How Does a Virtual Escape Room Work? Guide to How to Play and More

man playing vr game

Virtual escape rooms have taken the world by storm, offering a unique and thrilling way to test your problem-solving skills and teamwork from the comfort of your own home. If you’re curious about how these digital adventures operate, how to play them, and whether they’re as enjoyable as their physical counterparts, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll dive into the mechanics of virtual escape rooms, discuss their duration, and share some valuable tips to enhance your virtual escape room experience.

How Do Virtual Escape Rooms Work?

Virtual escape rooms, much like their physical counterparts, are immersive puzzle-solving adventures designed to challenge your intellect and creativity. They typically take place in a digital environment, which can range from a beautifully rendered 3D world to a series of interconnected web pages (like an online game).

While some virtual escape rooms are most similar to video games, where you can play at home with just a computer or console, others are more similar to virtual reality (VR) games that require a VR headset. In the case of VR escape rooms, you put on a headset and enter an entirely new VR world. If you have the headset, you can play these games from home, although many players choose to go to a VR gaming or escape room center that offers a full VR escape room experience. Many mainstream video game companies like Ubisoft have created escape room-themed games in virtual reality.

The gameplay in virtual escape rooms, similar to a traditional escape room, revolves around solving a series of puzzles and riddles. These puzzles are often related to a central storyline or theme, which adds an element of excitement and intrigue to the experience. To progress through the game, players must work together, think critically, and use their problem-solving skills to unlock clues and uncover secrets.

As for the fun factor, virtual escape rooms can be an absolute blast. They offer a novel way to bond with friends and family, even if they’re miles away. The sense of accomplishment when you solve a challenging puzzle or unravel a mystery is incredibly rewarding. Plus, the thrill of racing against the clock adds an extra layer of excitement.

children playing vr escape rooms

How Long Do Virtual Escape Rooms Last?

The duration of virtual escape rooms can vary significantly, depending on the complexity of the puzzles and the specific game design. On average, most virtual escape rooms last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. This timeframe is carefully crafted to provide a challenging yet achievable experience.

Some virtual escape room providers offer shorter experiences, which can be completed in 30 minutes or less, making them perfect for a quick, fun activity. On the other hand, more elaborate and intricate virtual escape rooms may extend beyond the 90-minute mark, offering a deeper and more immersive adventure.

It’s important to check the estimated duration of a virtual escape room before you start, as it can help you plan your gaming session accordingly.

How to Play a Virtual Escape Room (Successfully!)

Here are a few tips on how to play – and beat – and virtual escape room.

Communication is Key: Just like in physical escape rooms, effective communication is crucial in virtual escape rooms. Make sure to discuss your findings and ideas with your team members, as they may hold the missing piece to a puzzle.

Use Your Resources: Virtual escape rooms often provide players with a variety of digital tools and clues. Be sure to explore and use these resources to your advantage. Every detail might hold a clue.

Stay Organized: Keep track of the information you gather throughout the game. Virtual escape rooms can be filled with clues, and staying organized will prevent you from getting overwhelmed.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Hints: If you’re stuck on a particularly challenging puzzle, don’t hesitate to ask for hints from the game’s host or moderator. They can provide valuable guidance to keep the game moving forward.

Enjoy the Experience: Ultimately, the goal of virtual escape rooms is to have fun and enjoy the adventure. Embrace the thrill of the unknown, and relish in the satisfaction of solving each puzzle.

No matter how you play, virtual escape rooms offer an exciting and entertaining way to challenge your problem-solving abilities, connect with others, and embark on thrilling adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned escape room enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the virtual realm offers a wealth of exciting possibilities. So, gather your team, log in or get suited up in your headset, and get ready for an unforgettable virtual escape room experience!

Can You Do an Escape Room Alone: Tips for Solo Escape Room Players

escape room sign

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering: can you do an escape room alone? Well, we have some good news for you. If you’re an escape room enthusiast, there’s no reason to let the lack of a partner stop you from enjoying the fun, although some escape rooms have minimum player rules. Solo gaming can be just as thrilling as playing with a group—here are some tips to help make your experience a successful one. 

