21 Best Online Escape Room Games in 2022

In recent years, escape rooms have become an extremely popular type of entertainment for groups both large and small. They offer a rush of adrenaline, while also giving teams the opportunity to put their deductive skills to the test. Online escape rooms work in a similar way to their real-life equivalents. For some people, they may be even more appealing, offering teams the chance to enjoy the fun from the safety of their own home.

Online escape games for groups are great for virtual team building. They require the same amount of problem-solving and collaboration as the physical equivalent but with twice the potential for immersive and imaginative game play. They also offer remote teams an intense and fun-filled experience that will strengthen team communication and bonding.

If you’re looking for exciting activities that will bring your team together, check out our list of exciting escape rooms for you and your team to try out.

Online escape room games for team building

To kick off our list, let’s start with paid virtual escape rooms that offer a unique, immersive experience. 

1. Desert Island

Imagine getting stuck on a desert island. No matter how beautiful the surroundings, you need to find some way to escape! But you can’t leave this island without first solving a series of challenging puzzles. Desert Island offers a thrilling experience that gives participants the impression of being in the same room together. Everyone will have a chance to chat and socialise, then they will be sorted into smaller teams that will work to escape the island. The game is competitive, but at the same time, it has a great laid-back atmosphere and is suitable for beginners.

Why you need to play this game?

With beautiful graphics, this game has strong tropical vibes. We know the point is to escape the island, but why not enjoy the experience? You can even sip on a cocktail while we transport you to this remote paradise.

• Group Size: 4-200
• Price: From £16/$23 per person
• Session Length: 20-60 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome

2. Destination Unknown

Are you ready to become a secret agent? At your next remote team building event, dive into this spy-themed virtual escape room. You will need the help of your team to solve the clues, riddles, and puzzles that are presented to  you. Work together to find all the secret codes, hints, and answers to reveal the location of the secret headquarters. The clock is ticking – will you be able to make it there before time runs out?

Why you need to play this game?

Don’t worry about getting lost or stuck on a challenge – each game is hosted by a trained facilitator who will offer hints if needed (but not too many). This one-of-a-kind online team-building experience is perfect for groups of any size and can be played with people around the world. Get ready to test your teamwork skills and have fun at the same time!

• Group Size: 10-600
• Price: From £38/$50 per person
• Session Length: 60 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a reliable Internet connection and the latest version of Google Chrome, earphones or headphones, plus a communication app of your choice
• Similar games: Tropical Escape

3. Project Avatar

Project Avatar is a unique Zoom escape room that combines the classic escape room experience with video games and a theatrical performance. Avatar is played by a professional actor in a real-world location. Your task is to collect various artefacts and solve hidden riddles by controlling your game avatar with voice commands. You can all play together in cooperation mode or split into two smaller teams and compete against each other.

The game is available in English, Russian or Ukrainian and includes a tech support team.

Why you need to play this game?

It’s an experience unlike any other! It’s like watching a suspense film, where the protagonist gets stuck in some quirky abandoned place – only better because you get to tell the character what to do!

• Group Size: up to 30
• Price: £25/$35 per person
• Session Length: 90 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC, laptop or mobile device with a camera, reliable Internet connection, and Zoom access, plus earphones or headphones

4. Monster Hunters Academy

Students of the prestigious Monster Hunters Academy, courage is calling! Professor Corso has been defeated by a mythical creature that only you and your adventurous team can vanquish. You have 60 minutes to beat the clock, avenge the Professor and save the school, will you make it? This enjoyable and highly-rated audio escape room, will hit all the right notes with its engaging storyline and intricate artwork.

Why you need to play this game?

 The game is designed for online team building which makes it perfect for both remote and hybrid teams. Your quest will take you through a series of challenges that will require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. This online game-based activity will help strengthen communication skills and foster a supportive environment where everyone’s input is valued.

