What The Escape Game is and how a session runs
The Escape Game is a chain of physical escape rooms operating in multiple US cities. You enter a themed room with a group, solve puzzles and riddles, find hidden objects, and work together to "escape" by unlocking the final door — usually within 60 minutes. The room's story changes by location and difficulty level, so a pirate-themed room in one city might be different from a heist-themed room in another.
A typical session starts 10 to 15 minutes before your reserved time. Staff brief you on the story, explain the basic rules (don't break things, don't leave the room without permission, ask for hints if stuck), and answer questions. Then you enter the locked room. A staff member watches via camera and can deliver hints through a speaker system if your group requests them. When you unlock the final door or time runs out, the session ends and staff debrief you on how many puzzles you solved.
The Escape Game operates locations in cities including Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and others, though the exact list changes. Each location has multiple rooms at different difficulty levels — typically beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Rooms are designed for groups of 2 to 8 people, though minimum and maximum group sizes vary by room and location.
Key Takeaways
- The Escape Game is a chain of physical escape rooms where groups solve puzzles to unlock a final door within 60 minutes.
- Sessions include a staff briefing before entry, camera monitoring during play, and the option to request hints if your group gets stuck.
- Rooms are themed differently by location and come in beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels.
- Groups typically range from 2 to 8 people, and you book a specific time slot in advance through The Escape Game's website or by phone.
- Pricing and room availability vary by location and change seasonally, so checking the specific city's page is necessary before booking.
How to book a session and what it costs
You book through The Escape Game's main website by selecting your city, choosing a room, picking a date and time, and entering your group size. The website shows available time slots and lets you reserve when ready. You can also call the location directly to book by phone or ask questions about a specific room's difficulty or theme.
Pricing varies significantly by location and room. A single session typically ranges from $25 to $35 per person at most locations, though some premium rooms or peak-time slots cost more. Group discounts are sometimes available for larger parties, and some locations offer package deals if you book multiple rooms. The Escape Game's website shows the exact price for each room and time slot before you confirm your booking.
Most locations require payment at the time of booking, either online or by phone. Cancellation policies vary by location — some allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your session, while others have stricter windows. Check the specific location's cancellation policy when you book, as this detail is usually listed on the confirmation email or the location's page.
Difficulty levels and how to choose the right room
The Escape Game labels rooms as beginner, intermediate, or advanced based on puzzle complexity and the time pressure of solving them. Beginner rooms have more straightforward puzzles, clearer clues, and are designed for first-timers or groups with no escape room experience. Intermediate rooms require more lateral thinking and have fewer obvious hints. Advanced rooms assume you know how escape rooms work and include complex multi-step puzzles.
If your group has never done an escape room, starting with a beginner room is common — most groups in beginner rooms do not solve every puzzle, and that is normal. If everyone in your group has done escape rooms before, intermediate is usually the right choice. Advanced rooms are for groups that have completed multiple rooms and want a real challenge.
The Escape Game's website shows the difficulty rating for each room, and staff can answer questions about a specific room's style when you call. Some locations also let you read brief descriptions of each room's theme and puzzle types before booking, which can help you pick based on whether your group prefers logic puzzles, pattern recognition, or physical searching.
What happens during the game and common puzzle types
Once inside, your group has 60 minutes to solve a series of interconnected puzzles. Early puzzles typically unlock boxes, drawers, or doors that reveal the next set of puzzles. Common puzzle types include lock combinations (found by solving a math problem or decoding a message), pattern recognition (matching symbols or colors), physical manipulation (turning objects in a specific order), and hidden object searches (finding small items that unlock the next clue).
Puzzles are designed so that solving one usually gives you the information or object you need for the next. If your group gets stuck, you can ask for a hint through the speaker system — staff will give you a nudge without solving the puzzle outright. Most groups use between zero and three hints during a 60-minute session. Using hints does not end the game or count against you; it is a built-in part of the experience.
The room's story ties the puzzles together thematically. A spy-themed room might have you decode messages and crack safes. A horror-themed room might have you find clues to escape a haunted house. The story is usually explained in the briefing, so you know what you are working toward, but the puzzles themselves are the focus.
Group size, age requirements, and who can play
The Escape Game accepts groups of 2 to 8 people per room, though some rooms have different minimums or maximums. Most locations allow children as young as 8 or 10 to participate, though this varies by room theme and difficulty. Rooms with horror or intense themes may have higher age recommendations. Check the specific room's age guidelines on the website or call the location to confirm before booking if you have young children.
There are no physical or mental requirements to play — escape rooms are designed for a wide range of abilities. If someone in your group has mobility limitations, call the location ahead of time to ask whether the room is accessible and whether staff can accommodate your group's needs. Some rooms are fully wheelchair-accessible; others are not.
Groups work together, so you do not need to be a puzzle informed or have any special knowledge. Escape rooms are social experiences where different people contribute different skills — some people are good at spotting hidden objects, others at logic puzzles, others at thinking creatively. The mix of abilities in a group usually works in your favor.
What to bring and what to expect on arrival
Bring your confirmation email or booking reference number so staff can check you in. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early — arriving late may shorten your playing time, and some locations will not start a session more than 5 to 10 minutes after the reserved time. Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, as you will be moving around and may need to reach or bend.
Do not bring phones into the room itself — most locations ask you to leave them in a locker or with staff. You will not need them during the game, and they can distract from the experience. Bags and coats can usually be stored in a waiting area.
The room is climate-controlled and well-lit, though some themed rooms use dim lighting or atmospheric effects. If you have concerns about claustrophobia, darkness, or specific themes (horror, violence, etc.), describe them when you book or call ahead. Staff can tell you whether a particular room is a good fit and may suggest an alternative.
How The Escape Game differs from other escape room chains
The Escape Game is one of several national escape room chains, alongside companies like Escape the Room, Quest Factory, and others. The main differences are location availability, room themes, and pricing. The Escape Game has locations in major US cities but not everywhere — if your city does not have a location, a local independent escape room might be your only option.
The Escape Game's rooms tend to be polished and professionally designed, with high production value in theming and props. This usually means higher prices than smaller local rooms, but also more consistent quality across locations. If you have played at one Escape Game location, the experience at another will be similar in structure, though the rooms themselves are different.
Independent escape rooms in your area may be cheaper, smaller, or more experimental in design. There is no single "best" choice — it depends on what you want: a well-known brand with consistent quality, a local business, or a specific theme or difficulty level that appeals to your group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my group does not solve all the puzzles in 60 minutes?
Not solving every puzzle is common and normal — most groups do not finish, especially in intermediate and advanced rooms. The goal is to have fun and work together, not necessarily to escape. Staff will show you the remaining puzzles and explain the solutions after time runs out, so you learn how the room worked.
Can I book a private room just for my group?
Yes. When you book through the website or by phone, you reserve a specific time slot, which means your group is alone in that room. You are not mixed with strangers. If you want to may provide privacy or have a large group, call the location directly to discuss options.
Is there a time limit on how long I can stay in the room?
The standard session is 60 minutes of active play. Once time is up, the room is unlocked and the session ends. You cannot extend your time, though some locations may offer back-to-back bookings if you want to play two rooms in one visit.
What if someone in my group is uncomfortable or wants to leave early?
You can leave the room at any time — there is no penalty. Tell staff through the speaker system or knock on the door. Staff will unlock it when ready. You do not get a refund for leaving early, but your safety and comfort come first.
Do I need to know anything about the room's story before I arrive?
No. Staff explain the story and setup during the briefing before you enter. You do not need to research the room or prepare. Just show up on time and ready to solve puzzles.