Escape rooms are popping up all over the place these days! But what are they and are they something I can do with my kids? Let’s get down to the basics.
What are escape rooms?
Originally developed in Japan, escape rooms are the real-life versions of games based off the video games called “escape the room.”
In the real-life version of escape rooms, players of are “locked” in a room and have to use elements of the room to solve different types puzzles to “escape” within a set time limit. (In general rooms, are not actually locked, but trying to get out is part of the fun!)
Escape room games are set in fictional locations based on exciting mysteries such as Pirate ships, space stations, and prison cells. The puzzles and mysteries range from easy/beginner to incredibly complex and challenging. They are great fun for team building, parties, and in some cases, family outings (where age appropriate).
Escape rooms started gaining popularity here in the U.S. in 2010’s and there are tons of great rooms in and around Pittsburgh.
How do we “escape”?
Each escape room has its own mystery to solve or mission to complete with a series of puzzles and clues which ultimately lead to finding your way “out” of the room.
Puzzles and missions range from decoding secret languages, to discovering secret panels, to finding lost keys, to putting complex puzzle pieces together.
For example, the answer to puzzle #1 will give you a clue to solve puzzle #2. That answer will lead you to puzzle #3, and so forth.
Depending on the room, the escape room staff may offer clues to players throughout the game. Some rooms offer specific, time-sensitive clues, while other rooms are more general and generic.
Most escape rooms give a time limit of 60 minutes. This adds the element of the time clock ticking down while trying to solve the puzzles!
What if we don’t “escape” in time?
Ultimately, win or lose, “escape” or not, the game is over after the allotted time. Everyone must exit the room when the time is up. (Again, the room is never actually locked anyway.)
Often groups are photographed with signs at the end. “We escaped!” and bragging rights for those who solved the mystery. “Thumbs down,” for those who didn’t solve the mystery in the allotted time.
