How Long Do Escape Rooms Last?

How long do escape rooms last? The length of an escape room is the total time players take to complete an escape room challenge. This duration may include the check-in process, pre- and post-game briefing, and the gameplay, which varies with individual games. As a rule of thumb, escape rooms may last 30 minutes to 2+ hours. Knowing how long escape rooms last helps players manage their time and expectations and guides escape room providers to schedule operations.

You can do escape games with an escape room company, or plan a DIY escape room.

This article covers:

the average length of escape rooms
shortest escape rooms
longest escape rooms
escape room time limits

Let’s begin.

Length of escape rooms

Each escape room game has a pre-set time to resolve the challenge. The game components, like scenarios and puzzles, determine how long the corresponding rooms last.

Here are examples to demonstrate the duration of an escape game.

Typical escape rooms

Most game limits cap at 60 minutes of in-room playtime. Most players consider this span the typical length for the games. Games that run between 45 and 75 minutes are common and may fall in the standard length category.

For example:

Space Defenders: This virtual escape is one of the best games for large groups. The mission lasts 45 minutes, and the game accommodates up to 500 participants. Learn more about Space Defenders.
School of Magic: A mighty magician is about to destroy the wizardry school. Players, a team of magicians must find the Enchanted Scarlet Gem, whose power overwhelms the great magician. However, dangerous spells protect the hidden gem. The team has 60 minutes to retrieve the Gem. Learn more about School of Magic.

Though the time limit for a particular game may be constant, the duration for completing the game varies with every team of players. As a result, some teams complete the tasks at different speeds, while others do not manage to escape within the given time.

Short escape rooms

Short escapes last below 45 minutes.

For example:

Escape Room: This fun room takes at least 30 minutes to complete. Players find themselves locked in a room. Team players must find a way out by cracking complex puzzles.
Bank Heist: Bank Heist is among the shortest escape rooms on a crime theme. The players are part of a professional crime syndicate. The current mission involves carrying out a theft at the Valley Isle Bank. Part of the gang has suspended the security system, but the law enforcement officers will soon be at the bank. Players need to escape before the arrival of the officers. Learn more about Bank Heist.
Hogwarts Digital Escape Room: Hogwarts Digital Escape Room is a 15-minute fun escape game for kids. Pop culture fanatics find the Harry Potter-themed puzzles entertaining. Learn more about Hogwarts Digital Escape Room

If you would like an exit game experience but only have a limited time, then you could complete individual escape room puzzles or look for clues day-by-day instead of solving the problem in one go.

Long escape rooms

Escape rooms that run for more than 90 minutes qualify as long escape games, and are the best option for team building in escape rooms.

For example:

The Mansion: With 180-minute gameplay, The Mansion is one of the most extended escape rooms. In this room, a distant relative invites the player to a manor. Players learn of a bitter secret from the relative and try to escape. The Mansion is the first in an interesting and long escape room series by Paradox Project Escape Rooms. The story builds up into two more missions, The Bookstore and The Odeon. Learn more about The Mansion.
Escape the Colosseum: Escape the Colosseum is an action-themed escape room that takes two hours. The game takes place in ancient Rome. Participants are stuck in the same prison Spartacus once was. Spartacus left some hints when escaping the prison, which the players should use to exit the prison to avoid fighting gladiators. Learn more about Escape the Colosseum.
Escape Brussels: Escape Brussels is an outdoor escape game that takes 120 to 180 minutes. Players get to explore Brussels as they tackle the tasks. Learn more about Escape Brussels.

Be sure that your group has the stamina to complete longer puzzles. Otherwise, you can start with shorter puzzles and work up to more time-intensive challenges.

Exactly how long do escape rooms last?

The average length of escape rooms is 60 minutes.

Teams planning an escape game should be ready to spare about 30 minutes for the game. For example, a session may take about 15 minutes of pre-game briefing, 40 to 90 minutes of the actual game and five to ten minutes of final debrief after coming out of the room.

