How to Play Escape Room: The Game

Game Objective

Welcome to ESCAPE ROOM! This is a cooperative game where you and your team are "trapped," and the main objective is to find the three correct codes to escape within 60 minutes. To do this, you will need to solve riddles and puzzles, using teamwork, good communication, skill, creativity, logic, and attention to detail. If you enter the three correct codes into the Chrono Decoder within 60 minutes, a "victory" sound will play, and you escape, becoming part of the players who managed to escape in time!

Preparation (Setup)

1. Insert 3 AA batteries (not included) into the Chrono Decoder.
2. Gather all 16 Keys and examine them carefully. The Keys have 6 different sides, each with different information corresponding to the codes found in the game. Two Keys (with the circle and the square) have identical front and back, and the other two have different fronts and backs.
3. Find the envelope and the Hint Cards that correspond to the adventure you will be playing. The game contains four scenarios: Prison Break, Virus, Nuclear Countdown, and Aztec Temple. Always play adventure 1 (Prison Break) first, then adventure 2 (Virus), and so on, as the difficulty level increases with the scenario number.
4. All players should have a pen and paper. The room should be well-lit, with all game elements in view.
5. Before starting, carefully examine all details of the Keys and the Chrono Decoder.
6. Read aloud the introduction written on the "Part 1" envelope of the chosen scenario.
7. Now, you are allowed to open the envelope. Check if the contents match what is described on the envelope. If all components are present, detach them from the sheet.
8. Set the Chrono Decoder switch to "On" to turn it on.
9. Press the START button on the Chrono Decoder. If you want ambient music for the scenario, press the "Play" button on the app at the same time you press the START button.
10. The game has begun! From now on, the clock starts its 60-minute countdown.
11. All players should carefully examine the front and back of all included elements.

Game Flow

The game progresses in three parts for each scenario. In each part, players must find a code of 4 Keys and insert them into the Chrono Decoder. The goal is to find the three secret codes within 60 minutes.

• Everyone must work as a team to search for clues, codes, riddles, and puzzles.
• When you find the first of the three codes, you must insert the four corresponding Keys into the Chrono Decoder.
• If the code is correct, a "confirmation" sound will play. After confirmation, you are allowed to open the next part of the scenario to decipher the second code.
• The process repeats for the second and third codes.
• During the game, a "beep-beep" sound may play, indicating that a Hint Card can be used.

Actions and How to Play

Searching for Clues and Solving Puzzles

All players must carefully examine the front and back of all elements included in the scenario. Teamwork is crucial for searching for clues, codes, riddles, and puzzles. You don't need to tear anything to find clues, but you are allowed to fold some components or write on them. Taking notes can help discover new connections.

Using the Chrono Decoder

The Chrono Decoder is used to enter the codes you find. During the game, if you find the word "ER," it indicates that you will need to convert something using one of the toothed decoders on the sides of the Chrono Decoder or use information on the front or top of the device. Each scenario requires only one type of different cipher.

Entering a Code

When you think you have found the correct code, insert the four Keys from left to right into the Chrono Decoder.

• If the code is incorrect, an "error" sound will play, and one minute will be deducted from your remaining time. It is not possible to continue without finding the correct code, so you must keep trying until you find it.
• If the code is correct, a "success" sound will play, and the clock continues counting.
• Always remove the Keys after entering a code.

Using Hint Cards

Each scenario contains 8 numbered Hint Cards. From time to time, a "beep-beep" sound plays, indicating that a Hint Card can be used. You can choose not to read it immediately, but this ends up being a big challenge. To read the card, simply place them inside the Hint Card Decoder (the decoder in scenario 1's envelope will be used in all other scenarios).

The Hint Cards contain the following information:

• Number: Indicates the order of hints that should be followed.
• Part 1, 2, or 3: Indicates which scenario the hint belongs to.
• Answer: Some Hint Cards have the code's answer. Decide whether you want to use it now, later, or if you prefer not to use it.
• Time: The hint should never be read before the time indicated on the card.

Always read the hints carefully! If you have already figured out what is in the hint, it means you are on the right track and within time.

End of Game and Scoring

The game ends in two ways:

• Victory: If you enter the three correct codes into the Chrono Decoder within 60 minutes, a "victory" sound plays, and the clock stops. You escape!
• Failure: If you fail to find the three correct codes within 60 minutes, a "failure" sound plays, and the time starts counting up. You can continue trying to find the codes; the Chrono Decoder works the same way as before, but without the final "victory" sound. Don't forget to turn it off when you finish.

There is no formal scoring system beyond the win/loss condition based on time.

Tips for Winning

1. Communication is Key: Maintain good communication and share all information with your team. Every second is precious!
2. Examine Everything and Take Notes: Carefully examine the front and back of all game elements. Taking notes can help discover new connections and organize information.
3. Don't Give Up: Sometimes, you might get frustrated, but that's part of the Escape Room experience. Review all steps with your teammates to see if you made any logical errors. Review all components and compare them with the notes you wrote. The answers are right in front of you!