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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the Obscura daily photograph guessing game.
What is Obscura?+
Obscura is a daily photograph guessing game. You answer seven prompts to develop a hidden photograph, then make one final guess about what you see.
How do I play Obscura?+
Start the daily game, work through the prompts and use the information you uncover to decide what the photograph shows. When you are ready, submit your final guess.
How often is there a new Obscura?+
A new daily photograph is released each day. Once you finish the current game, the next photograph becomes available when the daily cycle resets.
How does the photograph reveal itself?+
The game develops the photograph as you progress through its prompts. Rarer answers reveal more of the image, giving you more information for your final guess.
How does scoring work?+
Your score is based on how successfully you navigate the prompts and identify the photograph. The less of the photograph you need to see, the more valuable a successful guess can be.
What is a streak?+
Your streak tracks consecutive days on which you complete Obscura. Keep playing each day to build your streak.
Can I play previous Obscura games?+
Yes. The Archive contains previous daily games so you can revisit photographs and see how you performed on earlier days.
Is Obscura free to play?+
Obscura is designed as a free-to-play daily game. You can visit the site and play the daily challenge without buying a game or subscription.
Can I play on my phone?+
Yes. Obscura is designed to work on desktop and mobile screens, so you can play the daily challenge wherever you are.
Why is it called Obscura?+
The name refers to the camera obscura and the idea of revealing an image from darkness. In the game, you start with an obscured photograph and gradually bring it into view.