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TL;DREscape rooms have various kinds of gameplay, just like how they all have different set design and puzzles. A linear games is where one clue leads to the next, following a straight path. A non-linear game branches off into many paths, with several puzzles that can be solved simultaneously. You may also encounter split-start games where your team is separated for part of the experience.
No two escape rooms are exactly the same. From the various themes, puzzles, and gameplay styles, each game offers a unique experience. Even if you played two escape rooms with the same basic premise, you won’t even come close to playing the same game twice. That’s what makes them so fun!
You might be wondering just how many types of escape rooms there are. The answer will depend partially on how you define a category. We’ll go over the most common escape room types so you can find the best games for you! We won’t be talking about themes here; there are so many themes that it would be impossible to list them all. We won’t be going over the types of puzzles, like scavenger hunts, either. Those can be just as diverse as themes.
Today, we’re just going to focus on the types of escape rooms and how they’re played.
Gameplay types
The most common escape room classifications define the games by how they’re structured. This type of breakdown gives players the clearest understanding of how the game will flow.
Linear escape rooms
Linear escape rooms follow a straight path from puzzle to puzzle. Players typically start with clues that lead to one puzzle. Solving it gives the team clues to the next one. These types of escape rooms flow from one puzzle to the next in a smooth, predictable line. Players work together on one puzzle at a time until they get to the end. Many players find this type of escape room easier because it’s more streamlined and predictable.
A Knight To Escape and Sherlock Studies are both linear escape rooms. While A Knight To Escape is distinct as a split-start game, Sherlock Studies is more of a “classic” linear room. In both cases, your team will have to work together to solve each puzzle if they want to escape.
Non-linear escape rooms
Non-linear escape rooms have branching paths for players to follow. Teams can split up to focus on multiple puzzles at the same time. Solving one puzzle isn’t always enough to provide clues for the next one, either. You may need to finish a group of puzzles before you can move on.
There are usually points where multiple branches merge back into one, especially at the end. This might occur in the middle of the game, but it always happens at the finale. Multiple puzzles lead to a single puzzle, which opens the next (or final) section. Some players find this more challenging because they don’t always know where to start, but others enjoy being able to study multiple puzzles at once.
At Odds With The Gods and Fright Before Your Eyes are both non-linear escape rooms. Your team can decide to “divide and conquer” or stay together to tackle one problem at a time.
Split-start escape rooms
Split-start escape rooms are games that divide the team at the beginning. Instead of working together in a single room, your team will enter two rooms with the goal of reuniting. While a split-start game could be linear or non-linear, we’re putting it in its own category because of how unique this structure is. Teamwork can become a lot more challenging when neither side can see what the other is doing.
A Knight To Escape is a split-start escape room. In fact, it’s the longest split-start game in all of Florida! Instead of reuniting the team at the beginning of the game, A Knight To Escape keeps your team divided right up to the end. Your team needs strong communication skills if you want to reunite.
Other types of escape rooms
These types of escape rooms are not defined by the structure or flow of the game. In fact, they can follow any type of game flow. Instead, these escape rooms could other elements that separate them from your standard escape room experience.
Virtual escape rooms
Many people refer to escape rooms as real-life video games. Recently, some real-life escape rooms have gone back to their video game roots and created virtual versions of escape rooms. These virtual escape rooms feature elements of real-life games like time limits and a live host for your experience. They aren’t necessarily digital recreations of existing games; some might include video game elements that the real world can’t allow.
Mobile or pop-up escape rooms
Some adventurous people have taken escape rooms on the road. Given the limits of transportation and venue space, mobile escape rooms tend to be smaller games with shorter time limits. They’re a fun addition to any large event.
What types of escape rooms do you like?
Now you know about the different types of escape rooms. Which games do you like best? Here at The Escape Effect, we offer different types of escape rooms, puzzles, and unique themes that you won’t find anywhere else! Bring your team to one of our games and see what makes us the #1 Entertainment Experience.
Come play at The Escape Effect
We offer different types of escape rooms that your group will love! If you’re ready to play, call (855) 426-3372 or book online today.