Escape room difficulty explained: our six-key scale

Every room on our site shows a row of keys. Fill all six and you’re looking at one of our toughest rooms. But what does that mean when you’re standing in the room and the clock is running?

What do the keys measure?

Difficulty is about more than how hard the puzzles are. When we rate a room, we look at three things:

• Puzzle depth: how many steps sit between a clue and its answer.
• Search: how much is hidden, and how well.
• Flow: whether puzzles open one after another, or several run in parallel so the team has to split up and talk.

Four keys: where should first-timers start?

Chocolate Factory has four keys. It’s colourful, clever and completely scare-free, with a clear path from one challenge to the next. Families with kids from seven years old and teams who have never played before usually walk out grinning, often with the help of a few hints.

Five keys: ready for a real challenge?

Seven is a five-key room. The story is darker, and the puzzles ask you to connect ideas rather than just find objects. It’s the room we recommend most often to friends who want a challenge on their first visit.

Six keys: how hard are our toughest rooms?

Stalker, The Others, Forever Alone and Last Laugh all carry six keys. Expect multi-layered puzzles and parallel tracks. In Stalker, part of the game is played in near-total darkness. Experienced players love these rooms. First-timers can play them too; they’ll just lean on their Game Master a little more.

Do hints count against you?

No. Whichever room you choose, your Game Master watches the whole game and sends a hint whenever you ask. Use them. You’re here for a great hour together, and nobody is keeping a perfect score.

Which room should you pick?

• Kids or first time: Chocolate Factory
• Friends who want a challenge: Seven
• Experienced or competitive: Stalker
• Bigger groups (up to 10): Forever Alone, then Last Laugh
• Horror fans: The Others

Found your level? Compare all six rooms or go straight to booking.