The Minecraft Quest retrospective helps teams reflect on recent achievements, setbacks, and major challenges using a fun, game-inspired format. By exploring 'Shiny Gems,' 'Broken Tools,' and 'Creeper Blasts,' teams will celebrate wins, address issues, and strengthen their teamwork block by block.

When to use this template

Use this format when your team needs to boost morale, recover from a tough sprint, or refresh routine retrospectives with a playful theme that encourages honest reflection and collaboration.

How to facilitate

Kick off with a warm welcome and explain the Minecraft theme, inviting everyone to step into a creative, playful mindset.

Review the purpose of each column: 'Shiny Gems' for achievements, 'Broken Tools' for setbacks, and 'Creeper Blasts' for major challenges or frustrations.

Give each team member quiet time to add their cards to each column, sharing as many insights as they have for each area.

Invite participants to read out or briefly summarize entries, grouping similar cards together as a team to spot patterns.

Lead a focused discussion on the most impactful Broken Tools and Creeper Blasts, asking the team to brainstorm actions for improvement or recovery.

Highlight and celebrate Shiny Gems to reinforce strengths and keep morale high.

Wrap up by reviewing action items and committing to one or two next steps that will help build a better 'fortress' together.

Pro Tips

Encourage storytelling—personal accounts and anecdotes make entries memorable and foster empathy across the team.

To keep the energy up, use Minecraft-inspired phrases throughout or offer a digital backdrop for the session.

Prompt quieter team members to share by inviting them directly (while giving them the option to pass if they prefer).

FAQ

What if participants aren't familiar with Minecraft?

Explain the column themes in plain language and focus on the spirit of reflection—the fun theme is just a way to lighten the mood.

How do we avoid getting stuck on negative topics?

Balance the discussion by celebrating 'Shiny Gems' before and after tackling issues. Remind the team the goal is to rebuild together.

What if there are too many pain points to cover?

Prioritize top 'Creeper Blasts' and 'Broken Tools' by team vote or consensus, and carry over less urgent issues to the next retrospective if needed.

Want a custom template?

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At a glance

Duration
35–50 min
Team Size
4-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Glad, Sad, Mad

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

⛏️🧱 Minecraft Quest

Welcome, crafters! Let’s gather in our digital village and mine for wins, pitfalls, and creeper moments. Together, we’ll craft a path to an even stronger project fortress—block by block!

Template Columns

💎 Shiny Gems

⛏️ Broken Tools

🧨 Creeper Blasts

About this template