Top 20 Craziest Escape Rooms Around the World

#20: The Caretaker

Orlando, United States

Its hard enough getting out on your own, let alone having to worry about someone else. However, at The Caretaker in Orlando, your success completely depends on helping one fictional man escape after a mad scientist released his demented creations into town. From the minute the doors shut you inside the forest-themed area, the puzzles begin. As you make your way through the room and into a cabin, youre met with a barrage of in-depth challenges. From word games to target practice, there are tasks here for everyone to thrive at and enjoy. But dont get too cocky with a success rate of just 1.5%, its one of the most difficult in the entire industry.

#19: Death Row

Baton Rouge, United States

Talk about some serious stakes! With only one hour to flee before youre sent to the electric chair, 13th Gate Escapes Death Row is one of the most intense games out there. Group members start in individual cells, which they have to free themselves from before making their way out of the prison. Once thats been mastered, you then have to comb your way through journals and religious texts belonging to previous inmates to find the tunnel out. With the threat of execution looming, youll need plenty of teamwork and tenacity to make it out. If you think you can take on the challenge, then head on down to Baton Rouge to try it out yourself.

#18: The Elevator Shaft

Los Angeles, United States

Though the chances of true danger are slim, some escape rooms truly feel like failure will result in disastrous consequences. Los Angeles The Elevator Shaft is exactly that. You and your group are placed directly below a broken lift, which slowly descends from the ceiling. This will leave you scrambling to solve the clues before it reaches you, which is difficult given the sheer amount of mechanics involved. Not to mention, the area youre left in only holds up to four people, making it even more tense once the claustrophobia inevitably sets in. With only 45 minutes to find your way out before being flattened, its a genuinely challenging and thrilling experience youll never forget.

#17: Steal the Car

Montreal, Canada

The concept of an escape game doesnt have to be limited to an indoor space. At A/Maze, they shook up the format entirely with their challenge, Steal the Car. Participants were tasked with breaking into and stealing a vehicle that belonged to a local criminal, so that they could turn it in to the police and clear their names. The only catch? They only had twenty minutes before facing the wrath of Big Vanko. That left players scrambling to find the keys and flee the lot, all while over a dozen people searched alongside them. Though its no longer in operation, it was one of the most innovative at the time. Should it return, we encourage you to head to Montreal and try it yourself.

#16: Medieval Madness

Various Locations, United States

This attraction is one part escape room, one part religious experience. Located throughout the United States, Medieval Madness allows you to fully immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. Trapped in a dungeon, you can only rely on yourselves and the hopes of redemption in the eyes of a deity to make it out in time. With a realistic set and several themed puzzles, including multiple centered around music, its designed to feel authentic and genuinely challenging all at once. So come brave the torture chamber and try it out for yourself.

#15: Paradox Project: The Mansion

Athens, Greece

Forget having one hour to free yourself try three instead. Paradox Project in Athens breaks all previous conventions for escape rooms, from the length to the sheer scope of the game. Their mansion-themed attraction allows participants to explore multiple areas at once, with a seemingly never-ending supply of puzzles and items to explore. Players can even step out and mingle as they enjoy the facilitys bar and snacks, making it a truly luxurious experience. The story behind it is filled with twists and turns, ending on a cliffhanger that will have you immediately booking the next attraction in the story. Despite opening over a decade ago, its still one of the most immersive experiences available.

#14: Escape Hotel Hollywood

Los Angeles, United States

The location may be fictional, but the thrills are 100% real. Located in the heart of Los Angeles lies Escape Hotel Hollywood, where each room holds a different immersive story. Each one is marked with a different year, whisking the players back in time as soon as they step through the door. With settings ranging from circuses to crypts, each one feeds into a larger interconnected story that will leave you wanting to try each and every one. With talented actors, a variety of games, and even a restaurant on location, we can guarantee that youll never want to check out. So, come join a secret society of escape game lovers, and book your stay as soon as possible.

#13: The Official SAW Escape

Las Vegas, United States

If there was any franchise made to be adapted into an escape game, its this one. Known for its scares and variety of violent tests, Saw has been terrifying and entertaining audiences for two decades. Stretched across a total of 13 timed areas, the Official SAW Escape allows participants to become a part of their favorite movies. You and your team have to make your way throughout the building, taking on some of Jigsaws traps and doing your best to evade his wrath. Each one is connected, with some requiring you to remember facets of past rooms. So, if you ever head to Las Vegas to try it yourself, we recommend bringing your thinking caps along with you.

#12: Houdinis Academy

Various Locations

Learn from one of the greats if you dare. There are several escape rooms centered around the iconic Harry Houdini, but none are more immersive than Houdinis Academy. Players find themselves in a prison, where they learn they have to beat his time to prove themselves to him. It takes the concept of a prison-themed experience and completely transforms it into a completely unique experience. Theyre then tasked with solving a series of puzzles and challenges that only a true artist like Houdini could solve. Should they complete them in time, then they prove themselves as master escapologists and get to join his legendary ranks for good.

#11: Kingdom of Cats

Various Locations

For many, being thrown into a feline-run world would be a dream come true. However, Kingdom of Cats turned that fantasy into a full-on nightmare to flee from. There, humans werent allowed and should their challenges be failed, then they may turn the loser into a living, breathing scratching post. Several of the puzzles required thinking like a cat to succeed, making it a genuinely enchanting and quirky experience that was bound to be remembered long after completing it. Unfortunately, this particular room is no longer in operation, but fear not: Omescape has added onto the lore with a sequel thats filled to the brim with plenty of thrilling feline fun.

