10 Tips for Playing an Escape Game at Home

Twee spelers zitten gebogen over een donkergrijze tafel in schemerlicht: één bladert door een stapel aanwijzingsbladen, terwijl de ander meerdere foto’s boven de tafel houdt; een halfvol glas water staat ernaast – alles ademt de sfeer van een doe-het-zelf-escape-room.

For everyone ready to escape reality from the comfort of their living room

Nothing beats the thrill of cracking codes, chasing mysteries, and feeling like you’re in a high-stakes movie—all without leaving the house. Playing an escape game at home is the perfect recipe for fun with friends or family. It’s cozy, creative, and full of surprising twists.

Sure, your living room might not have flashing lights, fog machines, or buzzing alarms—but don’t worry. With the right setup and these 10 clever tips, you’ll get very close to the real deal. Who knows? You might just become the Sherlock Holmes of your dinner table.

Preparation: Set the Mood for Mystery

  1. Assemble a Legendary Team
    Every great escape mission starts with the right crew. Invite people who are sharp, curious, and up for a laugh. Look for a balance: thinkers, talkers, observers, and maybe a wildcard or two. Fun + focus = victory.
  2. Let Music Set the Tone
    Want suspense? Cue the soundtrack. Whether it’s a haunting instrumental or an action-packed movie score, background music instantly transforms your space. Use the included Spotify playlist or curate your own atmospheric mix.
  3. Adjust the Lighting for Drama
    Harsh overhead lights? Turn them off. Dim the room with lamps or candles. A slightly darker space adds instant tension. Shadows, after all, hold secrets.
  4. Charge Your Devices in Advance
    There’s nothing like solving a puzzle… only to be interrupted by a low battery. Be sure your phone, tablet, and laptop are all fully charged before game time.
  5. Prepare Themed Snacks and Drinks
    Think finger foods that fit your story world. Chocolate coins for a treasure hunt? Popcorn for a cinematic thriller? Bonus points if you name your snacks. Don’t forget the drinks!

During the Game: Think, Talk, Escape

  1. Read Every Word Like a Detective
    Don’t skim. That seemingly boring paragraph? It might hide the key to the next clue. Take turns reading aloud, and remember: if something feels odd, it probably matters.
  2. Organize the Chaos
    Sort through everything right away—documents, props, envelopes, and tools. Lay them out on a table so you can spot patterns. Escaping is easier when your thoughts (and clues) are in order.
  3. Say What You See, Think What You Say
    Out loud thinking is smart thinking. What you see as random, your teammate might see as a solution. Collaboration is everything—so communicate constantly.
  4. Divide and Conquer Like Pros
    Assign roles. One person checks codes, another scans visuals, a third keeps track of time. Teamwork is your greatest weapon against tricky riddles and red herrings.
  5. Use Hints Without Shame
    Everyone gets stuck. That’s part of the fun. Use the built-in WhatsApp character or the online hint system to keep the game moving. You’re not cheating—you’re keeping the pace exciting.

Ready to Level Up?

So, the lights are low, the music’s playing, and the mystery is calling. All you need now is a story worth escaping into.

Owner Unknown brings you three immersive, story-driven home escape games:

  • 🕵️‍♂️ The Stalker – Psychological suspense with chilling discoveries
  • đź§ł The Drifter – A journey through time and memory
  • đź§  The Vitalogist – Science, secrets, and moral dilemmas

Each game comes with detailed materials, atmospheric playlists, and interactive elements that make your living room feel like a movie set.

Start Your Escape Tonight

Crack codes, uncover secrets, and share unforgettable moments with the people you love—without even putting on shoes.

👉 Explore the collection at www.ownerunknown.com and choose your next escape.

Your adventure begins at home. Are you ready?