5 Types of Escape Room Games explained:

There are 5 main types of escape game formats in the industry. Linear, Non Linear, Mixed Linear/Non Linear, Red Herring and Scavenger Hunt. These formats create the game’s structure of progression and movement of players through the challenges. Some are best for small groups (1-4 players) and some for larger groups (10-15).

Linear Games:

These formats have puzzles and challenges that progress in a line one after the other. This is great for small groups who will enjoy taking each step together.

Non Linear Games:

These formats have multiple tracks of puzzles going on side by side. These tracks often come together at the end to solve the final puzzle to escape the room. Non linear games are great for large groups of 8+ so players can split into smaller groups to divide and conquer challenges while keeping everyone engaged.

Mixed Linear/Non Linear:

Pretty self explanatory.

Red Herrings Games:

Are game formats with a lot of distractions. Fake puzzles or distractor props and make you stray from progressing in the games. Games with too many red herrings can get frustrating for players.

Scavenger Hunt Games:

This format incorporate a lot of seek and find challenges to solve puzzles. Items will be hid in strange places and you’ll have to collect them to open a lock, or input a code, etc.

At ClockWise our games incorporate a mixture of Linear/Non Linear and Scavenger Hunt elements. Our rooms are built for 4-8 players. That sweet spot where the group size is small enough that you can all work together, but can also split off into smaller independent groups to divide and conquer challenges. We challenge our players in different ways, a variety of ways so there is something for every brain type and strength area. This keeps our players thrilled by the pace of the game, interacting with each other and all equally engaged in the game.

Come check out our escape rooms in San Francisco and let us know what you think of our game formats!

What is your favorite type of escape game format? How do you like to play the game?