Ever wonder how escape rooms are actually built? It’s not just throwing in a few padlocks and calling it a day. Behind every clue and hidden door is hours of planning, building, and testing.
Here’s a sneak peek at how we design games at Treforest Escape Rooms — and why it’s more than just puzzles.
✏️ 1. Start With the Story
Every great escape room starts with an immersive theme. We ask:
- What’s the setting? (art gallery, vault, cabin?)
- What’s the objective? (steal a painting? disarm a bomb?)
- What’s the mood? (tense, fun, eerie?)
The story shapes everything else.
🧩 2. Design the Puzzle Flow
We plan the sequence of puzzles:
- Linear or non-linear?
- How do clues lead into each other?
- When should the big “aha!” moments happen?
This is the invisible structure that makes or breaks the experience.
🔒 3. Build Physical + Digital Layers
We mix:
- Physical items (locks, boxes, magnets)
- Mechanical triggers (RFID, sensors, buttons)
- Audio/visual effects (lights, sound cues, screens)
Even the tech has to feel invisible — the magic is in how it all connects.
🧪 4. Playtest (Again and Again)
Before the public ever sees it, we:
- Run internal test games
- Watch real teams try it blind
- Adjust anything too confusing, frustrating, or easy
Sometimes puzzles get scrapped entirely. Every game is playtested to the point of perfection (or madness). 😅
🔧 5. Theme Every Detail
It’s not just props — it’s the walls, the lighting, the music, even the clues. If a puzzle doesn’t feel like part of the story, it’s out. Immersion is everything.
🚪 Want to See It in Action?
Try your skills in our fully built, hand-crafted experiences at Treforest Escape Rooms. Our latest game, The Heist, blends Gen 2 and Gen 3 escape room technology with rich storytelling and a cinematic twist.
Book now at treforestescaperooms.com/booknow and experience the puzzle design firsthand.