Escape Room FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers for Your Escape Game

What is an escape room?

Stepping into the unknown is a beautiful thing, especially when the room starts to whisper its secrets. It is a space that asks you to look closer and think differently.

In general, an escape room is an interactive physical game where you and your team solve a series of puzzles. You uncover hidden clues and collaborate to achieve a specific goal before the time runs out.

At Sherlocked, it is about alchemy and connection. Our rooms are tactile, story-driven worlds dedicated to blurring fiction and reality, ensuring every heavy lock and hidden door feels completely genuine. You will rely on your intuition just as much as your logic to unravel the narrative.

How long does an escape game last?

Time feels a little different when you are entirely immersed in a mystery. The outside world fades, and the ticking clock becomes your only anchor.

Across the industry, most experiences give you exactly 60 minutes to complete your mission. You should also factor in a few extra minutes for a briefing beforehand and a debriefing afterward.

When visiting Sherlocked, we offer a gentle stretch of time depending on the world you choose to step into:

• The Architect gives you 60 thrilling minutes to uncover the secrets of an old study.
• The Vault also offers a 60-minute window, demanding quick thinking for a complex break-in.
• The Alchemist grants you a full 90 minutes to recreate a delicate magical ritual.

What is the ideal team size for an escape room?

Gathering the right minds in one room often leads to a bit of beautiful serendipity. You want a mix of quiet observers, clever thinkers, and curious explorers.

Most escape rooms accommodate anywhere from 2 to 8 players per room. Some puzzles flow perfectly for a couple, while other mechanics require a larger group to manage multiple tasks at once.

Finding your perfect crew at Sherlocked depends entirely on the adventure you select:

• The Architect works beautifully for intimate duos or groups up to 6 players.
• The Vault truly requires 4 to 7 minds, as teams of two often find the break-in a bit too chaotic to finish.
• The Alchemist flows best with 3 to 6 participants working together in harmony.

Is there any preparation to do beforehand?

Preparation is entirely optional, as our mysteries are meant to be solved with just your intuition, an open mind, and a bit of grit. You do not need to study or possess any prior knowledge to step into our worlds.

Warming up your brain before the clock starts, however, can sometimes give your team a beautiful advantage. If you want to arrive feeling sharp and ready, we have gathered essential tips and tricks to help you find clarity in the chaos.

How difficult are the rooms?

A satisfying challenge often comes from a puzzle that asks you to view the world from a slightly altered perspective. It should test you without leaving you frustrated.

Difficulty varies wildly depending on the creator. Rooms are often categorized by success rates or labeled specifically for beginners, enthusiasts, or seasoned experts.

We design our mysteries to challenge your intellect and your teamwork, tailoring the grit to the story:

• The Architect offers clarity and charm, making it a perfect starting point for beginners.
• The Vault asks for sharp coordination and is slightly more demanding for those seeking an immersive thrill.
• The Alchemist is our most puzzly adventure, demanding deep focus and a love for grand spectacle.

What time should we arrive?

A rushed mind rarely solves a clever puzzle. Taking a moment to breathe before you begin changes everything about the experience.

Arriving at least 5 minutes early gives you time to shed the outside world. Navigating the center of Amsterdam can be wonderfully messy, so giving yourself a comfortable buffer is always a wise choice.

Gathering your team next door at Bistro Berlage for a coffee is a beautiful way to start. It gives you space to discuss your strategy, connect with your crew, and build the anticipation before the real magic begins.

What happens if I arrive late?

Our escape rooms run on a very precise schedule. When you arrive late, it disrupts the carefully crafted illusion and the flow of the adventure.

Tardiness usually means your time inside the room will be reduced, as we must reset the space for the next group of curious minds. In some cases, you might not be able to play at all.

Missing your window entirely is a heartbreak we want to avoid. Arriving a little early ensures you step into the story feeling sharp, present, and entirely stress-free.

What can I bring to the escape room?

You step into our rooms to leave reality behind. Bringing too much of the outside simply breaks the spell we poured love into building.

Reading glasses are absolutely welcome, as you will want clarity when examining tactile clues, small mechanisms, and hidden texts.

Phones, smartwatches, and electronics must stay locked safely away to preserve the atmosphere. We ask you to bring only your intuition, your curiosity, and the people you trust the most.

What should I wear to an escape room?

When you are trying to decipher a hidden code or crack a safe, your outfit should be the last thing on your mind.

You should always wear clothes that allow you to move around freely. Heavy layers or tight garments can easily distract you from the experience and the puzzles.

At Sherlocked, we recommend a practical approach so you can focus entirely on the story. Choose comfortable outfits that let you crawl or reach with ease. Please leave valuable jewelry at home, so you do not lose a ring in the heat of the moment.

Is there any age restriction?

Our age restriction is 14+. Below this age, we ask your group to have a chaperone of at least 16 years old so the younger participants can enjoy their experience to the fullest.

Can children participate?

Yes! Children aged 10 and up are welcome to join the adventure, but they must be accompanied by an adult team member in order to escape successfully. Our rooms are designed for teamwork, so the younger ones will enjoy the fun of solving clues and working with the group.

Are your rooms suitable for claustrophobic people?

