Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Escape Room?
An Escape Room is an immersive, in-person game, in which a team of players must uncover clues, complete puzzles, and accomplish tasks to achieve a specific goal within a set amount of time (typically 60 minutes). The goal, which is specific to each escape room scenario, could be to “escape,” to solve a mystery, to locate a lost person or stolen item, to diffuse a “bomb,” or to complete some other mission.
Each Escape Room is built around a particular theme. Themes might include such things as mysteries, fantasy, sci-fi, secret agents, crime, prison breaks, pirates, treasure hunts, ancient civilizations, science, horror, holidays, and more.
Am I really locked in?
NO. You are never actually locked in. North Carolina Law does not allow us to physically lock you in a space. The locking of the room is only a simulation, so you must use your imagination. You can exit at any time, but the clock does not stop.
Do I need any special skills or knowledge to play?
Only basic math and English language skills are required. Beyond that, your team will use their collective powers of observation, intuition, logic, and deduction to figure it all out. Each team member contributes to the solving on the room based on their unique skills and strengths.
The Game Master will provide hints if a team gets stuck to keep the game moving. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for hints. In fact, most do! The point is to have fun while working together to achieve the goal.
How many people can play at once?
Our current rooms requires a minimum of 2 players and allow a maximum of 6 players. We recommend 4-6 players.
Will I be playing with people I don’t know?
Each booking is private, so you will only be playing with the members of your group.
What are the age requirements?
PANIC AT THE PROFESSOR’S PLACE:
Players must be at least 8 years old. Players under 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the game. We do not have the option to allow young kids to play on their own.
NIGHTMARE IN THE BAYOU
Players must be at least 10 years old. Players under 15 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the game. We do not have the option to allow young kids to play on their own.
This is not a super scary or gruesome escape room, but there are a couple of mildly dark-ish elements. Overall, it is a pretty family-friendly game. However, if you have concerns about the appropriateness for children, please send us an email and we will answer your questions and/or call you back to discuss.
Is this a good team-building activity?
DEFINITELY! Escape rooms require communication and collaboration to solve them in the allotted time. Many different skills are required, so each team member usually has different competencies to offer.
What are your hours?
Currently, we are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons and evenings, but we add additional days and time for many holidays. Click our BOOK NOW link for available days and times.
Can we book a game for a special event outside normal business hours?
YES. If you would like to book a game outside normal hours, please email us at escapegameswarrentonnc@gmail.com with your details in advance. We will do our best to accomodate you!
What is the cost?
Cost depends on number of players in your group.
2 players = $40 each
3 players = $33 each
4 - 6 players = $28 each
Note: We design our rooms for 4-6 players, but we allow for 2 or 3 players. However, the cost per player is higher for 2 or 3 players.
How do I book my game & pay?
All bookings are made online through our BOOKING LINK and are paid in full at the time of the booking.
We do not take bookings by phone., email, text, or messenger.
Do you offer refunds?
We do not offer refunds. However, you can call us to reschedule your game for a different day/time if done at least 24 hours before your booking. No-shows will not receive refund or credit.
Do you have handicap access?
Yes, our building, game rooms, and bathrooms have handicap access, but some game rooms have limited access to certain areas.
What should I do before I arrive?
Make sure all member of your group have signed our DIGITAL WAIVER before arriving.
How early should we arrive?
Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your appointed time. Your party will not be permitted to enter the game until all members are present with waivers signed (minors need to be signed for by an adult).
Games will start on time since there could be other bookings scheduled after yours. Please call to reschedule your reservation if you are not able to make it within 10 minutes of your start time.
What about parking?
Please park in public parking spaces on the street in front of the Taylor Building or in any public parking place in town and enter through the double doors of the Taylor Building.
Escape Games Warrenton is down the main hall on the left.
Should I be intoxicated when I come to play?
NO. When intoxicated, your brain is impaired, so you are not likely to play as well. Intoxicated players tend to be rougher with puzzles and props, less likely to follow instructions, and less likely to solve/escape the room. NOTE: If you are visibly intoxicated, you will not be allowed to play.
What happens when we arrive?
When all members of your group have arrived, you will meet with your Game Master in the reception area. Your Game Master will expain the rules and answer basic questions before you enter the room. You will watch a short mission briefing video, and then your countdown timer will start counting down. Your Game Master will monitor your game and provide hints as necessary.
Can I use my cell phone during my escape room game?
Cell phone use is not permitted. There is a place inside each room to place your phone and other belongings while you play.
We highly recommend that you silence or turn off all cell phones in order to keep your experience immersive. However, we understand that certain situations require us to be reachable. If you must take a call, please step out of the room to take the call. Please note: the game will not stop and will continue without you. You may step back in when your call is complete. Taking an important call is the only situation in which cell phone use is permitted.
What happens if I am too rough with puzzles and props in the escape rooms?
Your Game Master will buzz you with a warning buzzer if you are being too rough or doing something you are not supposed to. If it happens a second time, the game will stop and you will be asked to leave without a refund.
There will be some items you will find and handle, but force is never required. Force is never required to open or manipulate anything in the rooms, so please do not manhandle anything.
Can we get hints if we need them?
Yes. If you get stuck and need a hint, simply ask for it. Your Game Master will give you what you need to keep the game moving forward.
There is no penalty for or shame in getting hints, so you can get as many as you need. The goal is to have fun and try to complete the room.
Because the clock is ticking, it’s best to ask for a hint if things are not moving forward and you’re not sure what to do next.
We are more than happy to nudge you along with a hint if we see you stalling out.
What are some strategies to make my team more successful?
Examine Everything & Notice Patterns
Notice as much as possible when you first get into the room. Some things will be useful right away, and other things will be needed later. Look closely at clues, objects, and wall decorations for patterns, similarities, and irregularities. These could be key to solving the puzzle!
Work Together & Keep Each Other Informed
Communicate what you are finding with each other. This will help everyone become aware of everything that has been discovered, which helps everyone start noticing patterns and making connections. Make sure everyone knows when a puzzle has been solved so that no one is wasting time on something that has already been done. (Remember, the clock is ticking.) Groups that communicate and work together have the highest chance of success!
Keep Clues & Puzzles Organized
Put all physical objects that you find in a central location in the room so that everyone knows where they are. (Remember: Nothing will need to be pulled off the wall. And doing so will stop the game.)
Utilize Everyone’s Skills
Some team members may be great at solving puzzles whereas others are good at analyzing a set of patterns. Solving an escape room is a team effort, so help each other shine and work where your skill sets fit!
Stay Positive & Ask for a Hint When You Need It
There is no shame in asking for a hint. We expect that you will, so if you find your team standing around and not doing anything, it is a good time to ask for a clue to keep the game moving (the clock is ticking). Work together and have fun!
Listen to Your Game Master
When your Game Master gives you a hint, listen and act on it. It is the Game Master’s job to help you have good experience.
Stay Calm & Puzzle On
Yes, the clock is ticking, but you don’t have to panic. You have a team with different skills and talents. Work together, communicate, and ask for hints as needed to keep the fun going.
Be Respectful & Gentle
We have created this game for all of you to enjoy. Please be gentle with all puzzles and props. If you are rough with the puzzles and props, it could prevent the next group from playing if we have to shut down for repairs. Also, if you are disrespectful and tear things up, you will be asked to leave without a refund and not allowed to come back.