Who doesn’t love a good escape room activity? I know we do! Online escape rooms have become more and more popular during these crazy times.
Online or virtual escape room games usually run through a video conferencing platform where your team members solve different puzzles and finds hidden clues to “escape the room.”
The virtual escape rooms create a mysterious and dynamic story-line for each “room.”
This activity is a great opportunity for your team to collaborate and use their problem solving skills. It's also a great activity for an online team building activity.
Chapters
Top Tips For Solving Online Escape Rooms
Best Online Escape Rooms
Let’s get started on your team's remote adventures with our favorite and BEST virtual escape rooms for virtual events, a team Zoom meeting, or any activity for virtual teams or hybrid teams!
1) Modern Genius Escape Game
Modern Genius has a fun narrative for the Elon Musk lovers & haters out there. The mad billionaire Ilan Tusk has invented a teleportation device and now he can't be found.
Guided by Mr Tusk's AI Butler 'Alfred' you and your team have to journey through the mansion/lair of the inventor solving puzzles along the way. Your goal is to back through his steps and figure out how to bring him back - and collect the reward.
It took our team about 55 minutes to solve this one, great fun!
Check-out Modern Genius here.
2) Lost In The Arctic Escape
A mystery down at a stranded arctic research station requires your team to get together and investigate.
Fans of the paranormal will enjoy this one as it seems the source of the mystery is not of this world.
We got stuck halfway on this and had to use the hints one time, but the ending made it worth it. Would play again.
Check-out Lost In The Arctic Escape here.
3) The Redemption Games
If you’re looking for a game that will challenge you and your team to think outside of the box and collaborate, “The Redemption Games” is a game you should check out.
The online escape room challenge is a game that will test your skills, reflexes, and strength. With stunning graphics and an intense storyline, you'll feel like you're right in the middle of the action.
The game works for anywhere between three to five people at a time, but can also work for bigger groups.
“The Redemption Games” lasts anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour and can bring a team closer together.
If you’re playing alone, the online escape room is also a great way to test your ability to deduce riddles and solve puzzles.
We like the game not just because it’s challenging, but it follows a highly-entertaining storyline while doing so.
Playing “The Redemption Games” costs $49, which is anywhere between $16 to $10 per player depending on how many play— a small cost for an activity that will help your team brainstorm better!
Click here to check out The Redemption Games.
4) Grand Theft Escape
Are you ready for an escape room challenge that will bring you around the world?
Grand Theft Escape is a unique online escape room experience. You and your team will have 60 minutes to solve the mystery of Mr Gautheri’s wager. If you succeed, he’ll reward you handsomely.
But don’t think it’ll be easy as you’re not the only one gunning for the prize. Another inventor with a contraption that lets you fly faster than ever before is also joining the race to circle the globe in 80 days or less.
Each of Grand Theft Escape’s puzzles and riddles offers its own unique set of challenges, but all require critical thinking skills and teamwork to complete successfully. This game is great for teams that love steampunk literature and themes.
It’s also a good mix of challenge and fun, assuring any team who plays it a great time together.
We rate this game highly at the top because of how well-designed it is and how many great feedback it has received from teams of various sizes. One license is $49 and is good for anywhere between three to five players. Purchase multiple codes and break your group into teams if you have more than 5 people.
Click here to check out Grand Theft Escape.
5) Black Noir Online Escape Room
The team behind Black Noir team have built a virtual online escape room that your team will find both challenging and fun. We gave this game top placement in our review because we had the most fun going through it. The narrative is really well thought out and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Each room has a different theme and focuses on several puzzle solving skills. Black Noir is great for small groups or even large groups, you can buy 1 code per group of 3 to 5 players and play it together over Zoom.
If you are a escape room lover, be sure to try this out with your group. 10/10 stars.
Check-out Black Noir Escape here.
