Two Voices, One Puzzle
Each clue in Lamplit is written twice. Modern clues are clear, direct, and accessible — they describe the answer plainly and reward general knowledge. Classic clues are lyrical and elliptical, written in the Victorian tradition where misdirection and poetry are part of the pleasure.
The answers never change between modes. Only how you're guided to them does.
MODERN MODE
ANSWER: WHIRLWIND
It picks up Dorothy's house, and leaves chaos in its wake
CLASSIC MODE
ANSWER: WHIRLWIND
The unsolicited choreographer of leaves and laundry
MODERN MODE
ANSWER: AURORA
A polar light show, painted across the night sky in green and violet
CLASSIC MODE
ANSWER: AURORA
The celestial seamstress, stitching the dark with her luminous thread
Which Mode Is Right for You?
| MODERN | CLASSIC |
Clue style | Direct, descriptive | Lyrical, oblique |
Best for | New players; casual solving | Enthusiast solvers; a stiffer challenge |
Available from | Day one | After 25–30 completed puzzles |
Underlying puzzle | Identical | Identical |
How to Unlock Classic Mode
Classic Mode is not locked behind a purchase — it unlocks naturally through play. After you complete 25–30 puzzles, Classic Mode becomes available across all puzzles in your library.
The threshold is set deliberately. Acrostics have a learning curve, and the Victorian clue style rewards familiarity with the format. By the time Classic Mode unlocks, you'll have a strong enough feel for how acrostics work to appreciate the added challenge.
CLASSIC MODE UNLOCK PROGRESS
25–30 ✦ Classic unlocks
Your progress is shown in Settings. Daily puzzles, pack puzzles, and starter puzzles all count toward the unlock.
It feels earned, not paywalled. Classic Mode is a progression reward, not a premium feature. Every player reaches it through the same path: solving puzzles.
Switching Between Modes
Once Classic Mode is unlocked, you can switch between Modern and Classic at any time from Settings. The mode applies to all puzzles globally — you won't see Mixed Mode clues within a single puzzle session.
If you unlock Classic Mode and find the clues more frustrating than satisfying, switch back to Modern without any penalty. Many players prefer to use Classic Mode on puzzle types they're comfortable with (single acrostics) while staying in Modern for new territory (double acrostics).