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 May 12, 2024, by Alexandrea Alix: Our EXIT the game guide has expanded with fresh escape room challenges. Explore new mysteries, crack codes, and test your teamwork – all from the comfort of your board game night. Ready for more spooky adventures? Let's dive in!

Best Exit: The Game Board Games

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

FAQs

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.