Can You Do an Escape Room Alone? It Depends

The question of “Can you do an escape room alone?” often comes up, and it’s not an easy one to answer definitively. While many escape rooms are designed for groups and have a minimum player requirement of two or more, there are also a growing number of rooms that cater to solo players. These rooms have puzzles and challenges specifically tailored to a single individual, providing a unique and engaging experience. However, the bottom line is that it depends on the specific escape room. It’s always a good idea to check with the room operator before you go to ensure they accommodate solo players.

Tips for Doing an Escape Room Alone

Here are a few things to keep in mind when going to an escape room solo.

Set Yourself Up for Success 

First, make sure to research the type of room you’re about to enter. Look up reviews from other solo players and any special instructions that may be needed to complete the room. If there is a specific set of skills required, such as solving puzzles or using tools, practice them ahead of time so you are comfortable with them when you enter the room. 

Take Your Time 

When playing solo, there’s no need to rush. You have more freedom to explore and examine your surroundings without worrying about teammates or time constraints. Take your time and enjoy the experience! Remember that you don’t have someone else who can help you with puzzles or tasks if needed, so it’s important to be patient and take your time. 

Talk to the Room Operator 

If you’re feeling nervous or unsure about playing alone, don’t hesitate to speak up! The room operator can often provide helpful advice and tips tailored to solo players. They may be able to provide hints or give instructions on how best to navigate the room. Don’t be shy—they want you to have the best experience possible! 

Have Fun! 

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Playing solo can be a great way to challenge yourself and test your problem-solving skills. Enjoy the unique experience of an escape room all by yourself and let the excitement guide you through it.

escape room concept keys

What Escape Room Themes Are Best to Play Alone?

When doing an escape room alone, choosing the right theme is crucial to ensure a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Escape room themes differ at every venue, but there are some themes that may be best suited to solo players.

Mystery- or detective-themed rooms are often a great fit for solo players. These themes generally focus on problem-solving and piecing together clues, which can be a thrilling challenge when you’re on your own. 

Horror-themed rooms can also be intriguing for solo players as they typically revolve around individual survival, making the adrenaline rush even more intense. Puzzle-themed rooms are another excellent choice as they primarily rely on logic and critical thinking, allowing solo players to fully utilize their cognitive skills. 

Finally, consider choosing rooms with non-linear gameplay. This means you can solve puzzles in any order, providing a free-flowing experience that can be particularly beneficial when playing alone. Remember, the key in selecting a theme as a solo player is to choose one that suits your strengths and interests to enhance your overall escape room experience.

It’s highly recommended to reach out to the escape room staff before your visit and ask for their 

recommendations, as they can provide valuable insights and guide you toward rooms that are well-suited for solo play.

Good luck, and happy escaping!

Best Escape Rooms for Kids: Themes and Tips

escape room with kids

Escape rooms have become a thrilling and engaging activity for people of all ages. They challenge participants to solve puzzles, work as a team, and uncover hidden secrets within a limited timeframe. For kids, escape rooms can be an especially exciting adventure that stimulates their problem-solving skills and creativity. In this article, we will explore what to look for in escape rooms for kids and delve into some of the best escape room themes that cater to their imaginations.

What to Look for in an Escape Room for Kids

Before diving into the exciting world of escape room themes, it’s essential to understand what makes an escape room suitable for kids. Here are some key factors to consider:

Age-Appropriate Challenges: The puzzles and challenges should be designed to match the cognitive abilities of the target age group. They should be challenging yet solvable to keep kids engaged. Most escape rooms will provide a recommended or minimum age for each room.

Safety: Safety is paramount. Ensure that the escape room is well-maintained and free from any potential hazards. Additionally, having a staff member present during the game can provide added security.

An Engaging Storyline: The theme should be captivating and age-appropriate. It should spark kids’ curiosity and imagination, making them eager to explore the escape room world.

Teamwork: Encourage kids to work together as a team. Escape rooms are not only about solving puzzles but also about building essential teamwork skills.

Positive Feedback: Look for reviews and feedback from other parents to ensure that the escape room you choose is well-received by kids.