Yes! While some rooms may have tight spaces, there’s always a way to step out if you feel uncomfortable. Let us know your concerns, and we’ll ensure you feel at ease.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the game, time slot, number of participants, and date. Here’s a quick overview of starting prices for our escape games:

The Architect: From €29 per person

The Vault: From €35 per person

The Alchemist: From €41 per person

For details regarding our Time Crimes experience, visit our Time Crimes page.

Are the escape rooms scary?

Fear tends to close the mind, while wonder opens it up to entirely new possibilities. A good mystery should make your heart beat faster for all the right reasons.

Some venues specialize in horror themes, utilizing actors, darkness, and jump scares to frighten players. Others focus purely on logic puzzles in bright, welcoming environments.

We poured love into building suspense, not terror. You will feel the thrilling pressure of a ticking clock and explore atmospheric, dimly lit spaces, but you will never encounter a jump scare.

Am I really locked in an escape room?

Even the most brilliant illusions of danger require a foundation of absolute safety. You cannot truly enjoy a mystery if you feel genuinely trapped.

Safety regulations require all games to have clear, accessible emergency exits. The concept of being locked inside is purely theatrical.

Your peace of mind is our absolute priority. Emergency doors can be opened instantly at any time, without needing to solve a puzzle. If you ever feel uncomfortable, you are free to step out.

Are your escape rooms private?

Yes, all of our rooms are completely private. No unexpected teammates or strangers will join your adventure. It’s just you and your crew working together in order to escape.

Do you offer digital escape rooms?

Absolutely! For solo adventurers, we have Ada's Study, a digital escape game designed for one person to unravel on their own. If you prefer a team experience from the comfort of your home, our Home Mysteries are physical adventures perfect for groups. Both options bring the magic of Sherlocked to you, wherever you are.

Can I bring food and drinks?

A spilled coffee can quickly break the spell of a carefully crafted mystery. We want to keep these tactile worlds pristine for every explorer who steps inside.

Across the industry, food and drinks are almost never allowed inside the actual game areas. Venues rely on keeping their intricate props and mechanics safe from accidental damage, usually offering a separate lounge for a quick snack.

At Sherlocked, we ask that you leave all refreshments behind before the heavy doors close. While we do not have our own cafe space, the wonderful MeetBerlage is just steps away. It is the perfect spot to gather your team for a drink and celebrate your escape.

Can we take photos of the rooms?

To preserve the mystery and excitement for future guests, most escape experiences do not allow photos inside the game areas. You don't want to spoil it and prevent others from all the magic. If it’s a special occasion, reach out to us.

Is there a maximum number of players?

Yes, most rooms have a maximum number of people who can play to ensure the experience is enjoyable and manageable. The limit varies depending on the game and venue, so check with your provider for the specific capacity of each room.

Are payments secure?

Absolutely. Your online payment is 100% secure. We use trusted systems to protect your details, so you can focus on selecting your time slot and preparing for the adventure ahead.

How accessible are the rooms?

Our location isn’t wheelchair accessible, unfortunately. The entry of the Beurs van Berlage is only accessible by stairs and our rooms, located in the basement, involve crawling or climbing. Although they aren’t explicitly arranged for deaf-mute individuals, our game masters can adapt themselves to the group if need be, when made aware of a team’s limitations.

Do you have parking?

We don’t have dedicated parking, but there are public options available. However, we highly recommend traveling by public transport! The city center is notoriously hard to navigate by car, parking can be expensive, and delays are common.

Our location is just a short walk from Central Station, with plenty of public transport stops nearby for your convenience.

If you do decide to travel by car, consider using Amsterdam’s affordable P+R (Park and Ride) options.

What is your cancellation policy?

Life happens, and we get it. Here’s how our cancellation policy works:

Up to 48 hours before your game: You can cancel or reschedule for free. We can issue a full refund or provide a voucher for a future booking.

Between 48 and 24 hours before your game: We’ll refund 50% of your spent amount.

Less than 24 hours before starting time: Refunds are not possible.

Please note: the refund will be given within 30 days.

Do you take unpaid reservations?

Most escape adventures require reservations to be paid in advance to secure your spot. This guarantees a smooth booking process and helps avoid overbooking or no-shows. Be sure to check the booking policies.

Can I Do an Escape Room With Two People?

Absolutely! Escape rooms can be a fantastic activity for pairs, especially if you're looking for a fun and engaging experience together. At Sherlocked, The Architect is an ideal choice for couples. This escape room is designed to challenge your teamwork and communication while providing an intimate, immersive adventure that brings you closer together.

Are Phones Allowed in Escape Rooms?

Leaving your screen behind changes how you interact with the people next to you.

Most venues ask you to put your phone away to protect the secrecy of the puzzles and prevent you from simply looking up the answers online.

We ask you to leave the digital world behind to preserve the atmosphere. Your phones and smartwatches will be securely stored outside the room, inviting you to be completely present. Our game masters are always nearby if a real emergency arises.

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Stepping into a room full of secrets takes a little courage, but the connection you find on the other side is always worth it. We hope this guide brings you peace of mind as you plan your visit. Gather your favorite people, and let's make some magic.