".<ref name="geo_types"/><ref>[http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=261919&st=150&p=4504653&#entry4504653 Garmin Chirp- Geocaching Beacon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722031318/http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?showtopic=261919&st=150&p=4504653&#entry4504653 |date=July 22, 2013}}, retrieved January 13, 2013</ref> These types of geocaches can also be listed as a traditional, multi-cache, or letterbox. It is up to the cache owner to designated the cache type for wireless beacon caches.