#10: TeamEscape Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

When an establishment has over 750 reviews on TripAdvisor and a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars, you know that theyre delivering a phenomenal experience. At TeamEscape Hamburg there are 8 rooms spread across two locations where you and your friends can put your problem-solving skills to the test, and really you cant go wrong whichever one you choose. That being said, The Gallery and The Hofman Formula appear to be fan favorites. TeamEscape Hamburg prides themselves on their compelling narratives and immersive experience. But dont lose yourself appreciating the theming, the clock is ticking

#9: 5 Wits

Various Locations, United States

Founded in 2004, 5 Wits has built up such a reputation for themselves that theyve been contracted to design and construct walk-through adventures for museums and theme parks. Thankfully, theyve also got their own locations in Massachusetts, New York State, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Technically, 5 Wits doesnt consider the experiences they offer to be Escape Games but rather goal-oriented team missions in an interactive setting; we think its close enough. And considering how incredible these experiences are, we couldnt leave them off the list. These challenges are high-tech, painstakingly themed and incredibly satisfying. You really need to try one for yourself to understand.

#8: RoomEscape Stockholm by Fox in a Box

Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden is a bit of a mecca for escape game enthusiasts, boasting a number of high quality establishments, each with their own unique offerings. But if you had a stopover in Sweden and only time to visit one, RoomEscape Stockholm would have to be it. Seven different escape games are spread across two neighboring addresses, and while they change regularly, 2018 saw such notable narratives as Zodiac Killer and Teslas Mystery. One of the most interesting experiences offered by RoomEscape Stockholm is Prison Break: Head to Head, which pits two teams against one another in identical prison settings.

#7: Trapped in a Room with a Zombie

Various Locations

Any zombie fans in the audience today? Great! Weve got an escape room with your name on it. This narrative adds an actor into the mix to make the experience extra immersive (and in this particular case) terrifying. The aptly named Trapped In A Room With A Zombie locks players into a room with a zombie. The good news is that the zombie is chained to the wall. The bad news? Every five minutes, the chain gets one foot longer. This hugely popular escape room, originally created by Room Escape Adventures, has since been licensed across the United States, and has even popped up in the UK and Spain.

#6: Claustrophobia Escape Rooms

Various Locations

With a name like that, you know that this chain of escape rooms means business. Based out of Russia, Claustrophobia has over 100 escape rooms throughout Europe. Their conquest of the market is the result of more than just good marketing though, Claustrophobia is constantly pushing the boundaries of this entertainment medium. The theming of their escape rooms is always excellent, and theyve expanded the concept of escape rooms to involve more actors, with the Performance format encouraging players to take on specific roles that push the narrative forward. True to its name, Claustrophobia always delivers a pulse-pounding, emotional experience.

#5: The Escape Game

Various Locations, United States

Not all escape rooms are created equal, and sometimes the theming or puzzles can be a little redundant; find the numbers, unlock a combo lock, repeat. This company earns a spot on our list today by going the extra mile both in terms of theming and puzzle variety. Ever dreamed of saving the world? Try Contagion. Fancy yourself a detective? Solve the mystery of Mad King Ludwigs death by exploring his bedroom in Neuschwanstein Castle. Ever thought to yourself: I wouldve survived the Titanic! Well, heres your chance to prove it.

#4: Escape Hunt

Paris, France

Escape Hunt offers trips back in time to the era of great detectives to unravel plots worthy of Sherlock Holmes himself. Leaning heavily into the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyles iconic character, Escape Hunt offers up richly decorated escape rooms in a Victorian Style. They only seem to have two narratives at any given time, but considering how detail-oriented they are, and how sumptuously theyve decorated the rooms, Escape Hunt makes a strong argument for quality over quantity. Whether youre chasing a pickpocket in the underground network or solving the case of the missing cabaret star, youre sure to lose yourself in the experience.

#3: The Mr. X Puzzle House

Shanghai, China

Housed in an ominous and imposing building where things only get stranger inside, Mr. X Puzzle House sets itself apart from other escape rooms. Weird, Gothic artifacts and props await; its like youve stepped into one giant cabinet of curiosities. There are multiple rooms to choose from, and each one is like a trip down the rabbit hole - or to a different dimension. Whereas western escape rooms tend to make your path relatively clear, Mr. X Puzzle House provides little in terms of guidance. This is not for the inexperienced, but even if you fail, the incredible theming is worth every penny.

#2: Sherlocked

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It's known as the best escape room in Amsterdam, but some would argue it's the best in the Netherlands, if not the world. Located in the basement of a historic building, two escape experiences await - the Architect and the Vault. Both are rich in narrative and theming, likely to be among the best escape rooms youve ever tried, but The Vault is arguably the better of the two. Critically acclaimed, it was called the best escape room in the world in 2018 when it took home the Golden lock-In Award. Its also considered one of the most challenging escape rooms ever created.

#1: The Basement

Los Angeles, United States

As we've seen, a basement setting can add something to the overall experience. While The Vault at Sherlocked more than earned the Golden Lock-In Award, our vote for the greatest escape room in the world goes to the Basement in California. Named for its flagship room, The Basement offers four incredibly immersive, movie-set quality escape rooms against which you and your friends can test your problem-solving skills and courage. The Basement sees you kidnapped by a cannibalistic serial killer whos assembled some sick tests to see if you deserve to live. The other 3 rooms? They continue this immersive horror story.

Did any of these escape rooms make your travel bucket list? Let us know in the comments below!