Cooperative or competitive: which mode for your treasure hunt?

You've decided to discover the Medina of Marrakech in a different way from trailing behind a guide in single file: a treasure hunt on your smartphone, riddles to solve, challenges to take on as you wander through the alleyways. One question remains, and it sometimes divides groups before they've even set off: should you play together, or against each other?

The "Les Secrets de Moulay Hassan" treasure hunt, offered by QuestRides, gives you the choice between a cooperative mode and a competitive mode. This choice is not a minor detail: it changes the atmosphere, the pace of the exchanges and the memory you'll keep of the game. Here's how to decide, depending on who you are and who you're travelling with.

What the choice of game mode really changes

In both cases, the principle remains the same: you follow an immersive story on your smartphone, solve riddles and take on challenges while discovering the historic heritage of the old city, on foot. The setting, the story and the spirit of exploration don't change.

What changes is the relationship between the players:

in cooperative mode, everyone works towards the same goal and relies on each person's complementary strengths;
in competitive mode, you measure yourselves against the others, and the desire to do better becomes a driving force.

Neither is better than the other. The right choice is the one that matches your group's energy.

Cooperative mode: team first

Cooperative mode suits groups who want to share the discovery rather than use it as a battleground for rivalry. Everyone contributes something: one person reads the riddle aloud, another spots a detail on a wall, a third has a hunch that nobody else had.

It has several practical advantages:

Nobody is left out. The quickest don't steamroll the quieter ones: you move at the group's pace.
You enjoy the place more. When you're not trying to beat the others, it's easier to look up at the architecture, stop in front of an ornate door, listen to the story.
The mood stays relaxed. A riddle that resists becomes a collective brainteaser, not an individual failure.

It's often the best starting point for groups that mix several generations or very different profiles.

Competitive mode: the pleasure of measuring yourself against others

Some groups simply don't feel like playing nicely. Among friends who tease each other all year round, a competitive mode adds extra spice to every riddle. Every challenge completed counts, every right answer matters, and the route through the alleyways becomes an adventure in which you want to have the last word.

This mode works particularly well when:

your group likes board games, quizzes or challenges;
you want to add a little spice to an outing with friends;
there are enough of you for friendly rivalries to have room to play out.

A simple tip: if a game of cards at your place always ends in a debate about the rules, competitive mode is probably made for your group.

Which mode for which group?

Families with children

The treasure hunt is accessible to children from the age of 8. Cooperative mode is a safe bet: parents and children search together, everyone has a role and the success is shared. Competitive mode may still appeal to a playful family, as long as everyone is willing to lose with a smile. You'll find more ideas on our page dedicated to family activities in Marrakech.

Friends

For a group of friends, up to 20 people, both modes hold up. Cooperative brings together a group that doesn't see each other often; competitive wakes up the mischievous spirits. If you're unsure, simply ask yourselves whether the group would rather laugh together or challenge each other. More inspiration in group activities in Marrakech.

Hen parties and groups of women

For a hen party, the experience can be booked privately and enjoyed among friends. Cooperative mode creates a sense of closeness around the bride-to-be; competitive mode brings energy and fits of laughter. It all depends on the mood of the group. To find out more, see the hen party in Marrakech page. And if you simply want to discover the Medina as a group of women, freely and safely, both modes are well suited too.

Larger groups

As the group grows, the dynamics multiply. Competitive mode brings structure and a clear goal; cooperative mode prevents some people from feeling left on the sidelines. The best approach is to talk it over beforehand, for a few minutes, so that everyone feels part of the choice.

Don't overlook the other setting: the difficulty level

The game mode isn't the only dial. The "Les Secrets de Moulay Hassan" treasure hunt offers levels ranging from Easy to Hard. The two settings can be combined, and that's what lets you tailor the experience.

A group with children will tend to opt for an easy level, whichever mode they choose.
A group of friends experienced in puzzle games can aim for a tougher level, especially in competitive mode.
A mixed group can choose cooperative to balance out differences in ease between players.

Also bear in mind the practical essentials: the game is played on a smartphone, and you move around on foot through the alleyways of the Medina. So wear comfortable shoes and make sure your phone is charged.

Before you book: a few useful pointers

Booking is done via the questrides.com website. You then request a secure payment link on WhatsApp: there is no direct online payment on the site. For the treasure hunt, a 30% deposit is required at booking, and the balance is paid on site.

At the end of the game, each participant leaves with a certificate, as well as a photo and video recap of your route. A lovely souvenir, whether you won or not.

If, in the end, you'd prefer a more contemplative discovery, be aware that QuestRides also offers interactive guided tours, with a tailor-made route for which you choose the duration, the theme and the options.

In summary

Choose cooperative mode if you want to move forward together, enjoy the surroundings and leave nobody behind. Choose competitive mode if a competitive spirit is part of your group's DNA. And if you're undecided, ask yourselves what you want to take away from the day: shared closeness or a sweet victory to boast about.

Ready to choose your game mode? Discover the treasure hunt in Marrakech and book the adventure that suits your group.