What CluedUpp Games are and how they differ from traditional escape rooms

CluedUpp Games are outdoor treasure hunts and mystery games played across real city streets and landmarks, not in a locked room. You receive clues on your phone, solve puzzles at actual locations, and move between sites to progress through the story. The game unfolds in the real world — you might photograph a building detail, answer a riddle at a park bench, or find a hidden object in a public square.

Unlike escape rooms where you stay in one space, CluedUpp games send teams outdoors to explore a neighbourhood or city district. The puzzles are designed around real places: a statue might hold a clue, a street sign might contain a code, or a shop window might be part of the mystery. You control your own pace and route, though the game guides you toward specific locations.

CluedUpp operates in multiple cities across the UK and internationally. Games typically run for a set period — often a few weeks or months — and then rotate to a new theme or location. You book a time slot in advance, receive access to the game on your phone, and play within a defined window (usually a few hours).

Key Takeaways

  • CluedUpp games are outdoor mystery hunts played across real city streets using your phone to receive clues and submit answers.
  • Teams move between multiple real-world locations, solving puzzles tied to actual landmarks, shops, and public spaces in your area.
  • You book a time slot in advance, and the game runs for a set duration — typically two to three hours depending on the game.
  • Games change seasonally or monthly, so the theme and locations vary; you can check CluedUpp's website to see what is currently running in your city.
  • Costs vary by location and game type, but most games charge per team rather than per person, making them cheaper per head than traditional escape rooms.

How to book and what happens on game day

You book through the CluedUpp website by selecting your city, choosing a game, and picking a date and time slot. Most games offer multiple start times throughout the day and across several weeks. You pay upfront for your team — typically a flat rate per group rather than per person — and receive a confirmation email with instructions.

On game day, you arrive at the start location (usually a public landmark or meeting point) a few minutes early. You open the CluedUpp app or access the game link on your phone, and the first clue appears. From there, the game guides you to move around the city, solve puzzles at each location, and submit answers through the app. The app tracks your progress and tells you when you have solved a puzzle correctly or need to try again.

You navigate using your phone's map or the directions provided in the game. There is no physical game master following you — you are independent but connected to the game system. If you get stuck, most games offer hint systems within the app, though using hints may affect your final score or leaderboard position.

Team size, duration, and what to bring

CluedUpp games typically accommodate teams of 2 to 6 people, though some games allow larger or smaller groups. The game is designed for teams to work together, and you can split up if you choose, but most puzzles are easier with multiple people discussing solutions. You book for one team, not individual players.

Most games run for 90 minutes to three hours, depending on the specific game and how quickly your team solves puzzles. The game will tell you the expected duration when you book. You control your own pace — there is no time pressure beyond the overall game window, so you can take breaks or revisit locations if needed.

Bring a fully charged phone with the CluedUpp app installed or a web browser ready. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, since you will be outdoors for the entire game. Some games require you to take photos or interact with real locations, so be prepared to move around and observe your surroundings carefully. A notebook can help if your team likes to jot down clues or theories.

Costs and what is included in your booking

Pricing varies by city and game type. Most CluedUpp games cost between £15 and £30 per team, though some special events or longer games may cost more. You pay once for your entire team, not per person, so the cost per head drops as your team grows. Check the specific game listing on the CluedUpp website for exact pricing in your area.

Your booking includes access to the game, all clues and puzzles delivered through the app, and the ability to submit answers and track your progress. It does not include food, drinks, or entry fees to any attractions — though most games take place entirely on public streets and do not require paid entry anywhere. Some games may direct you to a café or shop where you can make a purchase if you choose, but this is optional.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, check CluedUpp's cancellation policy at the time of booking. Most games allow changes up to a certain point before your start time, but policies vary by location and game type.

Difficulty levels and game themes

CluedUpp games are designed for a general audience and do not require special knowledge or experience with puzzles. Puzzles typically involve observation, logic, wordplay, and lateral thinking — skills most people have but may not use regularly. The games are challenging enough to be engaging but not so difficult that teams get stuck for hours.

Games change regularly and often follow themes — murder mysteries, treasure hunts, historical stories, or seasonal adventures. Each game has its own narrative and setting, so the experience varies. CluedUpp's website shows the current games available in your city, including theme, difficulty level, and player reviews.

Some games are marked as family-friendly and suitable for children; others are designed for adults. Read the game description carefully to check age recommendations and content warnings before booking.

What makes CluedUpp different from other outdoor puzzle games

CluedUpp focuses on real-world locations and integration with actual city streets, rather than creating a separate game world. You are solving puzzles tied to real landmarks, which means you learn about your city as you play. The app handles all puzzle delivery and answer checking, so there is no paper trail or physical materials to manage.

Unlike some treasure hunts that require you to interact with strangers or businesses, CluedUpp games are self-contained within the app. You do not need permission from shops or landmarks to play — the puzzles are designed to work from public spaces. This makes the experience smoother and means you can play without worrying about disrupting others.

CluedUpp also maintains leaderboards for many games, so you can see how your team's time and score compare to others who have played. This adds a competitive element if your team wants it, though you can ignore the leaderboard and play purely for the story and puzzles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read the CluedUpp app, or can I play through a web browser?

CluedUpp games work through both the app and a web browser on your phone. The app is available for iOS and Android, but you can also play by visiting the CluedUpp website and logging in with your booking details. Either method works equally well; choose whichever you prefer.

What if my team gets lost or stuck on a puzzle?

The app includes a hint system for most games. You can request a hint if you are stuck, which usually gives you a nudge toward the answer without spoiling it. Using hints typically does not prevent you from finishing the game, though it may affect your leaderboard score if the game tracks that. You can also contact CluedUpp support through the app if you have a technical problem.

Can I play CluedUpp games with children?

Many CluedUpp games are family-friendly and suitable for children aged 8 and up, though this varies by game. Check the age recommendation on the game listing before booking. Family games are designed to be solvable by mixed-age teams, though younger children may need help from adults on some puzzles.

What happens if the weather is bad on my game day?

CluedUpp games run rain or shine — there is no weather-based cancellation. You will be outdoors for the entire game, so check the forecast and dress accordingly. If severe weather makes it unsafe to be outside, contact CluedUpp support to discuss rescheduling options.

Can I play the same CluedUpp game twice?

Yes, you can book the same game again if it is still running. However, since you will remember the puzzles and solutions, the experience will be different the second time. Most players prefer to try new games as they rotate through CluedUpp's schedule, but replaying is entirely up to you.