What is an online escape room and how to play one at home

A story, puzzles and a ticking clock. We explain how the game works, what you need and where to start.

2 min read

An online escape room is a game where your team steps into a story and has to solve puzzles to find the way out. Unlike a physical escape room, you do not have to travel anywhere or book a time: the game opens in your browser and you start whenever it suits you.

The game opens in your browser and you start whenever it suits you.

How the game works

Every room is its own story. In Deadly Birthday you investigate a murder, in Severny-7 you wake up with no memory in a closed Siberian town. You move from room to room, examine objects and documents and enter the codes you find. Every correct answer opens the next part of the story. If you get stuck, in-game hints help.

Screenshot of the game: Severny-7, in the game
Severny-7 in the game: explore the room and find the clues.
The Severny-7 trailer.

What you need

  1. A computer, tablet or phone with an ordinary browser. Nothing to install.
  2. 1 to 6 players. Play solo, together at one screen, or each from your own device.
  3. If you play from different places, a voice or video call so you can talk.

The 3D room Laboratory is the exception: it is played around one computer.

Screenshot of the game: Laboratory, the 3D room
Laboratory: a 3D room you can turn and explore.

From purchase to the first puzzle

  1. Choose a game and buy one pass for 1–6 players.
  2. After purchase you get the game link and login details by email. Share them with your group.
  3. Log in. Opening the email or logging in does not start the timer.
  4. When everyone is in, press START. One playthrough lasts up to 48 consecutive hours or until you finish the game.

You can activate the game code within 1 year of purchase. The detailed guide is on the How to play page.

Where to start

If you have never played an escape room, try the free demo room Sector B-12 first: subscribe to the newsletter and the demo code arrives by email. If you like the format, pick one of the four rooms.

Deadly BirthdayA murder story. Examine the evidence, unlock new clues and find the killer.45–60 min 22 €View Severny-7A closed Siberian town, nine rooms and a blizzard outside the window.45–60 min 22 €View Keep the Lantern BurningHalloween night as a house sitter. Keep the lantern burning.45–60 min 22 €View LaboratoryA 3D room where the clues hide in objects. Around one computer.35–45 min 22 €View

All 4 rooms as a bundle for 80 €, you save 8 €.

View the bundle

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