In a series of posts I will show you how to make a maze in a wide variety of design constructions. The 19th type of maze construction is the Dual Entrance/Exit maze. Let’s define what I mean, then get into the example. Every example will use the sample basic outline (the state of Ohio) to better illustrate the differences between each maze type.
Dual Entrance/Exit Maze - A maze that can be solved moving in either direction. The start and the goal are interchangeable. The construction of the maze happens in two directions to prevent “backwards solving” or starting from the goal to help solve a maze.
How to Make a Dual Entrance/Exit Maze
Step 1 - Draw the Outline
The outline of the maze makes the outer wall of the maze. It can be anything from a simple shape like a square, to a complex picture. The outline should be thicker than the internal lines to give the maze definition. In the example below I chose the state of Ohio.
Step 1.5 - Choose both of the Start/Goals
For the below example I chose the dual start/goals of Cleveland and Cincinnati. I add the double arrows in each location to designate that this is a dual entrance/exit maze. There is also an option to add directions if you think they are necessary ( I do not believe they are), but once the maze is completed anyone who has seen a maze before will know what to do. And, there is no way for them to make a mistake solving the maze since they can start where they want !
Step 2 - Draw the Maze Paths
A Dual Entrance Maze is constructed in 2 directions at the same time, unlike traditional single start mazes. This helps the maze maker create a more complex maze since the solver will have choices to make regardless of the direction chosen. A Dual Entrance maze also can be made with any construction type. For the example below I used a standard path maze. I also prefer designing pathways coming from each possible entrance.
Continue drawing maze walls, remembering to leave open possible pathways for a solution.
And more walls.
Step 3 - Complete the Maze
Connect pathways from each side of the design to create a solvable pathway and complete the construction of the maze.
Step 4 - Make the Maze Solution
Highlight the correct path in the final version of the maze to create the final Maze solution (shown here in red). This is a good time to try solving the maze in each direction just to see if you notice anything off in your design. The first few times you make a dual entrance maze you may notice that one way is more difficult to solve than the other. That is normal and you will improve your designs with practice.
Additional examples of Dual Entrance/Exit Mazes
Below is another example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze. This particular Heart maze is also a good example of a horizontal maze. I think vertical mazes are a great construction method to use for this type of maze. Why ? They just work. Try solving this one. If you hit a dead end solving from one entrance try the other one. What do you think ?
A second example of a Dual Entrance / Exit Maze is this much more difficult Croissant Maze. The shape of the pastry made the dual entrance construction fit well. I also used a standard equal construction for the pathways.
Well I may as well use a grid maze for my third example. This Hamburger Maze in greyscale is a rework of my original full color standard maze of the same drawing. It is also an example of a maze that can be dual use as a coloring page.
I did a 3 part blog series on maze constructions if you want to design your own type of maze. Part 1 includes the dual entrance/exit.
Part 1 - Starting and Ending a Maze - Speaks to the 9 most popular ways to start and stop a maze
Part 2 - Maze Path options - Explores the 12 different pathway options for a maze
Part 3 - Conditional Path options - Speaks to 11 different conditional options to add to a maze to make it more enjoyable
Interested in learning how to make or draw other types of digital mazes ? I have step by step instructions on how to make over 40 different maze types.
If you prefer making labyrinths, you can find step by step labyrinth making instructions.