If you're the type who enjoys the heart-pounding thrill of an escape room but prefers to avoid actually being locked in a mysterious, possibly haunted chamber, then Exit: The Game board games are your ticket to at-home adrenaline. These tabletop games transform your dining table into a den of puzzles, riddles, and mind-boggling mysteries, all begging to be solved before time runs out.
From haunted roller coasters to deserted lighthouses, each game offers a unique escape room experience, minus the creepy host who chuckles as they lock the door. In this article, we'll guide you through the best of Exit: The Game series, ensuring your next game night is an exhilarating brain teaser that doesn't require you to find the key to your front door to enjoy.
Updated July 22, 2024, by Vaspaan Dastoor: There's no escape, unless you're playing a game of Exit: The Game. The escape room based board game has seen many editions, covering a number of spooky settings. We're here once again to expand on that list.
Exit: The Game – Dead Man on the Orient Express
Best Murder Mystery Game $25 at WalmartExit: The Game - Kidnapped in Fortune City
Best for Solo Play $17 at WalmartExit: The Game - The Sacred Temple
Best Puzzles $28 at WalmartExit: The Game - Kids: Jungle of Riddles
Best Family Game $18 at WalmartExit: The Game - The Deserted Lighthouse
Best for Experienced Players $25 at Walmart- See More
Exit: The Game - The Haunted Roller Coaster
Best Value $18 at WalmartExit: The Game - The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes
Best Deduction Game $25 at WalmartExit: The Abandoned Cabin
Best Thriller EXIT Game $15 at WalmartExit: The Game - The Pharaoh's Tomb
$15 at WalmartExit: The Game - The Sinister Mansion
$15 at Walmart
Best Exit: The Game Board Games
Best Murder Mystery GameExit: The Game – Dead Man on the Orient Express
Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem on Rails
Type of Game Thematic Age Recommendation 12+ Game Duration 60-120 min What's Included Decoder disk, cards, strange items, sealed sheets, book, rulebook Number of Players 1-4Step into a thrilling murder mystery aboard the iconic Orient Express. Use your wits to uncover the killer in this challenging puzzle game.
Pros & Cons- Engaging murder mystery theme.
- Clever and intricate puzzles.
- Well-designed game components.
- Might be too challenging for some.
Imagine you're Sherlock Holmes, but the game's afoot on a train, and Watson's decided to take a nap. That's Exit: The Game - Dead Man on The Orient Express for you. With puzzles more twisted than a pretzel in a tornado, this game is not for those who surrender to the Sunday crossword. You and your partner (or partners, if you dare) will dive into a world of riddles that'll have you scratching your heads, high-fiving in false victories, and possibly questioning your relationship with puzzles.
The instructions? Clear as day. The execution? That's where the brain gymnastics begin. You'll need to think outside the box, inside the box, and sometimes even about the box itself. And just when you think you've got a handle on it, the game smirks and says, "Nice try."
Designed for 1-4 players, it's the perfect test for a date night, but maybe not so much for a double date unless you're keen on testing friendships. And while it's a one-and-done deal, the price of admission is less than a movie ticket for an experience that's arguably more memorable (frustration and all). So, if you're up for a challenge that'll stretch your mental muscles to their limits, grab a ticket for this Orient Express.
Best for Solo PlayExit: The Game - Kidnapped in Fortune City
Wild West Whodunit
Original Release Date 2021-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 10+ Length per Game 45-90 minutes Publishing Co KosmosSaddle up for a mystery in the dusty streets of Fortune City, where your puzzle-solving gunslinging skills are the only hope to save the sheriff. Yee-haw meets brain power!
Pros & Cons- Engrossing Western-themed puzzles that draw you into the story.
- Non-linear gameplay allows freedom to explore.
- The mix of tactile and mental challenges keeps things fresh.
- Might cause a tumbleweed tangle in your brain.