Best Escape Room Themes for Kids

Now, let’s dive into some of the best escape room themes for kids, grouped by genre. It’s important to note that every escape room venue will offer different rooms. However, many escape rooms for kids will be included in one or more of the genres listed below.

1. Science Fiction Adventures

In the realm of science fiction escape rooms, kids can embark on intergalactic adventures or time-traveling quests. Imagine a scenario where young participants must repair a malfunctioning spaceship’s systems to return to Earth or solve puzzles to prevent a futuristic disaster.

2. Enchanted Fantasy Worlds

Fantasy-themed escape rooms transport kids to magical realms filled with mystical creatures and enchanted objects. Here, they might need to recover a stolen magical artifact, decipher spells, or find their way out of a fairy tale castle guarded by mythical creatures.

3. Mystical Mysteries and Detective Adventures

Intrigue and mystery await in escape rooms that take inspiration from detective stories. Kids can become junior detectives, solving crimes, gathering clues, and unraveling enigmatic puzzles to crack the case.

4. Jungle Expeditions

Jungle-themed escape rooms are a hit among adventurous kids. They can explore the deep, mysterious jungle, encountering exotic wildlife and deciphering ancient codes to uncover hidden secrets.

5. Superhero Showdowns

Kids who idolize superheroes will relish escape rooms that let them step into the shoes of their favorite heroes. They can use their wits and superpowers to thwart a supervillain’s evil plans.

Final Thoughts on Escape Rooms for Kids

Escape rooms for kids offer a world of adventure and intrigue, providing an excellent opportunity for them to develop critical thinking skills, teamwork, and creativity. When choosing an escape room, consider the age-appropriate challenges, safety measures, and thematic elements to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether it’s a journey through space, a magical quest, or a pirate adventure, there’s an escape room theme to captivate every young explorer’s imagination. So, gather your team of young adventurers and get ready for an exciting escape room experience that will leave them craving more thrilling challenges.

When the Clock Strikes Zero: What Happens if You Can’t Escape an Escape Room?

what happens if you can't escape an escape room

So, you’ve ventured into the world of escape rooms, ready to take on thrilling challenges and solve mind-bending puzzles. But what happens when the clock ticks down to zero, and you find yourself still trapped inside? Don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world! In this guide, we’ll explore what happens if you can’t escape an escape room, along with tips to navigate this scenario and strategies to ensure victory next time.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Out of an Escape Room?

First things first, let’s address the scenario where you and your team can’t manage to escape the room within the allotted time. When the clock runs out, the game master will typically step in to debrief you on the remaining puzzles and reveal the solution to the mystery or storyline. It’s an opportunity to tie up loose ends and learn from your experience.

You won’t be left hanging in a locked room forever, don’t worry! Escape rooms are designed for entertainment, and operators want players to enjoy themselves. The experience is about teamwork, fun, and challenging your problem-solving skills. Failing to escape doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a person; it simply means the puzzles were more challenging than you expected. Even seasoned escape room experts will fail if the room is hard enough!

Tips When You Can’t Get Out of an Escape Room

Found yourself stuck in an escape room with the clock ticking down? Here’s what to do.

Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help your situation. Keep a level head and continue working with your team to solve the remaining puzzles.

Use Hints: Most escape rooms offer hints from the game master. Don’t hesitate to ask for hints when you’re stuck, but use them wisely. Sometimes a small nudge in the right direction is all you need.

Communicate: Effective communication is key. Share your findings with your team, even if they seem insignificant. It might trigger a breakthrough in the puzzle-solving process.

Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock and prioritize your efforts. If you’re stuck on one puzzle for too long, consider moving on to another. You can always come back to it later.

Think Outside the Box: Escape rooms are designed to challenge your creativity. Don’t limit yourself to conventional thinking; sometimes, the solution is more abstract than you expect.

How to Improve for Next Time

Failing to escape an escape room isn’t the end of the story; it’s just a chapter in your adventure. Here’s how you can bounce back stronger and ensure victory next time:

Reflect on Your Experience: After the game, gather your team and discuss what went well and what could have been done differently. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses as a group is crucial.

