An escape room is a game where players work together to uncover clues, solve puzzles and complete tasks. You must finish a specific objective, usually within a limited time. The main goal is simple… ESCAPE!
There is usually a 60-minute time limit to solve all puzzles and complete the game. If you fail to finish in time, it’s game over. So, the aim is to solve everything as quickly as you can.
Each Escape Room has a different theme to fully immerse you in the scenario. The clues and puzzles follow that same theme.
For example, you could be locked in a prison and need to break free. Or be in a bunker where you must find a code to stop destruction. Another example is a detective’s office, where you hunt for a murder suspect before they find you.
Many people have tried real-life Escape Rooms, where you solve clues in person.
But online Escape Rooms offer the experience from anywhere in the world.
What is an Online Escape Room?
Online escape rooms, (also called virtual escape rooms) take place online using your phone, tablet or computer.
Players search rooms, find clues and solve puzzles using their device.
Online Escape Games are made just for online play.
Your group joins virtually to explore rooms and solve puzzles by pointing, clicking and working together.
These usually have no time limit and can be played anytime, anywhere.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations or online social events.
Who can do an Escape Room?
Escape Rooms are suitable for ages 10 to 100. As long as you can solve puzzles and understand clues, you can take on an escape room;
Couples will enjoy escape rooms as they offer a new way to work together. Helping you grow closer as you help one another with clues. Escape Rooms tend to have a maximum capacity of 5 or 6 people, which means groups of friends or families can enjoy it together too.
More people means more chances to find clues, but will you all have the same solution to the puzzles?
What happens when we go into the Escape Room?
When you arrive at the Escape Room venue, you are greeted by a Games Master; this is the person who will introduce the room you are about to enter, explain the rules and help provide clues if you get stuck.
You will then be led to the door of your Escape Room and let inside. At this point, your Games Master may introduce some more rules or information, but you will get the first look into the room while this happens.
Be aware: as soon as the Games Master closes the door, the timer starts and the game begins.
Once the Escape Room begins, you need to start looking for clues, locks and puzzles as soon as you can; start talking to your teammates and collecting clues.
What genres of Escape Room are there?
There is an Escape Room out there for everyone. The classic scenario is a detective mystery; you are brought into an office, where clues and puzzles have been hidden revealing a special device, a criminal suspect or the solution to a mystery, and you and your team are the investigators tasked with sleuthing out the solutions.
Horror Escape Rooms are very popular, where you have to beat the timer and your own fears. Scenarios such as finding a killer on your trail or beating a psychopath’s twisted games are perfect for those who love a thrill and a scare These rooms are full of jump scares, darkness and creepy puzzles.
There’s nothing quite like a Heist Escape Room, whether its tricking guards to escape a prison, or grabbing as much cash as possible before escaping a casino; these are Escape Rooms with realistic settings, that will have you feeling like a criminal mastermind.
Sci-fi Escape Rooms are filled with clever puzzles, crazy clues and props, and have some of the biggest twists and surprises. Fancy going on a time traveling adventure? These rooms are for the cleverest of clogs.
Historic Escape Rooms are a must for history buffs and puzzle lovers. These rooms have accurate and immersive settings, with clues and puzzles that hark back to times of old. You could be in a museum, searching for lost artefacts or even in a complete recreation of Shakespeare’s home.
What rules are there in Escape Rooms?
Your Games Master will explain the rules before you start. Still, most rooms share a few important guidelines.
No photos or videos:
You can bring your phone, but keep the camera off. Recording ruins the mystery and experience for future players.
No force allowed:
Rooms have hidden compartments, but everything opens easily when solved correctly. If it’s stuck, it’s not meant to open yet. Don’t break anything please!
Hints are allowed:
If you’re stuck, you can ask for a hint from the Games Master. They will explain how to do this before the game, typically delivered over a speaker, or on screen. Hardcore players can request not to receive any help at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if we don’t Escape the room in time?
You will have 60 minutes once the door closes to solve every puzzle and complete the overall objective of the room. Keep an eye on the timer, and give yourself enough time to solve each puzzle (you could be solving multiple at once).
Remember to ask for clues (if you’ve requested them) from your Games Master if you get really stuck, because if that timer reaches 0 before you solve everything, you will lose!
Depending on what Escape Room you are in, you may see or hear the consequences of what failing to complete the room leads to. Maybe the killer gets away, maybe you’re locked up in prison, maybe a missile hits the planet!
Your Games Master will come into the room and escort you out, allowing you to discuss the puzzles you struggled with and reveal where you went wrong. Although, you may wish to try the room again, in which case your Games Master can keep quiet.
Are we locked in the Escape Room?
No, you are not locked inside the room, even though you have to “escape”. If you need the toilet, feel claustrophobic, have an emergency, or anything else, let your Games Master know immediately. Most rooms have an escape key or emergency exit.
If you want to end the Escape Room early, you may do so, but your Games Master may choose to not let you back in if you change your mind.
Are Escape Rooms Big?
Escape rooms are available in a variety of sizes. Some will be small because that is what the theme needs or some will be large with extra rooms and hidden compartments. Speak with a staff member if you have a fear of small spaces and they can help you to pick a suitable room.
