{"schemaVersion":1,"record":{"key":"mechanic/puzzle--family-tools","type":"mechanic","id":"puzzle--family-tools","lang":"en","title":"Items, tools and environment","summary":"The player infers how items can be used and creates access to a required target.","updatedAt":"2026-10-22","status":"active","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/knowledge/mechanic/puzzle--family-tools/","jsonUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/api/v1/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-tools.json","markdownUrl":"https://gamemechanics.pro/content/knowledge/en/mechanic/puzzle--family-tools.md","aliases":[],"tags":["Puzzles","Mechanics catalog"],"sourceIds":["source-796ac91c3a695e59"],"sources":[{"id":"source-796ac91c3a695e59","title":"Day of the Tentacle Remastered","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/388210/","verifiedAt":null}],"sections":[{"id":"principle","title":"How it works","body":"Deduce ways to use objects and create access conditions."},{"id":"variants","title":"Variants","body":"### Variants and applications\n\n<a id=\"family-tools-variants\"></a>\n\n- Application of a tool by property. Definition: Select an object based on the observed function and properties of the target. Conditional example: Retrieve a metal key with a magnet. <a id=\"variant-tool-affordance\"></a>\n- Combining items. Definition: Create a new tool from available components. Conditional example: Connect a rope and a hook. <a id=\"variant-combine-items\"></a>\n- Parsing an object into useful parts. Definition: To obtain components for another task from a complex object. Conditional example: To disassemble a flashlight for the sake of a battery. <a id=\"variant-disassemble-item\"></a>\n- Restoring the device. Definition: Identify missing parts and restore working configuration. Example: Repair a lift using available parts. <a id=\"variant-repair-system\"></a>\n- Selecting the use of one item. Definition: Distribute an object between several possible functions and return it when necessary. Conditional example: Use a board as a bridge, then as a lever. <a id=\"variant-multiuse-item\"></a>\n- Adjusting the key shape. Definition: Change the geometry of an object so that it fits the mate. Conditional example: Align the protrusions of a prefabricated key. <a id=\"variant-key-shape\"></a>\n- Using the environment as a tool. Definition: Get the effect of a stationary object instead of a portable object. Conditional example: Break a shell with a door mechanism. <a id=\"variant-environment-as-tool\"></a>\n- Access dependency chain. Definition: Line up actions, each of which opens the next tool or place. Conditional example: Get a handle, open a cabinet and get a lens. <a id=\"variant-access-sequence\"></a>\n- Temporary replacement of a missing part. Definition: Use a compatible item until a permanent solution is obtained. Conventional example: Support the mechanism with a wedge while the fastener is removed. <a id=\"variant-temporary-substitute\"></a>\n- Study of the properties of an object. Definition: Conduct meaningful testing to understand the acceptable use of an object. Example: Determine which surfaces hold an unknown fastener. <a id=\"variant-object-property-discovery\"></a>"},{"id":"context","title":"Context and limits","body":"A wide catalog of mechanics for digital puzzles, paper logic problems and physical puzzles. Each position contains an action or rule and a conditional example of application."}],"relations":[],"placements":[{"catalogId":"puzzle","id":"family-tools","title":"Puzzles","url":"https://gamemechanics.pro/en/mechanics/puzzle/#family-tools","categoryIds":["section-1"]}],"supersededBy":[],"attributes":{"preview":{"updatedAt":"2026-10-22","title":"Items, tools and environment","description":"The player infers how items can be used and creates access to a required target.","image":{"src":"images/mechanics/adventure-day-of-the-tentacle-07.webp","width":1440,"height":810,"crop":{"x":180,"y":0,"width":1080,"height":810},"game":"Day of the Tentacle Remastered","sourceUrl":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/388210/","originalUrl":"https://shared.akamai.steamstatic.com/store_item_assets/steam/apps/388210/ss_9eefffbc6bf66978cb5b8570665b09774d4f604a.1920x1080.jpg?t=1731602439","credit":"Double Fine Productions / Shiny Shoe","rights":"Game imagery © its respective rights holders. Publisher-distributed Steam screenshot; all rights reserved. Excluded from MIT and CC BY 4.0.","caption":"A tool is selected together with its use action","alt":"A tool is selected together with its use action","markers":[{"x":54,"y":81,"label":"Available inventory tool"}]},"tips":["Let item properties and the observed environment suggest a use."],"examples":[{"title":"Day of the Tentacle Remastered","url":"https://store.steampowered.com/app/388210/"}]}},"endsAt":null,"provenance":"Original editorial design catalog consolidated from project discussions on 2026-10-20. Complete discussion item lists and contextual limitations are preserved; linked primary sources support specific techniques, not the entire classification. English translation was prepared with machine assistance and editorial review.","license":"CC-BY-4.0","codeLicense":"MIT","attribution":"gamemechanics.pro contributors","catalogKey":"catalog/puzzle"}}