• Group Size: 4-32
• Price: From £16/ $20 pp
• Session Length: 60 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, Internet browser (Google Chrome preferred), video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet)

5. Basement & Barbarians

Danger is always lurking around on October 31st.  This time, your friend has mysteriously disappeared. Could it be another Halloween trick? Only you and your awesome team can save them. But you have only 60 minutes to get out of the escape room and solve the mystery.  Basement & Barbarians is not your ordinary online thrill, this game is  ‘Stranger Things’ meets Dungeons & Dragons with the added benefit of a few unexpected turns and challenges.

Why you need to play this game?

 The game is designed for online team building which makes it perfect for both remote and hybrid teams. Your quest will take you through a series of challenges that will require critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. This online game-based activity will help strengthen communication skills and foster a supportive environment where everyone’s input is valued.

• Group Size: 4-32
• Price: From £16/$20
• Session Length: 60 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, Internet browser (Google Chrome preferred), video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet)
• Similar games: Hansel & Gretel

6. Casa de Papel

After watching 25 hours of Money Heist, you may feel like you can take over a bank, but don’t forget that there is no need for such drastic measures. Get ready for the fun to begin with this  escape room based on this popular Netflix series! Team up with your friends or colleagues and infiltrate the casino on Tuesday at 4am when the funds are transported across the town. You have one hour to get all the diamonds and leave the premises without getting caught. 

Why you need to play this game?

If you were thinking of planning a team-building activity in the near future, we suggest organizing this online escape room. These  Money Heist-themed puzzles have captivated the show’s drama and suspense. We know viewers have fallen in love with the Professor, Tokyo, Nairobi, Berlin, Rio, and all the other colorful characters from the show. And now they can get even closer to their favorite characters with this escape room!

• Group Size: 6-5000
• Price: From £310/€360
• Session Length: 60-90 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, Internet browser (Google Chrome preferred), video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet)

7. Secret of Vincent Hahn

Vincent Hahn, the infamous art thief strikes again! The gallery’s most valued artwork was stolen during a virtual opening night by this notorious thief. Vincent Hahn has now gone underground but is rumored to be planning another theft soon at one of the world’s most famous museums. Analyze evidence files, and audio recordings as you and your team channel your inner detective. To find out which museum Vincent is targeting next, you must solve a series of devious puzzles using your wits, teamwork, and detective skills!

Why you need to play this game?

The Vincent Hahn case is a new virtual escape room experience that can be played by your team remotely. It features challenging missions and puzzles that require decision-making and problem-solving skills. The team of detectives needs to collaborate in order to gather clues and come up with a plan on how to catch Vincent Hahn.

• Group Size: 10-2000
• Price: From £46/ $60 pp
• Session Length: 75 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, Internet browser (Google Chrome preferred), video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet), server test, plus a list of all participants divided into teams of 6-8 people
• Similar Games: Virtual Wild Escape

8. Citadel

Somewhere in a galaxy far, far away… players are being sent on a mission to discover a new source of energy. As you enter the Citadel, the most powerful energy generator in the cosmos, you’ll be presented with a series of quick tasks. Think fast, the clock is ticking! Citadel is fast-paced and dynamic. It takes you right out of your usual workspace and straight into an intergalactic setting. While having fun, you get to strengthen your competencies and promote core company values.

The game is available in English or Spanish and includes a dedicated event coordinator.

Why you need to play this game?

When staying at home, everyone’s routines can get really mundane. We all crave something exciting from time to time. This game will give you the buzz you’ve been missing, plus it’s a great way to reunite with your team over a common goal.

• Group Size: 5-500
• Price: From £469/$649
• Session Length: 75 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, the latest version of Google Chrome, video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet), server tests, plus a list of all participants divided into teams of 6-8 people

9. Pharaoh Quest

A new pyramid waits to be explored. What is its history? Who’s buried there? Investigate the structure’s corridors and hidden rooms to uncover the mystery, but beware of traps and remember you’ll have to navigate your way back out! In Pharaoh Quest, all participants have a different piece of information and teams must work together to solve each task. The success of the mission depends on close collaboration within the team.

The game is available in English or Spanish and includes a dedicated event coordinator.

Why you need to play this game?

