Cache types

NOTE: WORK IN PROGRESS.

IMPORTANT!!! As of 2025-06-06 the matrix below describes the current known state of cache type mappings and foreseeable changes to come.
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A geocache may be of several types. Each type incurrs specific characteristics and/or rules that may apply to searching, finding and logging that type of cache.

This document describes the existing cache types across Opencaching sites.

Cache types matrix

ID	Type	Usage	Image		equivalent	Notes
			OCPL	OCDE
1	Other/Unknown	All			mystery	Caches that do not fit any explicitely declared type
2	Traditional	All			traditional	Physical container at the coordinates
3	Multi-cache	All			multi	Sequence of physical containers or objects, each with clues leading to the next
4	Virtual cache	All			virtual	No physical container. Must visit the place and answer questions and provide proof you visited.
5	Webcam cache	All			webcam	No physical container. Must visit the place and take picture using the webcam and provide proof.
6	Event	All			event	Social gathering of geocachers. No physical container. Not counted as "found".
7	Quiz	All			mystery	Physical container not at coordinates. Must solve puzzle/mystery to find it.
8	Math/Physics cache	OCDE			mystery	Physical container not at coordinates. Requires to solve math or physics type problem.
9	Moving cache	OCDE				Physical container changes location after each find.
10	Drive-in cache	OCDE				Physical container near parking. A.k.a. park&grab
8	Moving cache	OCPL				ID overlap; must be renumberedPhysical container changes location after each find.
9	Podcache / GeoPath Final	OCPL				ID overlap; must be clarified, possibly renumberedLegacy "podcast cache", attempted reuse as GeoPath Final / bonus
10	Owncache	OCPL				ID overlap; must be renumberedTravels with owner. Must meet owner to find.
12	BIT cache	OCPL			Munzee	OBSOLETE; replaced by attributePlaying card with serial number. See http://wiki.opencaching.us/index.php/BIT_Caches
13	Guestbook	OCPL				OBSOLETE; replaced by attributePhysical container is a guestbook, available to sign
14	Benchmark	OCPL				OBSOLETE; replaced by attributeGeographical survey benchmark.
15	Challenge	OCPL			mystery	OBSOLETE; replaced by attributeGeocacher must meet the challenge requirements.

Legend:

Basic/common cache types

OCPL specific types

OCDE specific types