Learn from Mistakes: Did you miss a crucial clue? Did you overlook a simple solution? Identifying your mistakes helps you avoid them in future games.

Improve Team Dynamics: Effective teamwork is often the key to success. Consider your team’s dynamics and how you can better collaborate and communicate.

Brush Up on Skills: If you found specific puzzle types challenging, like decoding ciphers or solving riddles, practice those skills outside of the escape room environment. There are plenty of puzzle-solving games and resources available to sharpen your abilities.

Choose the Right Room: Not all escape rooms are created equal. Some are designed for beginners, while others are more challenging. Start with rooms that match your skill level and work your way up.

Have Fun: Remember, the primary goal of escape rooms is to have a good time. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to escape every room. Embrace the adventure and enjoy the journey.

In conclusion, failing to escape an escape room is a common occurrence, and it shouldn’t deter you from enjoying this exciting form of entertainment. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and come back stronger for your next escape room adventure. Who knows, the next room you enter might be the one where you finally triumph!

What to Expect in an Escape Room: Escape Rooms 101

Kids in an escape room

So, you’ve decided to dive into the thrilling world of escape rooms, but you’re not quite sure what to expect. What happens in an escape room? What are escape rooms like? Fear not, intrepid adventurer! In this guide, we’ll break down these questions and more! We’ll cover everything you need to know about these immersive puzzle experiences, from deciphering cryptic clues to navigating intricate storylines. Let’s get started.

What Is an Escape Room?

Escape rooms are like real-life video games, minus the screen. Picture yourself locked in a themed room, with a mission to complete and a limited amount of time to do it. It’s like being the star of your own action movie! These rooms come in all sorts of themes – from haunted houses to spy missions and historical adventures. Your goal? To solve puzzles, unravel mysteries, and ultimately escape within the allotted time (typically one hour, but sometimes 75 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t worry – you’ll get to choose the length of time based on the room you pick).

What Happens in an Escape Room?

Once you step into the room, you’ll be fully immersed in the storyline and atmosphere. After you get “locked in,” you might find yourself solving a murder mystery, defusing a bomb, or uncovering hidden treasures. The puzzles can range from simple locks and keys to complex, multi-step challenges. As you progress, you’ll unlock new areas of the room, revealing more clues and mysteries to unravel.

Communication is key in an escape room. Share your findings with your team, brainstorm ideas, and work together to connect the dots. Don’t be afraid to ask for hints if you get stuck – escape room operators are there to guide you when needed, without giving away all the answers.

The Ins and Outs of Escape Rooms: What to Expect

Here’s what you can expect from any escape room adventure.

What Are Escape Rooms Like? Escape Room Themes

The world of escape rooms is a diverse one, with themes to suit every taste. Whether you’re a history buff, a sci-fi enthusiast, or a horror junkie, there’s an escape room waiting for you. Expect to find yourself in settings that range from the Wild West to futuristic spaceships, and everything in between. The theme sets the stage for your adventure and influences the puzzles you’ll encounter. So, be ready to enter a different world with each escape room you try.

Duration of Your Escape Adventure

Escape rooms are designed to be thrilling, but they’re not meant to be never-ending. Most games have a time limit of around 60 minutes, which adds an adrenaline rush to the experience. It’s a race against the clock as you and your team work together to crack codes, decipher riddles, and unlock hidden compartments. The countdown ticking away amps up the excitement, as you have to be sure to make every second count.

Read more: How Long Do Escape Rooms Last?

How to Prepare

Don’t worry; you won’t need a Ph.D. in puzzle-solving to enjoy an escape room. But a little preparation can go a long way. Gather a group of friends or family to join you on this adventure. Teamwork is crucial, as everyone brings a unique perspective to the table. Be sure to arrive on time, as escape room operators typically run on a tight schedule. And remember, an open mind and a sense of curiosity are your best allies in this quest.

Players in an escape room

Escape Room FAQs

Still have questions? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Are escape rooms scary?

Escape rooms come in various themes, and some can be spooky or suspenseful, but they are not intended to be outright terrifying. You’ll always know the theme in advance, so you can choose one that suits your comfort level.

Can I play alone?

