Create a complete escape game with CrackAndReveal (step by step)

You dream of creating an escape game but don't know where to start? No need to be a developer or rent a room. With CrackAndReveal, you can create a complete escape game, playable online, by combining different types of locks in a structured path. This tutorial guides you step by step, from designing the scenario to sharing with your players.

Step 1: Design your scenario

Every good escape game starts with a story. Before touching the tool, take a paper and define three fundamental elements.

The theme. Police investigation, space exploration, prison escape, medieval mystery. The theme sets the tone and guides the choice of puzzles. A strong theme immerses players from the first second.

The narrative thread. Break down your story into logical steps. Each step corresponds to a lock. For example: the player finds a clue in a chest (lock 1), which leads them to a witness (lock 2), then to a secret location (lock 3), before the final revelation (lock 4). Four to six locks are enough for a 20 to 40 minute escape game.

The difficulty. Adapt the level to your audience. For 8-year-old children, favor simple visual puzzles. For adult escape game enthusiasts, don't hesitate to spice up the challenges with clues hidden in the text or codes to decipher.

Note everything in a simple document: title of each step, type of puzzle envisioned, content to reveal and optional clue. This roadmap will be your guide throughout the creation.

Step 2: Choose the right lock types

CrackAndReveal offers 14 types of locks, each offering a different game mechanic. The key to a successful escape game is variety. Here are some proven combinations according to themes.

For a police investigation: start with a classic code lock (a case number), chain with a directional lock (the path on a map), then a password lock (the suspect's name), and finish with a code lock for the final safe.

For a nature adventure: use a GPS lock for the first step (the player must go to a specific point), followed by a color lock (identify the colors of a plant), then a pattern lock (trace a pattern observed in nature).

For a musical escape game: integrate a musical lock where the player must reproduce a melody, combined with text and image locks for the other steps.

The diversity of puzzle types avoids monotony and solicits different skills in players, making the experience richer and more inclusive.

Step 3: Create the locks on CrackAndReveal

Let's get practical. Log in to your CrackAndReveal account (or create one for free) and follow these steps for each lock.

1. Click "New lock" from your dashboard.
2. Select the lock type adapted to your scenario step.
3. Configure the puzzle. Define the code, password, pattern or combination that the player must find. Be consistent with your scenario: if the clue points to the date 1789, the lock code must be 1789.
4. Add the locked content. This is what the player discovers by succeeding at the puzzle. You can add narrative text, a clue image, an atmosphere video or a link to the next step.
5. Customize the appearance. Modify the title and description displayed to the player. Use them to set the narrative context of each step.

Repeat this operation for each step of your escape game. Tip: in the content revealed by each lock, integrate the clue necessary to solve the next lock.

Step 4: Assemble the multi-lock path

This is where the magic happens. Rather than sending separate links for each lock, CrackAndReveal allows you to create a multi-lock that automatically chains the steps.

From your dashboard, create a new lock chain. Add your locks to it in the desired order. The path works sequentially: the player can only access the next lock after unlocking the previous one. A progress bar indicates their advancement in the adventure.

You can also choose not to automatically chain the locks. In this case, hide the link to the next lock in the content revealed by the previous one. This approach requires more work but offers total narrative freedom.

Important advice: test your path from start to finish before sharing it. Verify that each clue leads to the right code and that the progression is logical. Ask a friend to test it blind to spot ambiguities.

Step 5: Share and host your escape game

Your escape game is ready. All that remains is to distribute it to your players. CrackAndReveal generates a unique short link for your path. You can also generate a QR code to print and place physically at the location of your choice.

For a remote escape game: send the link by message, email or via your social networks. Players only need a smartphone or computer, without an app to install.

For an in-person escape game: print the QR code and place it at the starting point. Players scan it and start immediately. You can add physical elements (envelopes, objects, decorations) to enrich the immersion.

For a competitive escape game: activate competition mode to rank players by resolution time. A leaderboard updates in real time, which adds a particularly motivating collective challenge dimension.

During the game, you can track your players' progress thanks to your dashboard statistics. You see who is stuck at which step, which allows you to send targeted hints if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

How many locks can an escape game on CrackAndReveal contain?

There is no strict limit to the number of locks in a path. However, for a fluid and engaging experience, we recommend between 4 and 8 locks. Beyond that, the risk of abandonment increases, unless your audience is particularly motivated.

Can you create a CrackAndReveal escape game for free?

Yes. The free plan gives access to the 14 lock types and the creation of multi-lock paths. The Pro plan adds competition mode, advanced customization and detailed statistics, useful if you create escape games regularly. Consult the pricing to compare.

Do players need to create an account to participate?

No. Players access the escape game via a simple link or QR code, without registration or download. This is one of the major advantages compared to other solutions that require an app or account.

Conclusion

Creating an escape game with CrackAndReveal is accessible to everyone, regardless of your technical level. By following these five steps, from designing the scenario to sharing with your players, you can produce an immersive and memorable experience in just a few hours. The richness of the 14 lock types and the flexibility of the multi-lock system leave you total creative freedom. All that remains is to imagine your next adventure.

Read also

• Genially vs CrackAndReveal for classroom escape games
• The complete CrackAndReveal guide: all features
• CrackAndReveal Free vs Pro: When to Upgrade to Paid?
• How to Create a Free Interactive QR Code
• How to create an interactive game without coding