Escape rooms have become an exciting way to challenge our minds, friendships and test our problem-solving skills. But have you ever wondered what goes into making these experiences?
One key element in an escape room is the clever use of locks, which play a crucial role in driving players in the right direction to progress. From classic padlocks to innovative electronic devices, escape rooms employ a variety of locks to add an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay. Surely there cant be that many types of lock?
Lets take a look.
Padlocks
The standard key padlock is one of the most basic forms of lock in an escape room, find a key and unlock the lock... simple.
Number locks
Number locks are probably the most used padlocks in escape rooms from 3 to 5 digits most commonly these locks require a team to find numbers throughout a puzzle to create a code.
Letter locks
Lock boxes are a self contained lock and safe that work in the same manner as a number lock often containing a key or a clue to further progress the room.
Letter locks
Letter locks work in the same manner as a number lock, requiring a team to find letters throughout a puzzle to create a word.
Directional locks
The marmite of the escape room world, direction locks are loved by some and hated by others. These locks require you to push down on the latch twice to reset the lock before use. Directional locks move in 4 directions - left, right, up and down or North, East, South and West. These locks can have a significantly larger input of codes but most commonly you will use 4-8 inputs.
Cryptex
The marmite of the escape room world, direction locks are loved by some and hated by others. These locks require you to push down on the latch twice to reset the lock before use. Directional locks move in 4 directions - left, right, up and down or North, East, South and West. These locks can have a significantly larger input of codes but most commonly you will use 4-8 inputs.
Hidden Locks
Hidden locks are usually disguised as every day objects such as books. For the longest time in TV and Film characters have been hiding objects in books to sneak them into places unnoticed. Escape rooms do these same to hide this seemingly normal object in plain sight. These locks will likely either be a number lock or a key.
Push-button Locks
These less commonly seen locks are like the mechanical version of a keypad, input the correct code by pushing the buttons and slide the bottom latch to unlock this lock.
Electronic Locks
These electronic numbers locks are commonly used in more Sci-Fi or high tech themed rooms. Requiring the input of a code or occasionally an RFID card to gain access.
Mag Locks
Mag locks or Magnetic release locks are often used on doors or secret compartments to hold them shut until a team has finished a specific task or action.
Hopefully you found out something new in this post and it will help you on your next escape adventure. You'll never be stumped by a new lock again.
And if you're an escape room nerd like me... what's your favourite type of lock? Let me know in the comments below.