Escape rooms are designed for teamwork, so it’s recommended to play with a group. Solo play is possible in some places, but it’s more challenging. Read more: Can You Do an Escape Room with Only Two Players?

Is there an age limit?

Escape rooms typically have age recommendations, and some may not be suitable for young children due to their complexity or themes. Always check with the escape room operator for specific guidelines.

What should I bring?

Just your wits and a sense of adventure! Most escape rooms discourage bringing personal items like phones or bags into the game area to maintain the immersive experience.

What if we don’t escape in time?

If you don’t solve the puzzles within the time limit, the game master will usually explain the remaining puzzles and storyline. It’s still a valuable learning experience, and you can always try again.

Read more: What Happens if You Can’t Escape an Escape Room?

Now that you know what to expect in an escape room, it’s time to gather your crew and embark on your own adventure. Remember, each escape room is a unique experience, so you can keep coming back for more excitement. So, gear up, get ready to think outside the box, and let the escapades begin!

Yes, You Can Do an Escape Room with Only Two People: Tips for Two-Person  Escape Room Teams

Escape rooms are a fun way to spend time with friends, family, or co-workers. But what if you don’t have a big group to go with? Many people wonder if they can do an escape room with only two people. The good news is, you can! 

A two-person escape room can be a thrilling challenge that requires good communication, strategic thinking, and teamwork. However, it can also be more difficult than a larger group. In this blog post, we will go over some tips for two-person escape rooms, so you can have the best possible experience.

escape room concept

Benefits and Challenges of Doing an Escape Room with Two People

Taking on a two-person escape room offers both benefits and challenges. On the positive side, a two-person escape room can provide an intimate and thrilling experience. With only two minds at work, it fosters a strong sense of teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking. It allows for better coordination and a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, two-person escape rooms often involve fewer distractions, enabling players to immerse themselves more fully in the game’s world. 

However, the challenge lies in covering all the necessary tasks and puzzles with limited person-power. The room might present complexities that require more people to solve effectively. In a two-person team, time management becomes critical, as every minute counts. Nevertheless, with the right approach and a positive attitude, conquering a two-person escape room can be a rewarding and memorable experience for both participants.

How to Beat an Escape Room for Two

Ready to play your two-person escape room? Here are some guidelines to help you make the most of your escape room experience.

1. Choose the right room

The first step in succeeding in a two-person escape room is choosing the right room. Make sure to look for a room that is specifically designed for smaller groups. Some escape rooms require a minimum of four or six people, so be sure to read the descriptions before booking. There are plenty of escape rooms out there that work well for two people, such as those that involve less physical activity, more strategy, or shorter time limits.

If you’re stuck, you can consider getting in touch with the escape room venue of your choice. Their gamemasters will be happy to help you pick the best escape room for two people.

2. Divide and conquer

One of the biggest challenges of a two-person escape room is covering all the areas and puzzles in the room. Divide up the tasks based on individual strengths and interests. For example, if one of you is good at finding hidden objects, let them take on that role while the other focuses on solving puzzles. Communicate with each other and work together to solve the clues. 

3. Use your time effectively

In a two-person escape room, time is of the essence. Make sure to use every minute wisely. Don’t linger too long on a single puzzle; if you find yourself struggling, switch to another challenge and return to it later. Keep an eye on the clock and don’t be afraid to ask for a hint if you need it – most escape rooms allow a certain number of hints during the game.

4. Don’t forget to have fun!

Above all, remember that escape rooms are meant to be a fun experience. Don’t get too caught up in winning or losing. Even if you don’t escape in time, you can still have a great time working together and solving puzzles. Enjoy the adventure and have fun!

5. Practice makes perfect

If you’re new to escape rooms or haven’t done one as a two-person team before, it can be helpful to practice beforehand. Play some online escape room games, or try a mini-version of an escape room with your partner at home. This will help you get a feel for how you work together, and what kinds of puzzles you each enjoy.

The Power of Two

In the thrilling world of two-person escape rooms, where teamwork and brainpower reign supreme, even if you don’t unlock all the mysteries, you’re sure to discover unforgettable moments filled with laughter and excitement. So grab your partner-in-crime and embark on an adventure that promises joy, puzzles, and a whole lot of fun!

