Reading lists
Reading lists
Reading lists are reading routes for a specific situation. Essentials give you the minimum you need to choose a game calmly and not miss anything; in-depth articles are for those who want to understand the terms, mechanics and safety measures. Within each list, the order goes from actions to concepts. If your situation isn't here, start with the map of sections: there, all articles are grouped by topic rather than by occasion.
You don't need to read the whole guide before every game. Pick your situation and start with the first article on the list.
Reading lists include only published articles from this guide. We do not include advertising, rankings of escape rooms or venues, or links to specific games. If an article on a topic is not ready yet, we don't put a placeholder in its place; we honestly keep the list shorter.
Your first escape room
For people playing for the first time. The key here is to understand how the formats differ and to learn the rules in advance.
- How to choose and play a horror escape roomEssentials
A step-by-step guide with examples, common mistakes and a checklist.
- "Before the game" answersEssentials
Age, clothing, questions for the operator and health information.
- Glossary of formatsIn depth
Escape room, immersive show, horror quest and haunted maze: how they differ.
A group with first-timers
For when you are bringing friends who have never played. It is important to choose a format that suits the most cautious player and to agree on ground rules within the team.
- Team rolesEssentials
Steps of the guide on sharing out roles and how to behave inside.
- "During the game" answersEssentials
Hints, the safe word, arguments within the team, contact with actors.
- Mechanics and puzzlesIn depth
Terms that help first-timers understand more quickly how the game works.
For people who don't like being scared
Escape rooms without horror: puzzles, teamwork and story with no scares. Good for anyone who wants to try the format but isn't ready for a frightening atmosphere.
- Answers about fear and well-beingEssentials
Why it feels scary, whether it's normal not to enjoy scares, and how to choose a calm format.
- Alternatives to horrorEssentials
The part of the step-by-step guide on formats with no scares or a reduced fear level.
- Glossary: escape rooms and puzzlesIn depth
How games built on puzzles rather than scares are put together.
Related sections
- Practical guides
How to choose and play a horror escape room, step by step, plus a catalogue of upcoming articles.
- Reference
A glossary of formats, mechanics and puzzles, and safety terms: concise and sourced.
- Archive
All articles by date and topic, plus a note on the domain's previous content.
Sources
- Mazeoffear guide articles
Information is current as of the date it was prepared. Rules, formats and age limits for escape rooms and attractions change, so always check them directly with the operator, on their website and in their visitor rules.