If you've ever fancied yourself as a bit of a cowboy detective, then EXIT: Kidnapped in Fortune City is your chance to shine. Here's the low-down on the whole game:
The sheriff's gone missing, and you're the deputy left scratching your head. With a setup quicker than a gunslinger's draw, you're thrown into the thick of it with a town map, a bunch of riddle cards, and a sense of impending doom. But here's the kicker: the gameplay's as open as the prairie sky. You can mosey on over to the saloon, the gunsmith, or any ol' building you please, in any order that tickles your fancy.
The puzzles? Tougher than a two-dollar steak. You'll be decoding, deducing, and occasionally despairing as you try to piece together who took the sheriff and where they're holed up. And just when you think you've got it, the game tips its hat and says, "Think again, partner."
Now, don't go rounding up a posse just yet. Despite being able to technically host a whole gang, this caper's best suited for a lone ranger or a dynamic duo. Too many cooks in the kitchen—or deputies in the office, in this case—might just spoil the broth. So, if you've got a hankering for a challenge and a soft spot for the Wild West, EXIT: Kidnapped in Fortune City might just be the ticket.
Best PuzzlesExit: The Game - The Sacred Temple
Indiana Jones, But Make It Puzzles
Original Release Date 2020-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 10+ Length per Game 90-180 minutes Publishing Co KosmosAn academic adventure where jigsaw puzzles meet cryptic riddles, and your living room turns into a temple of doom. Well, minus the doom part.
Pros & Cons- Jigsaw puzzles add a tactile twist to the riddle-solving.
- The game's non-linear approach keeps all detectives engaged.
- Innovative integration of puzzles into the mystery-solving process.
- Might make you squint more than the fine print on a contract.
EXIT: The Sacred Temple is like getting a Ph.D. in puzzle-solving with a minor in adventure. You're no longer just a couch-bound code-cracker—you're an intrepid explorer piecing together the path to salvation, one jigsaw at a time. And yes, you'll feel every bit the hero as you slot that final puzzle piece into place, only to realize... you've just unlocked another enigma.
The setup is a breeze, assuming you're the type who can handle a decoder disk without breaking into a sweat. Say goodbye to your familiar riddle cards and hello to a world where puzzles are your only guide through the jungle of confusion. And when I say puzzles, I'm not just talking about the "hmm, that's peculiar" kind. I mean actual, tangible jigsaw puzzles that you'll need to assemble, dissect, and possibly perform a ritual dance over to divine the answers you seek.
Gameplay-wise, it's like your standard EXIT affair but with an added layer of complexity, thanks to our jigsaw overlords. Each puzzle solved leads you closer to rescuing the professor, with the added satisfaction that only fitting a stubborn jigsaw piece into its rightful place can provide.
However, be warned: the dimly lit ambiance of some puzzles might have you reaching for a flashlight or questioning your eyesight. And while the linearity of the game ensures you won't stray off the beaten path, it does mean you're on a one-way trip. No looking back, no replaying, just memories of the time you spent in the Sacred Temple.
Best Family GameExit: The Game - Kids: Jungle of Riddles
A Jungle Jaunt for Junior Detectives
Original Release Date 2022-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 6+ Length per Game 20 minutes Publishing Co KosmosDive into a puzzle-packed jungle adventure where animals wear hats and treasure awaits the keen-eyed. Perfect for a quick family game night that won't leave you in a puzzle-induced haze.
Pros & Cons- Engaging and colorful theme that captivates kids.
- Varied puzzles that cater to different problem-solving skills.
- Fully replayable, making it a go-to for multiple game sessions.
- May not hold the attention of older kids for long.
If your little ones are itching for an adventure for family game night, EXIT Kids: Jungle of Riddles might just be the ticket. The game's a smorgasbord of puzzles, from shadow matching to hat spotting, ensuring that even the most fickle of minds stay engaged.
Setup's a breeze, with colorful tokens and an answer disk that's as straightforward as it gets. Shuffle some cards, lay out some tokens, and voilà – you're ready to plunge into the puzzle jungle. The game's simplicity is its charm, making it accessible to even the youngest of explorers, with no reading required. It's like a treasure hunt where the map is made of brain-teasers, and every solved riddle feels like a step closer to unearthing hidden jungle gems.
