Not all escape rooms are the same. Depending on the theme, the fear level and the format, the experience changes completely. In this guide we explain what an escape room is, how a game works and what types of escape rooms there are, so you can pick the one that suits your group.
What is an escape room?
An escape room is an immersive group game: you enter a themed room, solve a chain of puzzles and challenges, and have a time limit to complete a mission. A game master follows the game and gives you hints if you get stuck. No previous experience needed: it works just as well for first-timers as for veterans.
How a game works
- Arrival and briefing: you arrive about 10 minutes early. The game master explains the story and the rules, and phones go into a locker.
- The game: you explore the room, find objects, solve puzzles and move the story forward.
- Hints: if the group gets stuck, the game master helps you reach the end.
- Ending: the story is resolved and you talk through the game on the way out.
Types of escape rooms by theme
- Horror: dark settings, scares and tension. Ideal for adrenaline lovers.
- Adventure: expeditions, treasures and ancient mysteries, with more exploring than scares.
- Mystery and detective: investigations, clues and deduction.
- Sci-fi and fantasy: imaginary worlds and technology.
Types of escape rooms by format
- Classic: just the set and puzzles, no actors.
- With live actors: real characters who interact with the group and take immersion up a level.
- Virtual reality: virtual rooms, more tech-driven.
- Outdoor: treasure hunts around the city.
- At home: printable kits to play in your living room (see how to organise an escape room at home).
Escape rooms with actors
Actors change the experience: you’re not just solving puzzles, the story reacts to what you do. In Awaken · The Cursed Chapel, a horror escape room in Barcelona, the actors are part of the plot, and in Horror mode you can choose light contact or no contact.
Escape rooms with modes: same space, different intensity
Some escape rooms let you choose the fear level in the same room. In Achijira · The Forbidden Cave the story splits and the group chooses its path:
- Horror (16+): constant scares. For younger players you can ask us and we can tone it down.
- Mystery / Tension (12+): suspense with occasional scares.
- Adventure (12+): no scares, more puzzles.
To know what to expect at each level, read how scary a horror escape room really is.
How to choose for your group
- Friends looking for thrills: horror with actors.
- Mixed group: mystery or tension.
- First-timers or teenagers: adventure.
- Companies: a room that forces people to communicate and share roles. See our team building page.
Want to compare rooms? Our guide to the best escape rooms in Barcelona has a selection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an escape room last? Usually between 60 and 100 minutes. Awaken lasts 90 minutes and Achijira 100.
How many players do you need? Usually 2 to 7 per room. Bigger groups play in parallel in two rooms.
How much does it cost? It depends on the room and group size. At Red Dopamine, from €30 per person at Awaken and from €36 at Achijira (see prices).
Book your escape room in Barcelona
Two rooms with live actors, rated 4.9 on Google with 1,069 reviews, and three modes to choose your fear level.