Participants doing the quests for the first time might take longer than experienced players. More time goes to learning about the game and asking pre-game questions.

Why do escape rooms have different durations?

Escape rooms have varying lengths to cater to different audiences’ needs and ensure players fully engage throughout the game.

Here are factors that determine the length of an escape game:

The difficulty level of the riddles: The number and kind of tasks involved in the quest determine how easy or difficult the challenges are. These challenges are usually physical or mental, and may include activities like arithmetic, jigsaw puzzles, climbing, and crouching in tiny spaces. Escape rooms with easy tasks tend to complete faster than the ones with complex challenges.
Type of audience: An escape room should suit the audience’s characteristics, such as age and intellect. For instance, escape rooms for younger audiences tend to be shorter to accommodate the low concentration span. For example, Hogwarts Digital Escape Room lasts for about 15 minutes. On the other hand, escape rooms that last more than one hour are usually for adults.
The plot of the game: The events in the storyline and the number of characters significantly determine an escape room length. For instance, the more characters they are, the more intricate the puzzles are, and the game may take more time.
Value delivery: Escape rooms aim to provide fun. Players may use the game as an educational tool to build skills such as cooperation and communication. To be practical, the game’s length should correspond with the players’ goals and abilities to absorb the challenges.

Game developers consider these factors in setting a length and creating games that players find immersive and engaging.

Does the length of an escape room matter?

The duration of escape rooms matters to players, escape room providers, and game developers in the following ways.

Significance of escape room length to players

Players use game length to determine the following:

Managing mental exhaustion: The length of the escape room can affect participant stamina. Naturally, humans have a limited concentration span. Therefore, players can only enjoy as much as they remain engaged in the game.
Managing physiological needs. Physical needs such as fatigue, thirst, and the need to visit the bathroom may interfere with players’ enjoyment. An appropriate game length should keep players from exiting the room before the game ends.
Physical fitness compatibility. Players require good stamina for live games, which often demand a lot of standing, bending, and pacing around. Considering players’ abilities to keep up with the physical demands, the games should be of appropriate length. For instance, short enough not to tire the participants as fatigue negatively affects the experience.
Level of expertise: How well players understand the game can determine the kind of challenge to desire. Typically, newbies may want to try short games with easy puzzles, and veterans may go for more demanding challenges and longer games.
Value for money. Players expect escape rooms to meet and exceed expectations as a service. Thus, the pricing of the rooms should correspond with the game length and the level of challenge and immersion.

Significance of quest length to escape room providers

The average length of escape rooms is among the most practical basis for providers to program their services. Choosing each escape room’s duration helps determine the best schedule for the operations.

For example:

staffing
cleaning
resetting the room
carrying out maintenance of the property
briefing the clients

Allocating sufficient time for these activities enables smooth operation and enhances profit-making.

Significance of escape room length to developers

Game duration benefits escape room developers in the following ways:

Designing the plot: Scenario writers consider time to determine how the storyline builds. For instance, the designers can limit or increase the events to fit the desired length of the game.
Determining the puzzle setup: The type and number of puzzles go hand-in-hand with game length. If the developer wishes to use elaborate clues, then they might consider extending the time to allow the average player to figure out the hint. Or adjusting the frequency of the clues.
Competition: Developers design games based on popular trends to make good money and stand strong against competitors. For instance, if players prefer a 60-minute quest, then developers are likely to create more games of similar length.
Developers’ intent: Whether the game is meant for experiential learning or fun, developers research and determine the appropriate time that will benefit the players most.

The length of an escape game can vary with the game design or market trends, but ultimately developers win by giving value.

Tips for completing escape rooms faster

According to most escape room companies, the success rate for completing the games is around 30%. Most failures occur due to a lack of skills or know-how.

