Key-Gated Challenges

Configure unlock-price (keys) to gate challenges behind an access token or accumulated currency

Key-gated challenges require a member to “spend a key” before starting. It’s a simple access-control primitive that unlocks premium, member-only, or VIP-tier content.

How it works

Each challenge has an unlockPrice field — the number of keys a member must spend to open it. Zero = open to anyone. Non-zero = requires keys.

When a member opens a gated challenge:

1. Nudj checks the member’s key balance.
2. If sufficient, the member is prompted to spend X keys.
3. On confirmation, unlockPrice keys are deducted, and the challenge opens.
4. Once unlocked, the member retains access — no re-paying unless the admin resets it.

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Configuring the unlock

unlockPrice is a challenge data field. There is currently no control for it in the admin challenge editor — set it programmatically via the Admin API or a data import. New challenges default to unlockPrice: 0 (no gate).

Keys are a Nudj currency — members earn them from specific challenges, rewards, or admin gifts, so plan where the supply comes from. Members with fewer than unlockPrice keys see the gate; others see the unlock prompt.

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Key economy design

Balancing keys is an economy decision:

Treat keys as a scarce resource. If every challenge earns 2 keys and every unlock costs 1 key, gating means nothing. Target: members need 3-5 normal completions to unlock one gated challenge.

Use achievements to drop keys as milestone rewards — e.g. “complete 10 challenges -> earn 5 keys”. Keeps gating aspirational.

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API

Programmatic unlocks via POST /challenges/{id}/unlock — useful for integrations where keys are earned through external events (e.g. Shopify purchases).

See Admin API reference.

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When to use gating

VIP content

Gate high-value challenges behind keys so members earn the right to play.

Progression ladders

Pair with achievements as actions to build layered progressions.

Anti-spam

Gate expensive-to-process challenges (large file uploads, AI moderation) behind small unlock prices to reduce spam.

Don’t gate your onboarding challenge. New members need a zero-friction first interaction.