6) 60out
60out has put together challenging scenarios that will have your team using their problem-solving skills in no time. This is great for groups of all sizes and has several difficulty levels your team can choose from. If you still can’t get enough online escape rooms, that have added themes where you can play individually and continue the challenge at home.
Check-out 60out here.
7) Trapped in the Web
Challenge your team with Trapped in the Web’s inventive mystery escape rooms. It doesn't matter what your escape room experience level is but Trapped in the Web will have your team feeling ready for any problem that comes their way. The best part of their escape rooms is that you can play it by yourself or with larger groups to get your adventure in the comfort of your own home.
Try-out their “genius level” room “Space Race”where it will take you out of this world 🚀 !
Check-out Trapped in the Web here.
8) The Truth About Edith by Mad Genius Escape Co.
Mad Genius Escape Co. originates in Oregon but wanted to keep the mysterious fun going by writing an epic crazy cat lady story that will have you wanting to explore her apartment in no time. “The Truth About Edith” is great for smaller groups and is a super easy set-up.
They also just introduced a virtual puzzle game, “Boobano Farm” for larger groups that is fun and quirky.
Check-out The Truth About Edith here by Mad Genius Escape Co.
9) Luco Online Escape Rooms
The Luco Online Escape Rooms are perfect for smaller teams and have 3 great adrenaline-pumping storylines to choose from. All their virtual escape rooms are uniquely illustrated to create the best escape experience for your next event.
Wanting to experience mythological creatures and hunt down monsters, try-out their “Monster Hunters Academy”.
Check-out Luco Online Escape Rooms here.
10) Confundrum Escape Rooms
Confundrum Escape Room has created the best 3-D graphics that will have everyone participating feel like you are all in the same physical location. If you need any clues to help you solve the mystery, they even got an in-room game master to assist you along the way.
Check-out Confundrum Escape Rooms here.
11) The Panic Room
With different themes and varying difficulty levels, The Panic Room is great for your remote team. There is no limit to the number of players, and it can be played using your mobile phone, tablet, or computer. On top of having exciting virtual escape rooms, they also provide other great online games for your team to try.
For great holiday fun, try their “CSI: Christmas Investigation” festive escape room.
Check-out The Panic Room here.
12) Expedition Escape
Expedition Escape has some of the top escape rooms in Philadelphia, so they decided to create a virtual version for those who cannot make it in person. Solve complicated puzzles and get your thinking cap on to help your team win!
They have 3 excellent online escape rooms that won’t disappoint and will have your team addicted to escape rooms. Their top virtual escape room is the Bank Heist, where you will get to explore being part of the top crime family.
Check-out Expedition Escape here.
Looking for other awesome virtual team building activities to play with your colleagues and friends? Check out our list of the best virtual team building activities.
Free Online Escape Rooms
We wanted to include our top free awesome online escape adventures for your team to try.
11) Hogwarts Digital Escape Room
Harry Potter fans will love this free online escape room that they have Sydney Krawiec, Youth Services Librarian at Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, PA, to thank. The Hogwarts digital escape room is super easy to follow, and you can easily compete against your colleague, friends, and family to see whose magical powers can help solve all the obstacles along the way.
Check-out Hogwarts Digital Escape Room here.
12) Escape: The Midnight Express by Escape the Crate
This no-fuss and easy set-up online escape room are great for groups looking for a fun, free way to escape into a different time to solve the greatest train mystery of the century.
All you will need is some pen and paper, and the clues given to you, the team that gets off the train first are the great survivors.
Check-out Escape: The Midnight Express here.
13) Minecraft Escape Room
A lover of Minecraft, thanks to Laura Escamilla, Youth Services Librarian at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey, FL, who created the free Minecraft Escape room. Get together with your team and geek out while practicing your math and problem-solving skills.
Check-out Minecraft Escape Room here.
14) See Me Escape Rooms
See Me Escape Rooms has created the ultimate puzzle experience that will help you crack the codes to get out of that “room.” On top of the imaginative storyline, they have put their online escape room puzzle free of charge. This is a great and collaborative way to help your team release their stress with an interactive activity.
