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Some escape rooms only have one room. Some have multiple rooms within them. Single-room and multi-room escape rooms offer different opportunities for puzzles and fun. The way space is used and the types of puzzles added can make a big impact on how you play the game. Which style of escape room do you prefer?
Single-room escape rooms
Some escape rooms are games that take place within a single room, rather than being divided into different sub-rooms. Players work through different puzzles and challenges without needing to access hidden doors. There are often still locks and other types of secret compartments. Desk drawers and paintings might hide clues and mysteries. Your ultimate goal is right there in the room with you, just out of reach until you discover what you were looking for.
There are players who don’t enjoy single-room games as much as multi-room escape rooms. Since nothing is hidden behind other doors, they miss that extra sense of discovery. Other players think that the limitations of a single-room game encourage more creative uses of the space. Without other rooms to add elements of surprise, you need to think outside of the box.
One advantage to a single-room game is that, when compared to a multi-room escape room with the same square footage, single-room games can feel bigger. The lack of additional walls or closed spaces can make for a larger experience. If designed well, you can still get a sense of exploration as players search through the layers of puzzles.
The Escape Effect doesn’t have any single-room escape rooms. We designed all of our games to use multiple rooms. However, we still appreciate the work that goes into making a good single-room experience.
Multi-room escape rooms
Instead of taking place in a single room, multi-room escape rooms divide the space into multiple smaller sub-rooms. In most cases, part of the game is devoted to opening all of the doors to access these rooms. Players need to scour one room to access another. Some puzzles will remain unsolved until every room has been opened. Sometimes, players will think they’ve completed the game only to discover that one secret room remains. It’s a setup that can lead to a lot of fun surprises.
Multi-room games are the most common style of escape room. Venues divided the space for each game and use the different rooms to hide surprises. Many players enjoy exploring, especially when they get to access a secret door. When done well, the secret doors can blend into the walls, making a seemingly cramped single-room game open up into something bigger.
Some escape rooms rely on the contrast between one room and the next to emphasize a plot reveal or tone shift. A seemingly-normal house can open up to a dark, creepy basement. Split-start rooms can also create two distinct atmospheres. A Knight To Escape has a bright, open courtyard contrasting with the dark dungeon. The contrast between the two sides of the castle is used for both storytelling purposes and to differentiate the types of puzzles found.
The Escape Effect’s games are all multi-room escape rooms. We designed these games to take advantage of doors (both secret and not) to keep players guessing as they progress. However, we still enjoy the unique challenges of single-room games. The different ways that space is used in a single-room game can be a lot of fun.
Which option do you like best?
Do you like the upfront style of single-room games, or do you prefer the gradual reveals in multi-room escape rooms? Whichever style of game you like best, we hope you’ll visit us soon!
Come play at The Escape Effect
Choose from our four multi-room escape rooms! If you’re ready to play, call (855) 426-3372 or book online today.