If you’ve been missing long-distance travel, this game might give you a tiny taste of that. With just a little bit of imagination, it’ll feel just like being under the hot sky of Egypt.

• Group Size: 5-500
• Price: From £469/$649
• Session Length: 90-120 min
• Equipment: You will need a PC or laptop with a camera and reliable Internet connection, earphones or headphones, Internet browser (Google Chrome preferred), video call software (Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet), server test, plus a list of all participants divided into teams of 6-8 people

Free online escape room games

If you’re low on the budget but still would like a chance to enjoy virtual escape games with your team, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of free online escape rooms to try out. Some of them are simple text-based quests, others offer something slightly more elaborate. All you need is a little bit of imagination, an Internet browser and an online communicator of your choice to connect with your team.

10. Hogwarts Digital Escape Room

Picture this: you’ve finally got your letter from Hogwarts. You’re there. You’ve been sorted into your dream house. And then, the house prefect announces a team-building activity and locks you in a room with your classmates. To get out, you need to solve some puzzles. Oh, and don’t look for your magic wands, this time all you can use is your brains!

11. The Crimson Room

You wake up in a mysterious red room, with no recollection of getting there. One thing is clear: you need to get out. Click around the room to look for clues, collect different items and solve puzzles that will, hopefully, lead you to unlock the strange blue door. Simple, yet entertaining. It should be suitable for beginners.

12. Mr X

You’re an agent. Despite the HQ being shut down, you’re being constantly tormented with cryptic clues from a mysterious Mr X. Embark on an online treasure hunt, scouring the interwebs for hints that will help you achieve the ultimate goal of your mission: find out who is Mr X?

13. Minecraft Escape Room

You wake up to a hissing sound, with a creeper creeping by your bedroom window. You hold your breath and wait for the creeper to leave you alone. When that danger is gone, however, you realise this is not your bedroom at all! You try the door and the window with no luck. You know the drill by now – you have to investigate your surroundings and solve the clues to escape.

14. Oscar’s Stolen Oscar

Fancy yourselves an aquarium mystery? Oscar the fish is not just any fish, he’s a Hollywood star. We can imagine how that might make the other aquarium residents jealous. Your mission is to help Oscar find his stolen Oscar. And while you’re at it, you’ll get the chance to virtually explore the National Aquarium in Baltimore and learn some interesting facts!

15. Escape: The Midnight Express

This time, you need to escape a train! You’re sent back in time to 1861. Your mission is to investigate a change in the timeline of the American Civil War, which might have something to do with Abraham Lincoln. On a night train from Pennsylvania to Baltimore, sneak around the train cars and gather the clues. But work quickly, don’t let your presence be discovered!

16. See Me Escape Rooms

See Me Escape Rooms is a California-based escape room that offers two online games based on solving puzzles: Grandpa Sam’s Hunt and Holiday Hunt. Solving each clue unlocks the password to the next one. Will you be able to crack the codes before you see the other teams escape?

17. Oregon Trail Escape to Willamette Valley

Imagine that you’re taking the historic Oregon Trail all the way to Willamette Valley. Your objective: navigate your wagon away from the imminent catastrophe that’s coming from the east. This online escape room experience created by Livingston Parish Library allows you to embark on an exciting adventure from the comfort and safety of your home.

18. Enchambered

Enchambered is a real-life escape room that decided to take some of the fun online. Apart from 10 fun online puzzles with different themes, the website offers Alone Together, a two-player escape game played on two separate devices. Whether you’re in the same room or miles apart, the key to winning the game is teamwork and communication.

19. Doctor Who Escape Room

A treat for all Whovians and bookworms out there, the Doctor Who Escape Room was put together by Tehachapi Branch Library. To solve some of the clues, you’ll need to go through the library’s online catalogue. Others will require searching the web. Be quick! The Doctor needs your help. But whatever you do, remember one thing. Don’t blink.

20. The Minotaur’s Labyrinth Escape Room

Do we have any Greek mythology geeks on board? They’re in for a treat! In this remote escape game provided by The County Library’s Riverton Branch, you make your way through the labyrinth, solving riddles and learning some facts about myths along the way. Will you be the hero that kills the ancient monster?

