Your first print-and-play mystery
How to host a printable escape room at home
A printable escape room is a tabletop puzzle adventure. Your group reads evidence, solves clues and combines the answers into a final code. You do not need to lock a door or turn your house into a maze.
1. Choose for the readers at your table
Match the suggested reading age and group size before choosing a theme. Our birthday story starts at age 8; Halloween and Christmas at 10. The Midnight Platform is designed for exactly two players aged 14+. These are design recommendations, not measured playtest results. Use the game finder if you are unsure.
2. Print only what you need
Extract the ZIP and read START-HERE.txt. Choose Letter or A4, then print single-sided at 100%. Our birthday and seasonal games need eight essential game pages; the two-player game needs eleven. Covers and keepsakes are optional. The separate answer guide can stay on a screen.
3. Give each team its own evidence
For a private party with more than six players, split into teams and print a set for each. Let a confident reader read instructions aloud. Give everyone room to see the page. In the two-player game, follow the start page to divide the evidence into two dossiers.
4. Make hints part of the fun
Start with the first hint, then move to the next only if you need it. There is no penalty. The goal is a shared discovery, not getting stuck for the whole evening. Younger players may need an adult to explain unfamiliar words.
5. Check the final order
Record each digit alongside its clue symbol. The final page tells you how to order those symbols. Then check the code in the guide or optional offline hint checker and read the ending together.
Try it before planning a party
Play The Curious Cabinet free or print the six-page mini mystery. It has three clues and a final code, with answers on the last page. No account or email required.