+ How can I purchase a subscription?

We are in the process of phasing out our subscription plans at escape the crate. The last box of the subscription will go out to subscribers in March and April of 2026. We are simply switching our focus away from subscriptions so we can offer "one-time purchase" boxes. You can choose from our large collection of past games. We are still releasing new games throughout the year, so be sure to join our email list or follow us on social media for announcements regarding these future releases.

+ How old do you need to be to play?

We do not like to put an age limit on the games, as it really depends upon the player. The puzzles and reading materials in the box are designed for players ages 10 and up... however, if you use the hints and have adult supervision, younger players have enjoyed the game. Just be aware that this box is designed to be challenging for adults, so it might cause some frustration for very young players. Be aware that some boxes contain scary themes, such as having a murder mystery to solve or mythological monsters to fight. We do not have graphic violence and everything is presented in a PG way. Some boxes that have very scary themes (like serial killers), actually have 2 games inside... one for the adults with scarier themes and one for families, so that everyone can have some fun.

+ How many people do you need to play?

Each game is designed for a small group of people and to be played around a kitchen table. We suggest 2-4 people, but as many as 6 can easily participate. We also have many subscribers who play solo, which also works!

+ Do you ship internationally?

We do ship internationally to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. New orders from other countries are temporarily suspended due to shipping issues internationally. We will re-evaluate this policy periodically and may add new countries to our list. Shipping costs are quite a bit higher than those shipped domestically, however, so be sure to consider that when placing an order. Note: International Customers are responsible for any taxes or duties that their countries may impose on them during delivery. Customs fees don't happen often, but with the changing postal procedures with COVID-19, many countries are reassessing their policies on this.

+ How long will it take for me to receive my crate?

Most boxes (unless specified otherwise in the title of the box) ship out within 7 days of being ordered. If you are in a rush and don't want to wait, we do offer gift cards which can be delivered to a gift recipient's email, allowing them to choose a box from our collection or we offer virtual games, which can be played instantly on your computer.

+ What are escape rooms?

An escape room is an experience where a group of people must work together to solve puzzles to accomplish a goal...usually to break out of a locked room. In "Escape the Crate," you will be working with others to accomplish a goal, such as breaking into a room or finding a hidden object. Part of the fun of the puzzles in escape rooms is that you don't always know what to do next. You need to look at all of the clues before you to try to make connections. While this may seem a bit tricky at first, try a few out and you will get the hang in no time.

+ Can I see an example?

We have 2 free, online-only games available right now. The first is "Escape: Safe-Cracker." If you are able to break into our safe, you might be able to earn a discount off your first subscription order! The second is based on one of our older games, but it is a fan favorite. In "Escape the Midnight Express," you can attempt to sneak around an abandoned train to save President Lincoln from assassination.

+ How long is each Escape Adventure?

Each crate is designed to last around 2 hours, but most boxes are split up into chapters, which allow you to stop playing the game halfway through a game, so you can pick back up at a later time. There are suggested time limits at the beginning of the adventure, depending upon your experience level with escape rooms, to make things more challenging or easier... depending upon the group. You also have the option to not time yourself at all... and play for fun.

+ Can you play this more than once?

After completing the mission, you will be given instructions on how to reset the game. A few items will have to be printed off of a computer and replaced into the crate, but the rest are simply reset according to an easy to follow checklist. Just like other escape rooms...when you play this once, it will be exactly the same the next time through. While it always fun to replay the crate with other people, you don't need to worry... we have plenty of games available to try out to keep the adventure going.

+ Are there hints to help me?

Every challenge you will face will have a set of hints, which you can choose to reveal when your team needs them. If you are completely stumped, even after the hints, the solution is also provided.

+ What if we don't escape in time?

These missions can be challenging and it is very possible you won't escape before the time limit. You can always reset the game using our instructions or you can continue playing past the time limit to see the mission to completion. You can't do THAT in another escape room.

+ Do I need to play missions in order?

No. Each box is a self-contained adventure with a clear beginning, middle, and end. You do NOT need to start with box #1 to enjoy the game or to understand anything. If you do play boxes in order, you will notice an over-arching storyline to connect the boxes together, but this is not necessary at all to understand or to enjoy the game. Earlier missions (from #22 on...) are available as retired boxes. Boxes #1-11 and #13 are no longer offered in box format, but are being released as online, virtual games. Boxes #12 and #14-21 are available each year for a VERY LIMITED time during our annual SUMMER SALE. The 2025 sale ran from June 15th - July 7th and is now OVER! Follow us on social media for updates on when the 2026 sale will be.

+ Do I need a computer to play?

You will need a fully charged computer or mobile device to play this escape room. For most challenges, you will need to enter information into some locks on the computer to gain new puzzles and information. Audio clues and video clues also pop up occasionally on the website to help you on your way. We highly suggest a laptop or tablet so that everyone will be able to see what is on the screen. You do NOT need to google anything during the game or do research like some other mystery boxes. Everything you need is provided to you on the website and in the box.

+ What are the virtual games?

These games are completely digital versions of our games that can be played immediately after ordering. You can play these solo or share the game link with players across the country to play together. These games can NOT be replayed and must be finished within 72 hours of being ordered. Find out more HERE.

+ What happens if I don't like the box or I find it to be too challenging or too easy?

While we do not give refunds, feel free to cancel your subscription at any time.

+ I'm an escape room super fan and I want to know if the box has linear puzzles or not...

Our boxes are very linear and are designed to be that way... played one puzzle at a time... While some super fans like to split up the work in a box, that often is confusing for new players and it does not work well with our hint system. There are many wonderful escape rooms that are linear and it is our personal preference to keep the puzzles in this manner.

+ What is the fine print?

A 2 month subscription has only one box, since it is shipped out bi-monthly. A 4 month subscription will have 2 boxes. As of July 1st, 2025, we no longer offer 12 month subscription terms. As of January 1st, 2026, we no longer offer 6 month subscription terms.  Subscriptions renew on the 14th or 15th of the month every OTHER month. Feel free to cancel anytime by logging into your Cratejoy account. You have 2 days after a renewal to cancel and request a refund by email, or you will be charged for and receive that month's box before cancellation. We do not offer refunds if you do not like the box. You can find out more by examining the "Terms and Conditions" page at the bottom of this webpage.