Hey everyone, This small update adds beta support for Steam Frame , Valve’s upcoming VR device. It should already run smoothly, and we’ll keep improving support as the hardware gets closer to release. We’ve also made several optimizations across rooms to improve overall performan
Hey everyone,
This small update adds beta support for Steam Frame, Valve’s upcoming VR device. It should already run smoothly, and we’ll keep improving support as the hardware gets closer to release.
We’ve also made several optimizations across rooms to improve overall performance.
Hey everyone, We found out that some players were having connection and multiplayer issues because the new AiProtection on some ASUS routers was falsely detecting and blocking our server. To work around this, we moved our multiplayer services to a completely new server. This seem
Hey everyone,
We found out that some players were having connection and multiplayer issues because the new AiProtection on some ASUS routers was falsely detecting and blocking our server.
To work around this, we moved our multiplayer services to a completely new server. This seems to have fixed the issue, at least for now.
Thank you all for your patience, reports, and support while we looked into this.
Changelog:
Changed code server to a new one that isn't blocked by AI firewalls
Improved cross-platform compatibility between different game versions
Added a progress bar when installing rooms from the mod.io Community tab
Fixed various bugs in the mod.io Community tab
Also, Escape Simulator is part of the Games From Croatia Sale! Go check it out here:
Hey everyone! We just released a small hotfix for yesterday’s Xbox update . This one is mostly about making sure everything runs smoothly after the big release. We fixed a few cross-platform and multiplayer issues, improved how versions are handled between platforms, and cleaned
Hey everyone!
We just released a small hotfix for yesterday’s Xbox update.
This one is mostly about making sure everything runs smoothly after the big release. We fixed a few cross-platform and multiplayer issues, improved how versions are handled between platforms, and cleaned up some small lobby/UI problems.
Full list:
Improved cross-platform multiplayer stability
Improved the versioning system between platforms
Fixed a UI bug in the lobby
Fixed a multiplayer issue when playing Workshop rooms
Hey everyone! We just released a new Escape Simulator update with a bunch of fixes and optimizations, especially for Community Rooms. They should now use less RAM and run more smoothly. But the big news is: cross-platform multiplayer now supports XBOX! 🎉 Escape Simulator is out
Hey everyone!
We just released a new Escape Simulator update with a bunch of fixes and optimizations, especially for Community Rooms. They should now use less RAM and run more smoothly.
But the big news is: cross-platform multiplayer now supports XBOX! 🎉
Escape Simulator is out now on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, Windows PC Store, and PC Game Pass, so you can now play with your Xbox friends too. (Go tell them about the game! 🫶)
Now that Escape Simulator is on Xbox, it would be great to see more of your rooms on mod.io, so Xbox players and players outside Steam can try them too.
Publishing your room to mod.io is very quick and takes less than a minute:
Go to the Workshop
Click on your room
Click Publish
Before clicking the final Publish button, select the mod.io option
That’s it! Your room can now reach more players across platforms.
If you don’t have your room saved locally, you’ll first need to download it from Steam Workshop before publishing it to mod.io. Here’s a quick video (60 sec) showing how to do it:
Escape Simulator started here on Steam, and it grew because of you: the players, builders, streamers, guide makers, reviewers, and everyone who supported our work.
We’re really happy to welcome even more players into the escape.
Hello, Escapers! It’s a big day at Pine Studio. We have some exciting news about our team, a brand-new free room for you to play right now , and a look at what’s coming next for both Escape Simulator 1 and 2 ! 🤝 Our Family is Growing: Somnium Games Joins Pine! We are thrilled to
Hello, Escapers!
It’s a big day at Pine Studio. We have some exciting news about our team, a brand-new free room for you to play right now, and a look at what’s coming next for both Escape Simulator 1 and 2!
🤝 Our Family is Growing: Somnium Games Joins Pine!
We are thrilled to announce that our long-time friends and collaborators at Somnium Games have officially joined the Pine Studio family!
If you’ve enjoyed the Magic DLC, you’ve already played their work. By bringing our teams together, we now have 28 developers working across the Escape Simulator franchise. This growth is exactly what allows us to keep supporting ES1 and ES2 with high-quality content.
