DFS Maze Generator

Generate mazes using Depth-First Search algorithm with long, winding corridors.

DFS Settings

Width (cells): 40

Height (cells): 30

Cell Size (px): 12

Wall Thickness: 2

Random Seed:

Wall Color:

Path Color:

Background:

Highlight Start & Finish

Show Solution Path

Animation Speed:

Preview

Generation time: -- | Algorithm: DFS | Size: 40x30

About Depth-First Search (DFS)

Depth-First Search (DFS) is a recursive backtracking algorithm that creates mazes with long, winding corridors. It starts at a random cell and explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking.

Characteristics: Creates mazes with long, twisting passages and few dead ends
Complexity: O(n) time where n is the number of cells
Best for: Traditional mazes, puzzles, exploration-based games
Path type: Guaranteed single solution path between any two points

How to Use This Tool

Select Algorithm: Choose between DFS, Prim's, or Wilson's algorithm using the navigation links above
Adjust Parameters: Customize maze size, cell size, and wall appearance
Generate: Click "Generate Maze" to create a new maze with current settings
Preview Controls: Use zoom buttons to inspect maze details, pan by dragging
Export: Download your maze as JSON (for data) or TMX (for Tiled map editor)

Export Formats

JSON Format

Exports maze data as a JSON file containing:

Maze grid structure (walls and paths)
Dimensions and cell information
Algorithm metadata
Easy to parse for custom game engines

TMX Format (Tiled Map Editor)

Exports maze as a TMX tilemap file compatible with:

Tiled Map Editor for visual editing
Game frameworks like Phaser, Unity, Godot
Layer-based structure with walls and floors
Embedded tileset definitions

Maze Generation Algorithms Explained

Maze generation algorithms are essential in game development, procedural content generation, and computer science education. Each algorithm produces different maze characteristics suitable for various applications:

Choosing the Right Algorithm

For puzzles and traditional mazes: Use DFS for its long, winding corridors that create challenging navigation
For dungeons and organic layouts: Prim's algorithm creates more natural, branching structures
For fair, unbiased generation: Wilson's algorithm ensures no algorithmic bias in maze structure

Game Development Applications

These mazes are perfect for:

Roguelike and dungeon crawler games
Puzzle games requiring navigation challenges
Procedurally generated levels in indie games
Educational projects teaching pathfinding algorithms
Game jams and rapid prototyping