Ready to learn more about beating escape rooms? Check out our article, How Long Do Escape Rooms Last? A Guide to Conquering the Clock.

How Long Do Escape Rooms Last? A Guide to Conquering the Clock

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, captivating thrill-seekers, puzzle enthusiasts, and friends looking for an exciting group activity. But most people don’t have all day to devote to escaping. As you step into these immersive worlds, a critical question arises: “How long do escape rooms last?” 

Maybe you’re short on time, or maybe you want to know how many minutes you’ll have to beat the room. Either way, in this blog, we’ll delve into how long the typical escape room takes, explore the factors that contribute to varying timeframes, and provide expert tips to complete these challenges faster.

Kids in escape rooms - how long do escape rooms last

Length of Escape Rooms: Time Limits

Most escape rooms follow a similar structure: participants are “locked” inside a themed room and must work together to solve puzzles, decipher codes, and find hidden clues to progress through the storyline and ultimately escape before the time runs out. Every escape room will have a time limit. The goal is to beat the game and “escape” from the room within this limit.

All escape rooms are designed to be immersive and captivating, but their durations can vary significantly. On average, escape rooms typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, with most closer to 60. However, some experiences can be shorter, spanning around 30 minutes, while others may extend to two hours or more. No matter what, you’ll need to beat the room in the amount of time the escape room has allotted, although many players end up solving the puzzle faster. After all, most escape rooms are designed to be fun, not to trap you in there forever!

How Long Do Escape Rooms Take? Beating the Puzzle

Escape rooms will take no longer than the time limit provided by the escape room company or gamemaster. However, while first-time escape room players may just try and make it out, regardless of how long it takes them, many escape room enthusiasts may choose to get out as fast as they can. (Fun fact: the world record for most escape rooms played in 24 hours is 25 rooms! This averages out to a little over 1 hour per room).

The time it takes to beat an escape room varies greatly from room to room. For rooms with more difficult puzzles, it may take you the entire allotted time to crack the code. But for rooms with simpler puzzles – or more experienced players – it may be easier to get out in less time than the limit. 

Most escape rooms will have a leaderboard, or at least can tell you the fastest anyone has ever completed the room in the past.

Why Do Escape Rooms Have Different Durations?

Several factors will influence how long your escape room takes:

Puzzle Complexity: Rooms with intricate puzzles and challenging enigmas will naturally take longer to solve.

Number of Challenges: Escape rooms can have multiple stages, each with its own set of puzzles. The more stages there are, the longer it will take to complete the room.

Storyline and Immersion: Escape rooms that immerse players deeply into a captivating narrative often have more elaborate setups, which can extend the duration of the overall experience.

Group Size: The number of participants can impact the time it takes to escape. Larger groups may have more perspectives and ideas, but coordinating actions can be challenging.

Experience Level: The experience and skills of the participants can significantly affect how quickly they progress through the room.

adults in an escape room

Tips for Completing Escape Rooms Faster

While escape rooms are meant to be challenging, the following tips can help you maximize your chances of success within the given time:

Effective Communication: Maintain open communication with your team, sharing findings, ideas, and progress. Work together to avoid wasting time on redundant tasks.

Assign Roles: Designate specific roles to each team member based on their strengths. Some may excel at decoding, while others are better at searching for hidden clues.

Focus on Key Clues: Not all clues are essential to solving the puzzle. Concentrate on critical elements and don’t get sidetracked by red herrings.

Manage Time Wisely: Regularly check how much time remains and prioritize tasks accordingly. Don’t spend too long on a single puzzle if you feel stuck; move on and return to it later if necessary. Not all escape rooms are meant to be played in a linear progression where you move from one puzzle to the next in a specific order!

Split and Conquer: Divide the room into sections and have team members work on different puzzles simultaneously. This approach can help cover more ground quickly.

Conclusion

So, how long do escape rooms last? By now, you probably know the answer is, “it depends!”

As you venture into the world of escape rooms, understanding the typical duration and factors affecting timeframes will enhance your experience. Remember, the clock is ticking, so implement these tips to optimize your chances of breaking free and emerging victorious in record time. Now that you know how long escape rooms take, go forth and conquer the mysteries that await!