🎨 New Free Room: Inked (Available Now!)
To celebrate this news, we’ve just released a brand-new free room inspired by Somnium's award-winning game, Inked: A Tale of Love.
Step into a world made entirely of "paper and ink." This room features a beautiful hand-drawn art style and offers a calm, atmospheric escape experience. It’s available now for solo play or co-op with up to 8 friends!
(Note to Meta Quest VR players: You’re getting a double drop today! Both the Inked and Treasure Island rooms are now live in your headsets!)
🖊️ Love the style? Check out the original game!
If you enjoy the vibe of this new room, we highly recommend checking out the game that inspired it: Inked: A Tale of Love. It’s a very personal, beautiful puzzle-adventure, and to celebrate today's news, it is currently on sale!
As we work on bringing Escape Simulator to consoles and mobile, we want to make sure your incredible community-made rooms can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.
We are officially launching the mod.io integration beta!
Cross-Platform: Your rooms can now reach players on other platforms.
One-Click Setup: Link your Steam name with a single click in-game.
You’re in Control: We will never automatically upload your work. You decide what to publish to mod.io directly from the Room Editor.
🗺️ What’s Next for Escape Simulator?
We know you're curious about the future. While we are moving away from rigid roadmaps to focus on quality and team well-being, we have big plans for the rest of the year:
For ES1: We are currently working on one more free room and a brand-new DLC!
For ES2: Development is moving fast! We have 2 free rooms, a first DLC, and major VR progress happening right now. Read more about Escape Sim 2 development in our latest post here.
Summer Building Competition: Get your tools ready—our next big competition for builders is coming this summer!
Thank you for being such an amazing community. We can’t wait to see you solve (and build) what’s coming next!
Today, we’re chatting with Bartololomeo or Bart in short, a beloved Escape Simulator room builder from Poland, known for his playful humor, cat-themed comedy rooms, and increasingly ambitious creations. What started as a Christmas self-gift in 2021 quickly turned into a creative
Today, we’re chatting with Bartololomeo or Bart in short, a beloved Escape Simulator room builder from Poland, known for his playful humor, cat-themed comedy rooms, and increasingly ambitious creations. What started as a Christmas self-gift in 2021 quickly turned into a creative journey filled with hand-drawn puzzles, silly ideas, and a lot of learning along the way.
From his first rough map to the massive, new room "What The Fox", Bart shares how he designs rooms, what he learned the hard way, and why cats keep sneaking into his escape rooms!🐱
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into designing rooms in Escape Simulator?
Hi! I’m Bart! I’m from Poland. And no… I’m not a cat. Or maybe I am? Who knows… Ok, where should I start?
It was 2021 before Christmas. I wanted to buy myself a present, so I was looking for a perfect game and then… I found this Masterpiece: Escape Simulator.
I love escape rooms, so I was extremely excited when I found out I could make my own room. I had no idea though how the editor worked, but somehow I figured it out.
After a few weeks I created my first map:’ Find a Remote’. Please don’t play it. It’s very bad! ;) However people started leaving positive reviews, so I decided to make even more escape room maps!
Can you walk us through your process of creating a room?
It almost always starts with a theme. I need to decide what I’m making a map about. About cats, or maybe something else… Maybe a horror one?
After that it’s time to make some puzzles! I’m a bit of a traditionalist and like to design all my puzzles on paper. I don’t use a computer for it. It’s easier for me that way.
It’s important that the puzzles I design are connected to the theme of the room. For example, if I’m making a cat room the puzzles must be connected with cats. (e.g. lasers, yarn balls, pawprints, scratch marks etc.) Personally, I just follow a simple recipe to make the puzzles fit the theme.
Let’s say we have a jigsaw. If we want a room about pirates, we can add a picture of a treasure chest to it. But if we want a room about dogs we need to only change the picture to a cute doggo. And if we have a spy room - an image of diamond.
