A useful hint should reduce search space without taking ownership of the conclusion. The player still needs to notice, compare or explain the evidence.
Layer 1: direction
The first hint reminds the player what kind of evidence could answer the question: a body record, a route, a document version or a contact identity.
Layer 2: location
The second hint narrows the search to an app, thread, date or item. It should remove frustration caused by navigation while preserving interpretation.
Layer 3: decisive record
The last hint may quote or name the exact record. The player should still connect it to the question and carry it into the final evidence chain.
Why this matters for accessibility
Hints are not only difficulty controls. They support players with memory, attention, language or interface-navigation differences without flattening the story into an automatic solution.
Sources and product pages
Links below support product or genre facts. External pages may change after our update date.