Designed with kids in mind, EXIT Kids: Jungle of Riddles scales well for the younger crowd, offering just enough challenge to make them scratch their heads but not so much that it leads to frustration. Each puzzle type brings a new twist, keeping things fresh and exciting. And the best part? It's all reusable, so the adventure doesn't have to end after just one playthrough.
Best for Experienced PlayersExit: The Game - The Deserted Lighthouse
A Stormy Puzzle Adventure at Sea
Original Release Date 2020-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 12+ Length per Game 120-180 minutes Publishing Co KosmosSet sail for a challenging, puzzle-packed experience where your quick wits could be the only thing between a ship and its doom. Not for the faint-hearted or puzzle novices!
Pros & Cons- Rich, thematic experience enhanced by the lighthouse and storm setting.
- Puzzles that require out-of-the-box thinking and varied perspectives.
- Incorporates physical puzzles with creative and surprising twists.
- Some puzzles may be too challenging or obscure for beginners.
EXIT: The Deserted Lighthouse is a challenging and immersive puzzle game that takes you into a high-stakes scenario of saving a ship from disaster. It's a step up in difficulty from other EXIT games, making it more suitable for experienced players. The integration of jigsaw puzzles adds a hands-on element, enhancing the overall experience.
The lighthouse theme isn't just for show; it's central to the game's puzzles and story, adding a sense of urgency to your problem-solving efforts. However, beginners might find it tough, and the intricate puzzles can be time-consuming, with the game lasting up to three hours. While replayability is limited, like other games in the EXIT series, the unique and engaging experience makes it a memorable play. This game is a great choice for those who enjoy complex puzzles and thematic depth.
Best ValueExit: The Game - The Haunted Roller Coaster
A Spirited Adventure on the Tracks
Original Release Date 2019-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 10+ Length per Game 45-90 minutes Publishing Co KosmosA puzzle game that turns an amusement park visit into a ghostly escapade. Ideal for those with a penchant for challenges and a love for the eerie.
Pros & Cons- Engaging theme that adds excitement to the puzzle-solving experience.
- Helpful hints available for those tricky moments, ensuring progress without frustration.
- The addition of an app enhances the atmosphere with music and sound effects.
- The storyline may feel disjointed at times, straying from the roller coaster theme.
- One puzzle may require a leap in logic, potentially stalling the momentum.
EXIT: The Haunted Roller Coaster offers a fun and engaging experience, particularly for those who enjoy a mix of logic and creativity in their puzzles. The game's spooky theme is perfect for family game nights, especially around Halloween, providing a good balance of challenge and enjoyment for adults and possibly older children. While the narrative might take a few unexpected turns, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment and can even add to the whimsical nature of the game.
The puzzles are well-crafted, with most providing a satisfying "aha" moment when solved. However, be prepared for one puzzle that might not click as easily as the others. The game's one-time-use nature and the difficulty in sharing components in a group setting are minor drawbacks but are understandable given the game's format. Overall, EXIT: The Haunted Roller Coaster is a commendable addition to the EXIT series, offering a memorable and fun escape room experience in the comfort of your home.
Best Deduction GameExit: The Game - The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes
A Case Intrigue
Original Release Date 2022-00-00 Player Count 1-4 Age Recommendation 12+ Length per Game 45-90 minutes Publishing Co KosmosHelp Dr. Watson clear Sherlock Holmes' name! Solve puzzles & crack codes in this escape room-inspired game for 1-4 players.
Pros & Cons- Immersive story and atmosphere
- Creative use of props in some puzzles
- Fun for groups of 1-4 players
- Some puzzles can be frustrating due to unclear instructions or poorly designed props
Can you help Dr. Watson clear Sherlock Holmes' name in Exit: The Disappearance of Sherlock Holmes? This escape room-in-a-box experience tasks 1-4 players with solving puzzles and cracking codes to unravel a mystery. The story throws you into a thrilling whodunit, with well-designed location scenes that set the stage for your investigation.
The game offers a mix of logic, observation, and deduction puzzles that require players to think creatively and collaborate. Some involve clever prop manipulation, like building a miniature crime scene.
