how do escape rooms works?
Never played before? No problem. Whether you’re planning a night out in Salt Lake City, looking for a unique team-building activity, or just curious about what actually happens inside a puzzle room — this step-by-step guide breaks it all down.
Escape rooms are part live theater, part puzzle challenge, and 100% the kind of experience people talk about for weeks. At The Mysterious Games, we’ve stripped away the confusion and built a process so smooth that first-timers feel like pros the moment they walk in. Here’s exactly what to expect.
The step by step guide about how do escape rooms works? is explaind below.
An escape room is an immersive, story-driven game where a group of players is placed inside a themed environment and given one mission: solve the puzzles, crack the codes, and find your way out before the 60-minute countdown reaches zero. But there’s more to it than just “find the key.” Every clue you discover is a piece of a larger narrative — and every decision your team makes either brings you closer to victory or deeper into the mystery.
STEP # 01: Choose The mission
Your escape room journey begins before you even walk through the door — it starts the moment you choose your mission. At The Mysterious Games, we offer four fully-themed escape game experiences in Salt Lake City, each built around a completely different story world.
Want to outsmart a mob boss in a high-stakes heist? That’s The Heist. Prefer stopping a nuclear disaster with a rogue scientist? That’s Reactor Meltdown. Looking for ancient mystery or undead chaos? We’ve got The Egyptian Tomb and Zombies on a Chain waiting for you.
Not sure which one to pick? Browse difficulty levels, group size recommendations, and story previews on our games page to find your perfect match.
STEP # 02: Book the room
Once you’ve chosen your mission, locking in your time slot takes just a few clicks. Our online booking system is fast, straightforward, and built around one non-negotiable rule: every single booking at The Mysterious Games is 100% private.
That means no strangers. No being grouped with people you’ve never met. Just you, your friends, your family, or your coworkers — and a room full of puzzles waiting to be cracked.
This is a big deal in Salt Lake City’s escape room scene. Many venues fill rooms with random groups to maximize capacity. We don’t. Private bookings mean zero social awkwardness, more communication, better teamwork, and honestly — a lot more fun.
STEP # 03: arrive and start playing
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your start time. This isn’t just a formality — it’s where the excitement begins. Our staff will greet you at the door, walk you through the house rules, cover safety protocols (yes, including the exit button in every room), and give you a mission briefing that sets the scene.
The Mysterious Games is conveniently located right next to the Nightmare on 13th haunted house in Salt Lake City, making it an easy addition to a full evening out. Once the briefing wraps up, your team will be pumped, prepped, and ready to step into the story.
STEP # 04: get hints and clues
Here’s one of the biggest misconceptions about escape rooms: asking for a hint means you failed. It doesn’t. It means you’re playing smart.
At The Mysterious Games, we offer unlimited hints with zero penalties. Your dedicated game guide monitors your team’s progress live via in-room cameras and is ready to give you a nudge the moment you need one — without spoiling the experience. Think of your game guide less like a referee and more like a backstage crew member making sure your adventure runs perfectly from start to finish.
Stuck on a cipher? Ask. Can’t figure out how a puzzle connects to the story? Ask. Getting hints is part of the designed experience — especially for first-timers exploring a puzzle room environment for the very first time.
The rooms are designed to challenge you — not frustrate you. Hints keep the momentum going so the fun never stops.
STEP # 05: escape the room
This is the heart of the whole experience. Once the timer starts, you have 60 minutes to navigate your way through a carefully designed sequence of hidden clues, combination locks, coded messages, logic puzzles, and narrative reveals — all woven into a single, cohesive story.
No two people in the room will notice the same thing. That’s by design. Escape rooms are built to reward different strengths: one person might crack a numerical cipher while another spots a hidden compartment nobody else saw. Communication is your most powerful tool — more powerful than any lock pick or flashlight.
The live-action puzzle experience is equally popular for corporate team-building sessions, birthday party groups, date nights, and family outings. Groups of all ages — from kids with adventurous parents to office colleagues looking to bond outside a boardroom — find something to love in the challenge.
STEP # 06: celebrate your win
Whether your team escapes with 10 seconds to spare or runs out of time with one puzzle left unsolved, the experience doesn’t end when the buzzer sounds. After every game, we celebrate with a themed souvenir photo — props, smiles, and all — and you receive a free digital copy to share, post, or frame.
Win or lose, you’ll leave with stories. And you’ll probably already be debating which room to try next before you hit the parking lot.
After your game, you’re just minutes away from The Gateway — one of downtown Salt Lake City’s busiest entertainment hubs — where you can grab dinner, drinks, or dessert to cap off your night.
FAQs
How long it takes to Escape a room?
The game is exactly for an hour (60 minutes). However, We advise you to arrive 15-20 minutes prior for briefing and stay for 15-20 minutes after the game for photos and a debrief. Please plan for about 90 minutes in total!
What if I feel uncomfortable or feared?
You can leave the room. The doors are a part of story, Your safety and willingness is our top priority. There is an EXIT BUTTON in every room, allowing you to step out of the game if needed.
Do you offer special packages for birthday parties?
Yes! We offer flexible birthday packages that include private escape rooms to make your birthday celebration unforgettable.
What is your policy on late arrivals?
Because the games are scheduled back-to-back, we cannot always extend your time if you arrive late. To ensure you get your full 60 minutes, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Is there any particular dress code to play the game?
There is no strict dress code, but we recommend comfortable clothing and shoes. Some rooms may involve physical tasks like crawling or light movement, so adventure-ready attire is best.