Additionally, I categorize puzzles into two main groups:
puzzles where you know what to do, but you don’t know how to do it (e.g. jigsaws, mazes, sudoku)
puzzles where you have to figure out what to do, but after that there's no longer a puzzle (e.g. hidden numbers in paintings)
I like to have a wide variety of puzzles in my maps, so I try to mix the two types equally, otherwise the room can feel a bit flat. View game pageHow do you come up with the themes and puzzles for your rooms? Do you have any favourite themes or types of puzzles?
What can I say? I love comedy! The sillier the idea, the better the room! And my brain has a lot of silly ideas! But honestly I like to try weird, new things that no one has done yet. When I was starting to make maps in Escape Simulator there weren’t a lot of rooms about cats in the workshop. So I created one and people loved it!
And my favourite type of puzzle? Thinking about it, yes, I have one, and I used it in almost all my maps. It’s placing items into slots based on written clues about their positions. It’s simple, but pretty fun.
Before I answer this question I need to tell you something. I have a dark secret.
[spoiler] I DO NOT HAVE A CAT!
[/spoiler][/p]
Yeah, that’s true. But wait, that's not the end!
[spoiler]I HAVE A DOGGO! [/spoiler]
So why make escape rooms about cats? It’s simple – cats are cute, goofy and funny, which makes them perfect for comedy maps!
Your latest room ‘What The Fox’ features an immense amount of unique, custom mechanics and artwork. How long have you worked on it? How does it compare to other rooms you’ve made?
View game page
Yes, ‘What The Fox’ is my biggest project so far for sure. Almost all assets were made by myself. 134 custom models, tons of 2d art, about ten minutes of voice acting, and plenty of LUA scripts (especially in The Grand Finale). It took me over 9 months (with some breaks) to finish!
However that project couldn't exist without the help of great people I met at Pine discord server. Special thanks to Elkondo, Rhea West and GG3L! 👏
What are some lessons you’ve learned the hard way as a creator for Escape Simulator?
It was my second map: “It’s only a Game” (my worst map btw). People didn’t like it. The main reason was that the puzzles were too hard and boring. They weren’t satisfying for players to solve. I received a lot of negative comments and I was a bit devastated. But thanks to that experience I started making better puzzles, so looking back, I’m glad it happened.
Can you share any memorable experiences or funny stories that have happened while you were designing or playing escape rooms?
There are a lot of funny stories when you're making comedy maps! Often when I test my rooms I can’t stop laughing! And if I can make myself laugh, I hope it will work for others too!
I especially love watching streamers playing my maps on Twitch and seeing their reactions. For me, that’s one of the best parts of being a builder. One time I was watching a steamer play one of my maps, “Pet The Cat”, and it was really funny to see him shout obscenities at the cat while he was chasing it around!
What do you feel has been your greatest ‘Escape Simulator accomplishment’ so far?
Creating “What The Fox”!
When I started making rooms I had no idea about programming and didn't even know what Blender was. Now, after a few years, when I look at my new map I’m really proud of how much I learned throughout this journey, and how much Escape Simulator and its community helped me grow!
Are there any other room designers in the game whose work you admire or draw inspiration from? Any favourite rooms?
There are so many great creators! It’s an extremely hard task to list them all, so here are 3 of my favourite rooms.
What are your future plans for Escape Simulator? Can we expect more from you any time soon?
I’m planning something special for the future. It’s a secret, but I’ll tell you anyway ;)
I’m hoping to make my own game! I’m a total beginner, but hey…A few years ago I didn’t know what Blender was, so I won't give up this time either!
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We're incredibly grateful to Bart for taking the time to share his insights with us. While we wait for his next fantastic creations, be sure to check out his existing masterpieces here or directly in-game. If you wish to chat with Bart or other amazing community room builders, make sure to join our Discord. We hope you enjoyed this recurring series and we look forward to diving deeper into the creation process of many other room builders. Stay tuned!
Escape Simulator 2, the next chapter of ES world is out now on Steam! View game page It features 12 completely new rooms, each much larger and more detailed than before, with puzzles that take around 50 minutes to solve. The new Lobby lets you gather with friends before entering
Escape Simulator 2, the next chapter of ES world is out now on Steam!