Check-out See Me Escape Rooms here.
15) Oregon Trail Escape to Willamette Valley
Working from home but wanting to explore the Oregon Trail, Livingston Parish Library has added an awesome free journey to escape the Willamette Valley. The free online escape room will have you feeling like you are on a wagon trail solving mysteries and puzzles to bring you back to safety.
The Livingston Parish Library has also created several other online escape room journeys that you can visit here.
Check-out Oregon Trail Escape to Willamette Valley here.
16) Romeo and Juliet Escape Room
A hopeless romantic, this Romeo and Juliet free online escape room will have you solving puzzles to bring Romeo and Juliet together. The Capulets will take you through the wringer and add complex mind games that will have your team working as fast as possible to get the lover birds together again.
Check-out Romeo and Juliet Escape Room here.
17) Enchambered
Enchambered is based in Sacramento, California that has in-person escape room adventures, but they wanted to bring the fun to everyone by creating these super affordable online puzzles. Some are even free to access. Each puzzle will bring a whole new plotline that will have your team collaborating in no time.
Check-out Enchambered here.
18)The Midnight Express by Escape The Crate
This no-fuss and easy set-up online escape room are great for groups looking for a fun, free way to escape into a different time to solve the greatest train mystery of the century.
All you will need is some pen and paper, and the clues given to you, the team that gets off the train first are the great survivors.
Check-out The Midnight Express by Escape The Crate here.
19) Lockbox Escape Room
For your next team building event, check-out Lockbox Escape Room. They host live events where you have your own Game Masters/Host to lead you through your locked up room. Lockbox has created several interactive scenarios that use 360-degree views of real-life rooms to create a better online experience.
Check-out Lockbox Escape Room here.
20) Sherlock Escape Room
Be the next Sherlock Holmes and try out Sherlock Escape Room’s unique experience. You and your team will have the opportunity to help a live actor escape from your chosen escape room while you get to solve the clues. Explore their 5 different digital escape rooms, and all you need is a Zoom link, and your team.
Check-out Sherlock Escape Room here.
Top Tips For Solving Online Escape Rooms
- Communication is 🔑
Escape rooms work best when everyone is working and communicating effectively with each other. Listen to everyone's ideas, even if they seem out there. Encourage everyone to brainstorm solutions to solve the puzzle. The more you keep open communication lines with your team, the faster you can get out of that "room".
- Divide and Conquer
It is important not to all focus or "clump" on solving the same puzzles. Talk to each other on who is solving what, and it will increase efficiency and decrease the time spent on solving just one puzzle at a time.
- Keep Track Of Time
Many of these online escape rooms are time-sensitive. Be sure at least one person on your team is keeping an eye on the team and how long it takes to figure out the different riddles. This is probably one of the most important tips! If you run out of time, you lose the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do online escape rooms cost anything?
It depends on which escape room you choose, but we have listed our favorite free virtual escape rooms that will take you on a thrilling remote adventure.
- Is there any age limit?
There is no age limit to participate in an escape room, but some of the content may not be appropriate for younger children.
- Are escape rooms only online?
No. There are also many physical escape rooms available. If you're looking for a real life escape room, check your local vicinity if there are any available. But not all cities have escape rooms for face to face setups.
- How long do virtual escape rooms last?
Typically, they last up to 60 minutes, but some escape rooms will take a bit more time to solve.
- Do we need to plan the online escape rooms in advance?
Absolutely, it is best to get a head count the number of people partipating to be sure the escape room you chose will fit your group's needs. Most paid and hosted escape rooms will require a reserved time.
Final Words
Our top list of online escape rooms will have your team addicted to this activity. Virtual escape rooms will have your team collaborating and using their critical thinking skills to build great bonds with each other.
Looking for other thrilling online activities, check-out our thrilling list of Online Murder Mystery Games.