21. Ultra Mega Super Death Escape Room

Ultra Mega Super Death Escape Room is a quarantine-themed online escape game. We’ve all been there. During the most severe lockdown, many of us would have done anything just to get out of the house. Well, now you can. Except you have to solve these ultra mega super-challenging puzzles first!

Bonus tips

If you decide to host the team building event yourself and choose some of the free games, we have some bonus tips to spice them up:

• Before you start to play, come up with some ground rules, e.g. no googling, no calculators, etc.
• Decide on a set amount of time to solve each puzzle – feel that adrenaline rush!
• If you’re a large group, split into smaller teams and have a competition! Whichever team is the first to complete the game is the winner.
• Prepare some prizes in advance and hold an awards ceremony afterwards.
• Make this a learning opportunity: after completing the challenges, discuss the overall experience, share what difficulties you encountered and reflect on your teamwork.
• Above all, remember to have fun! Even if you don’t manage to solve the riddle in the end, the main purpose is to enjoy the activity and bond with your teammates.

To sum up, playing escape games online is not just a form of entertainment, it’s also a great virtual team building activity. While solving fun challenges, you get to work on your soft skills, discover your strengths and improve your teamwork abilities – all without having to leave your home!

You might also want to check out our articles on The 18 Best Virtual Team Building Activities and 20 Awesome Online Games for Teams and Large Groups.

FAQs

What is an online escape room?

An online escape room is a type of entertainment based on the same concept as a physical escape room. You are locked in a room, with the objective of getting out as fast as you can by solving different tasks. Only in this case, the room is virtual, so if you’re not into being physically locked up in a space, this might be the ideal way for you to enjoy this type of activity.

How do online escape rooms work?

All remote escape rooms work in a similar way. You’re provided with a series of clues – solve one, then get the next and so on, until you’re able to unlock the door and get yourself out of the room. Most of these games are designed to be played in teams, where cooperation between the participants is the key to solving the challenges.

What is the best virtual escape room?

There’s probably no definite answer to this question, as it is very subjective. However, most of the games are based on a similar concept. You just have to choose the theme you find most appealing. Some of our favourites include an exciting space mission Space Escape, a laid-back escape game Office Party and Power Source, set in a dystopian future.

What are the best affordable escape games?

The price will differ depending on the game and the number of participants, but you can find many affordable options to choose from. For example, Desert Island, a relaxed game suitable for beginners, is available from £16/$23 per person. Project Avatar, an exciting zoom escape room, can be played for £25/$35 per person. For The Climate Change Challenge, a fun and educational escape game, the prices start from £469/$649 for a group of 20 people.

What is the best free online escape room?

There are a number of free virtual escape games to choose from, centred around different themes and presented in different forms. Some of them involve a series of text-based puzzles, like Hogwarts Digital Escape Room. Others offer a classic escape room experience, where you have to click around a virtual room to find clues, like in The Crimson Room.

How do you play an online escape room?

Online escape room games typically involve finding and solving various clues, each bringing you closer to the ultimate goal: getting out of the virtual room. Technical requirements may vary depending on the game. Some are played via communicators like Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, etc., while others only require an Internet browser. Paid games often include a host, who’ll guide you through the experience.

How much does it cost to play an online escape room?

You can find online escape rooms with different price ranges. Simple escape games can be played for free. The paid options deliver a more immersive experience and their cost will vary depending on the game itself, the number of participants, the presence of a dedicated host, etc. According to tagvenue.com, prices range from £16/$23 to £34/$48 per person.

How long does an online escape room game last?

Session length will vary, depending on the number of puzzles you need to solve, their level of difficulty and your skills! Some can be completed within 30 minutes, while others will last for up to 2 hours.

Should you plan a virtual escape room game in advance?

If you’re planning to book a virtual escape room experience on a paid platform, you should definitely do that in advance. Check the availability with your chosen provider. Prepare a list of participants (maybe even divide them into teams) and notify them earlier to be sure they can make the date.