The Wumpus was a mysterious monster that lurked in a chamber somewhere inside a network of caverns. The player would travel through the caverns in search of the Wumpus, but if the player actually entered the chamber the Wumpus lurked inside he would be devoured instantly. Instead, the player would have to search for Wumpus tracks and markings in adjoining rooms. When the player had deduced which chamber the Wumpus was in without entering it, he would fire a single arrow into the Wumpus' chamber to slay it. However, firing the arrow into the wrong chamber would make a loud enough noise to attract the Wumpus, which would devour the player.