Best Thriller EXIT GameExit: The Abandoned Cabin
A Spooky Escape Challenge
Player Count 1 - 4 Age Recommendation 12 and Up Length per Game 1 - 2 Hours Franchise Name Exit: The Game Publishing Co Thames & KosmosStuck in a spooky cabin! Solve puzzles & crack codes to escape in this EXIT: The Abandoned Cabin escape room game (for 1-4 players).
Pros & Cons- Clever puzzles with a fun theme
- Affordable price point
- Great for solo play or small groups
- Single-use experience
Lost in the woods, you stumble upon a deserted cabin. A haven from the chilling night? Perhaps. But as the rusty lock clicks shut behind you, a different kind of shiver runs down your spine. Can you crack the codes hidden within these creaky walls, or will you become another permanent resident of Exit: The Abandoned Cabin?
This escape room experience for 1-2 players is packed with puzzles that will test your logic and creative thinking, all with a deliciously spooky edge.
Be warned: The secrets within are best unraveled with a clear head and a steady hand, for the materials themselves hold the key to your escape. But will you succumb to the cabin's mysteries, or will you emerge victorious, blinking in the sunlight as the fog lifts from your mind?
Exit: The Game - The Pharaoh's Tomb
Where's Brendan Fraser when you need him?
As movies have taught us, there are few places as loaded with traps than an Egyptian pharaoh's tomb. You're going to have to solve riddles and decipher hints with a codex if you don't want to share the tomb with the pharaoh.
Pros & Cons- Follows the theme of many popular mummy movies.
- Deciphering hints with the codex is a great touch.
If you enter a pharaoh's tomb without expecting a trap, you've clearly not watched enough TV. While there may not be a mummy chasing after you, The Pharaoh's Tomb edition of Exit has you using a codex to solve puzzles. With a difficultly rating of 4/5, you're going to have to think hard on this one.
Exit: The Game - The Sinister Mansion
A killer host
You can't turn down a mysterious invite to a creepy mansion; imagine all the fun things you'll miss out on. But, when the host starts making you play a rather macabre game, it's your cue to leave. However, leaving isn't as easy as you'd think.
Pros & Cons- Features cooperative gameplay.
- Balanced difficulty.
A mysterious invite to a creepy mansion? What's the worst that could happen? Well, the host could trap you ther, forcing you to play a rather sick game if you want to get out. You'll have to work together to solve clues before time runs out!
FAQ
Are Exit: The Game board games suitable for children?
While the EXIT series is thrilling and brain-teasing, the suitability for children varies by game. Some are perfect for younger minds, offering a blend of fun and challenge, while others, with their higher difficulty levels and complex puzzles, are more suited for teens and adults. Always check the age recommendation and difficulty level on the box before diving in.
Can you replay Exit: The Game board games?
The EXIT series is designed for one-time play. As you solve puzzles, you'll mark, fold, and sometimes tear the game materials. It's this hands-on, immersive approach that makes each game a unique, memorable experience. So, while replay isn't an option, the thrill of the first play is something special.
How long does it typically take to play an Exit: The Game board game?
The playtime for EXIT games varies, typically ranging from 1 to 2 hours. It depends on the complexity of the puzzles and the players' puzzle-solving prowess. Some of the more challenging games in the series might even take a bit longer, especially if you're new to escape room games.
Which Exit game is the easiest?
Generally, Exit: The Secret Lab is considered one of the easiest in the series. It boasts a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5, making it a great entry point for beginners.
What Exit game should I start with?
If you're new to Exit games, a few options are great for first-timers:
- Exit: The Secret Lab: As mentioned above, this is a good choice due to its approachable difficulty level and engaging scientific theme.
- Exit: The Abandoned Cabin: This spooky adventure has a difficulty rating of 2.5, offering a slightly more challenging puzzle experience with a creepy atmosphere.
- Exit: The Pharaoh's Tomb: Don't be fooled by the ancient Egyptian theme – this game also has a difficulty rating of 2.5 and offers a thrilling tomb exploration experience.
The Best Tabletop Escape Room Games
These Escape Room games are suitable for different ages and experience levels. Test your brain and see if you can escape in time.
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