Night Bridge
A fire is spreading behind the travelers on the starting bank. Everyone walks at a different speed, and there is only one lantern. Who crosses together, and who brings it back?
- Players
- 1
- Ages
- 6+
About this game
Fire is closing in on the starting bank: get everyone to safety before it reaches them or the lantern runs out. Night Bridge is a 3D tabletop version of the bridge-and-torch logic problem. Travelers need the lantern to cross, and a pair travels at the slower person's pace. Return journeys also use the lantern's allowance. The challenge is to plan the order of crossings so everyone reaches the other side within the level's time budget.
How to play
- Choose a difficulty and check each traveler's crossing time and the lantern's limit.
- Select travelers on the lantern's bank, then tap the lantern or Walk to cross. A pair takes the slower traveler's time.
- Send someone back with the lantern when needed. Get everyone to safety before the fire reaches them or the lantern runs out; Undo lets you revise the plan.
Questions parents ask
Is this the bridge and torch puzzle?
Yes. Night Bridge uses the familiar bridge-and-torch rules with a lantern: travelers cross together at the slower person's speed, and the light must accompany each crossing. The spreading fire adds urgency to the story; the time budget is spent by crossings, so you can still pause to think.
Can we play Night Bridge while waiting for food at a restaurant?
You can share one phone and compare crossing plans while seated. Each trip uses the level's time budget, so choose an easy level first and stop when the meal arrives.
Is it a waiting room game for kids and parents?
It can be a quiet shared puzzle with sound and music turned off. We suggest ages 6+ with an adult helping compare crossing times and read the rules.
Is this a free online game with no download?
Yes. Open Night Bridge in a phone, tablet or computer browser. You do not need an account to play the puzzle.
Can we solve the bridge puzzle together on one phone?
Yes. There is one puzzle state, so take turns proposing a crossing and explaining its cost. No separate room or second device is needed.