Brain Storm Escape Games

Main Location: Nacross, GA

Activities Offered:

  • Group Escape Rooms
  • Team Building
  • Events & Parties

Escape Rooms

Black & White Room

Description: You used the latest virtual reality remote to transport yourself into an old black and white television show. But you lost the remote and are now trapped in a world of black and white! The only way to get out is to rewire the virtual exit portal before the one hour show ends, or you will never see color again!

Number of Players: 10

Time: 60min

Success Rate: 53%

Record Time: 23:01

Price: $30 per person

Area 51

Description: The year is 1947. The government is secretly experimenting with the creation of a new life form: a hybrid of humans and aliens! But they can’t finish this experiment until they retrieve more human body parts! You have one hour to escape Area 51 before they come back and make you and your group part of their experiment! Hopefully, you still have your brain…you’re going to need it!

Number of Players: 10

Time: 60min

Success Rate: 48%

Record Time: 33:30

Price: $30 per person

Catacombs

Description: Your team of archaeologists was on a secret dig when the earth below you crumbled! You find yourself in ancient catacombs where the Romans buried their dead. No one knows you are here. You only have 60 minutes of air. Can you escape the narrow passages before air runs out? Or will you remain behind forever, your bones resting alongside those who came before you?!

Number of Players: 8

Time: 60min

Success Rate: 52%

Record Time: 27:15

Price: $30 per person

CSI:ATL

Description: The Department of Homeland Security has discovered that a major terrorist cell has been found in the Atlanta area. The evidence suggests that they are hiding in a nearby suburb to the north, called Norcross, and they are planning something big! You need to figure out where this terrorist event will take place before it is too late. They will carry out their mission in 60 minutes, unless you can stop them.

Number of Players: 10

Time: 70min

Success Rate: 40%

Record Time: 52:30

Price:

Codex Silenda: The Book of Puzzles

Codex Silenda: The Book of Puzzles is a book with a series of puzzles that must be completed to move to the next section. This article will go into detail about what Codex Silenda is, its history, people’s personal experiences with the book of puzzles, and how to get one.

Codex Silenda Puzzle Book

What is Codex Silenda?

Codex Silenda is a puzzle book designed and created by Brady Whitney. It is made out of multiple types of wood, shaped by laser, and assembled into different types of puzzles. Codex Silenda consists of five puzzle pages, each of which must be solved before proceeding to the next.

Every page has a story to tell, which will only be revealed at the back of each page if you manage to solve the puzzle. As an introduction, the Codex Silenda tells the story of an apprentice who came across a similar puzzle in Da Vinci’s workshop, where Da Vinci has set the codex as a trap for spy apprentices that try to steal his work. However, as the demand for this amazing puzzle book has grown, Whitney has produced several more versions of the book, including Egyptian, Mayan, Necronomicon, and Norse version, which still share the same puzzles but have their own unique designs and stories to follow.

Here is an overview of the five unusual puzzle pages from Codex Silenda:

Page 1: Mechanical Iris

The first page of the book is called the mechanical iris, which is where you find yourself in a trap. On this page, you must activate the right combination of locks in order to open the mechanical iris that will allow you to unlock the next page.

Page 2: Rotating Maze

The second page is called the rotating maze. On this page, you must solve a maze, which is covered by a cylinder wood block. The cover makes the maze more difficult to navigate and solve. Once you manage to complete the maze, the book will allow you to unlock the next page. 

Page 3: Geneva Gears

The third page is called Geneva Gears. The name and concept of this page are based on the Geneva drive mechanism. On this page, you must position all of the gears in their appropriate places to be able to unlock the next page.

Page 4: Paradox Sliders

The fourth page is called the Paradox Sliders. This page requires fourteen sliders to be positioned appropriately across the page in order to unhook the locks and bolts and access the next and final page.

Page 5: Cryptex Lock

The fifth page, known as the Cryptex Lock, introduces the final puzzle; this is the apprentice’s final challenge in the story in order for him to escape the trap. To be able to solve the final puzzle on this page, you must first understand the rune codes written on this page.