Here are simple and helpful tips to beat an escape room:

Follow the rules: The hosts or the game guide usually brief participants on the game’s instructions just before the game starts. Players should heed and apply the rules for fair play and get knowledge on tackling the mission.
Heighten the team’s observation skills: Winning requires players’ cooperation in figuring out the clues. For instance, searching every part of the room, including inside the shelves, on the ceiling, and under the furniture. In addition, players should actively listen, look, and feel for clues from sounds, patterns, and digits within the room.
Work as a team: teamwork is of the essence. Participants can play faster by considering personal strengths and talents, then share tasks accordingly. This tactic helps to crack the riddles and unravel hidden messages faster. For example, a member who is talented in predicting patterns and trends can be the right person to make out coded hints.
Manage the time: Keeping track of time helps teams to progress steadily. Team members must avoid dwelling on one task for too long. Escape rooms usually have clocks, but players are welcome to carry a watch for convenience.
Communicate effectively: Good listening and speaking skills enhance a team’s ability to communicate well. In addition, players need to update one another on the move, especially when they find a lead, such as keys and incomplete codes.
Ask for clues whenever stuck: The staff members are available for inquiries and assistance. Groups inside the rooms should take advantage of game guides and ask them to provide hints when players get stuck. The hints save players’ time, allowing the participants a better chance to complete the tasks.
Choose an appropriate difficulty level: Players can easily beat an escape room that is fun and stimulating. Players should consider factors like level of expertise and age to choose a fitting room.
Select a preferred theme: Choosing a story that fascinates the majority helps members get into the game mood faster than having an uninteresting theme. This choice also allows players to keep a positive attitude and reduces the chances of participants giving up.
Stay organized: Players should separate and keep track of used and unused clues to manage the puzzles. For instance, stashing clues in a central place for ease of access.

Long escape rooms do not imply that players will complete the tasks in time. Beating the game depends on players’ commitment and skills.

What if I don’t escape the room?

Players do not have to worry when they cannot finish the game in time. The average rate of failure is about 70%. The worst that should happen is that the failed game only adds up in the statistics.

Escape games have two outcomes. Players either escape or remain trapped. When players opt out of the mission, the outcome is considered a failure to escape.

If time is over and players remain trapped in the room, then the game guide opens the doors. Players should note that those doors remain unlocked when the host closes the escape room entrance. Players can always exit the room anytime they need to.

Escape rooms intend to amuse players. Participants should not be troubled with failing but focus on enjoying the game. Here is how to have fun at the game:

stay positive despite the challenges
choose an appropriate game for the team
focus on enjoying the game
learn the tips on how to win a game

Players who are still trapped after time runs out can reserve the same room for another time or try a more manageable challenge.

Conclusion

Escape room games consist of challenges players aim to complete within the set time. The game’s components, such as the puzzles, make games have different duration. The majority of the games last for 60 minutes. However, some games may take as long as three hours or as short as five minutes. The ideal length considers players’ need for immersion and value for money.

Players should choose a game with an average length they can keep up with to escape the room successfully. The duration may vary depending on competition trends, the kind of audience, and the number of puzzles to include. Expertise or beginners may view the length of the games differently due to their skill levels. However, in choosing a good game, a player should go for rooms that feel challenging and engaging.

Next, check out this list of the best escape game movies.

FAQ: Length of escape rooms

Here are frequently asked questions on the length of escape rooms.

How long do escape rooms last?

Most rooms last 60 minutes long, and a few extend to 180 minutes. Short rooms run for about 15 minutes or less. In general, rooms do not have an exact length because players take different times to complete their games. The total duration of a game should include the time for pre-game preparations, actual gameplay, and a debriefing session.

What happens if you do not beat an escape room?

If time runs out when you are still in the room, the game guide opens the door for participants to come out. Players are never technically trapped in the rooms. The doors may be closed but not locked. If players fail the mission, then they can retry the same game with the same or shuffled teammates or do a different game altogether.

How often do players fail escape rooms?

Escape room players fail to complete the game about 70% of the time. Common causes for mission failure include high complexity of the puzzles, inability for teams to cooperate, and poor time tracking.

Failure to escape a room does not imply players having a bad experience. Escape rooms are meant for entertainment, and the main goal is for players to have fun.