Story, Challenges, and Stunning Graphics
These three elements perfectly describe an escape room, but they also define the best escape room video games. If you haven’t tried these games yet, now is the time! Whether you’re into art, puzzles, or a mix of emotions, this list has something for everyone. Here are five must-play escape room video games.
1. Baba Is You
If you love logic puzzles or programming, Baba Is You is a must-have. In this game, you control everything, but primarily a small sheep-like character named Baba. The goal is to guide Baba through each level using the tools provided.
The game is simple yet leaves plenty of room for creative thinking. Each level has a set of words that define the “logic” of that stage. For example, “BABA IS YOU” means you control Baba, and “FLAG IS WIN” means reaching the flag wins the level. But the fun part is manipulating the rules! Change “FLAG IS YOU,” and suddenly you control the flag itself!
How It Feels Like an Escape Room
Each level presents a new puzzle to solve with creativity, offering that same satisfying “aha” moment you get from escaping a room.
Where to Play
Baba Is You is available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. The minimalist art style and simple controls make it a joy to play on mobile.
2. 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors (999)
Commonly known as 999, this visual novel uses “Choose Your Own Adventure”-style decision-making. You wake up trapped in a ship’s cabin, meet others in the same situation, and work together (or not) to escape the ship before time runs out.
I first played this on the Nintendo DS, and now I’m replaying it with the recently-released bundle that includes the sequel. The game tackles mature themes, so consider it an “R-rated” experience. If you’re okay with films like Saw, then this might be for you—otherwise, save it for after the kids are asleep!
How It Feels Like an Escape Room
The game’s premise of being trapped and solving clues mirrors the traditional escape room setup perfectly.
Where to Play
You can find 999 and its sequel, Virtue’s Last Reward, bundled on Steam.
3. The Witness
Created by Jonathan Blow, The Witness features an island setting akin to Myst, but its puzzles take center stage, presented in a first-person perspective.
You begin in a bunker, solving line puzzles that grow in complexity as you explore the island. As you progress, you’ll start uncovering secrets that build toward an even greater discovery. Stick with it—the payoff is incredible!
How It Feels Like an Escape Room
Though it may not seem like it at first, The Witness shares the same exploration, discovery, and puzzle-solving elements that define escape room experiences.
Where to Play
Available on Steam and GOG, The Witness also comes bundled with Braid on Steam.
4. The Room
Imagine combining a Rubik’s Cube with a Rube Goldberg machine—that’s The Room, a game that helped create the escape room genre in video games.
Instead of escaping from a room, the objective is to break into something, using items and mechanisms to solve intricate puzzles. A blacklight-like feature even helps you discover hidden secrets. While the title suggests you’ll be navigating a room, you’ll actually spend most of your time examining a central object like a cabinet or table.
How It Feels Like an Escape Room
The game’s exploration and tinkering mechanics hit all the right notes for escape room fans.
Where to Play
The Room is available on Steam, along with its sequels.
5. Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is an adventure game that puts you in the shoes of an explorer on their first space flight. After becoming trapped in a time loop, you explore new parts of the solar system on each loop, gaining knowledge that helps you progress further.
This is the game I recommend playing with as little prior knowledge as possible. The exploration and discovery offer a deeply satisfying experience, with every new piece of lore providing further clues. After your first playthrough, you’ll be able to finish the game in a fraction of the time as you understand its mechanics and story better.
How It Feels Like an Escape Room
For those who prefer immersive narratives over traditional puzzles, Outer Wilds blends storytelling and puzzle-solving seamlessly, giving the same satisfaction as an escape room.
Where to Play
Outer Wilds is available on Steam, including the Archaeologist’s Edition with the Echoes of the Eye expansion.
Each of these games brings a unique twist to the escape room genre, offering challenging puzzles, immersive narratives, and unforgettable experiences.