History of Codex Silenda

The Codex Silenda was a thesis project of Brady Whitney at Iowa State University in 2016. After the success of his project, Whitney shared the photos of the Codex Silenda online, where it went viral in one day. Since then, many people inquired about the availability of Codex Silenda on the market.

In August 2016, two months after codex silenda went viral online, a kickstarter campaign was launched by Whitney and his team. His goal was to raise $30,000 USD but in just three days, the campaign raised $100,000 USD and grew up to more than $200,000 USD in just one week. After several years, the demand for the Codex Silenda in the market continuously increases until it reaches the point where the Codex Silenda production couldn’t cover the demand anymore. Because of this, Whitney decided to launch another kickstarter campaign in March 2020 called Codex Silenda Remastered. This has successfully raised more than $700,000 USD, and become fully funded in just 15 hours. The goal is to hire additional employees to increase the production of Codex Silenda, and to obtain new facilities with better equipment to speed up the manufacturing capacity. More themes and puzzle innovations were also introduced in Codex Silenda Remastered, making it more interesting and challenging for the users.

Different Codex Silenda themes:  Da Vinci | Mayan | Norse | Egyptian | Necronomicon

Today, Whitney and his team continue manufacturing Codex Silenda and are considering inventing another version.

The Codex Silenda Experience

As the availability of Codex Silenda in the market grows, many people have taken up the challenge and shared their personal experiences and reviews. Unexpectedly, Codex Silenda was even featured in an American action crime drama.

During the Codex Silenda kickstart campaign in 2020, American actor Neil Patrick Harris posted a quick review video. He also promotes the campaign’s objective of producing more Codex Silenda for people to enjoy. 

Chris Ramsay, a Canadian magician, and YouTuber shared his firsthand experience with Codex Silenda through a walkthrough video in 2020, which he finds really challenging and rated as a level 10 difficulty puzzle.

The uniqueness of Codex Silenda comes with how surprisingly it is built. For those who are curious, here is a quick video shared by Arcane Concept Inc. in 2017 that shows how this fantastic book of puzzles is made.

The NCIS: New Orleans episode “Treasure Hunt” features the Codex Silenda. In the episode, the NCIS team seeks to investigate the mysterious murder case of a naval captain on a treasure hunt. While trying to solve the case, the team comes across the Codex Silenda, which they have to solve as part of their investigation.

Source: NCIS: New Orleans

How To Play Codex Silenda

Purchasing Ready to Play Codex Silenda

If you love puzzles, a twisting story, and are up for a mind-bending challenge, this puzzle book might be perfect for you. The Codex Silenda is already distributed and available on different market platforms online. Here are several online stores where you can order your own Codex Silenda: 

Purchasing DIY Codex SilendaAlthough the book of puzzles seems to be really complex to build, the Codex Silenda, in collaboration with SCS Direct made a Codex Silenda DIY edition which is available on Amazon. This will give you an extra challenge by assembling before solving your own Codex Silenda.

DIY Codex Silenda
Source: Amazon/SCS Direct

The Codex Silenda is indeed a brilliant invention that has thankfully been made available in the market for the entertainment of puzzle enthusiasts. Do you think you’re ready for this kind of challenge? The only way to find out is to try.


Codex Silenda pages 1-5 image source: Kick Starter

Putting things into perspective…

Have you ever felt pessimistic about your life situation, then had something happen to you that changes the way you feel about it? A common perspective shift happens for people around money. They may feel poor, until they travel to a much poorer region of the world, then all of a sudden they feel rich.

This is the power of perspective. You can have your entire outlook on life flipped upside down in a matter of minutes.

To be mindful of perspective is to harness the power of your mind. Simply understanding how you’re interpreting your world; how you are assigning values to emotions and events… is the entryway to being able to influence them.

Most happy and successful people have cultivated the ability to be self aware and to manage their emotions by paying attention to their own perspective and what influences it.

Having an accurate perspective of a room and the people in it will help you succeed in an escape room. More importantly it can help you in many other situations in life. You might find that some of the skills gaming helps to strengthen are transferable to other parts of your life. Perspective!