View game page It features 12 completely new rooms, each much larger and more detailed than before, with puzzles that take around 50 minutes to solve.
The new Lobby lets you gather with friends before entering rooms. It is also a place to display trophies, hang photos, or relax between escapes.
Under the hood, we rebuilt many systems from scratch. The game now includes improved graphics, physics, networking, animation, and a new autosave system that remembers your progress at all times. You can now invite friends mid-game with drop-in multiplayer and keep playing together instantly.
The Room Editor 2.0 is available in BETA, bringing new tools and upgrades. We’ll keep improving it and soon host the first Builders Competition for ES2 creators.
What’s next for ES1?
We’re not done with Escape Simulator 1 either. Our dedicated team is already working on new rooms and we plan to keep releasing content for it for a long time.
If you enjoyed Escape Simulator 1, we think you’ll love exploring what comes next in both games.
Agents, we’ve got another round of improvements ready for you. This update focuses on the hints, multiplayer isses, and a few handy tweaks to make your missions more enjoyable. All Levels Clearer hints and improved hint progression Fixed a few multiplayer bugs Level 2 Fixed turre
Agents, we’ve got another round of improvements ready for you. This update focuses on the hints, multiplayer isses, and a few handy tweaks to make your missions more enjoyable.
All Levels
Clearer hints and improved hint progression
Fixed a few multiplayer bugs
Level 2
Fixed turret gear slotting issues in both single and multiplayer mode
Level 4
Relocated the token lockbox to avoid confusion with main puzzles
Improved keypad input on the final puzzle
Added a label to the punchcard recycling device (fewer accidental recycles!)
First of all, thank you for playing the Spy DLC! 🕵️♂️ We’ve just rolled out a hotfix to improve a few things based on your feedback (thanks for that). If you’re enjoying the Spy DLC, we’d love it if you could leave us a review ! 💖 Spy DLC Hotfix – Changelog All Levels Fixed in
First of all, thank you for playing the Spy DLC! 🕵️♂️ We’ve just rolled out a hotfix to improve a few things based on your feedback (thanks for that). If you’re enjoying the Spy DLC, we’d love it if you could leave us a review! 💖
Spy DLC Hotfix – Changelog
All Levels
Fixed incorrect hints and improved hint order
Added missing translations and improved localization
Fixed several multiplayer issues
Adjusted VR zoom scales and made some VR optimizations
Added missing sound effects
Improved input response and item visibility in some areas
Level 1
Clearer solution path for the Kryptos Cube puzzle
Improved default rotation for certain items
Level 2
Turret no longer misfires after multiple runs
Level 3
Cupboard is now filled
Vases are now draggable
Level 4
Reduced difficulty of the motherboard puzzle
Other
Added VFX to fuel rods
Fire extinguisher is now interactable -safety first!
Spy DLC is Now Available! Agents, the Spy DLC has landed! Slip into the shadows with 4 brand-new escape rooms and stylish spy outfits. A cinematic soundtrack ties it all together for the ultimate covert experience. View game page Pine’s Big Sale is here! Pine’s biggest Steam sale
Spy DLC is Now Available!
Agents, the Spy DLC has landed! Slip into the shadows with 4 brand-new escape rooms and stylish spy outfits. A cinematic soundtrack ties it all together for the ultimate covert experience.
The countdown is on! Escape Simulator 2 launches October 27, bringing larger and more mysterious rooms, multiplayer for up to 8 players, and brand-new settings. We’ve just revealed the new key art, a glimpse at the next big chapter of ES. Go wishlist it already!
Escape Agents, Escape Simulator isn’t done yet. Even with Escape Simulator 2 on the horizon, we’re still expanding the original with fresh content ( and we plan to continue doing so ). On September 22 , the brand new Spy DLC arrives! View game page What’s inside: 4 new spy-themed
Escape Agents,
Escape Simulator isn’t done yet. Even with Escape Simulator 2 on the horizon, we’re still expanding the original with fresh content (and we plan to continue doing so).
Agency HQ – Prove your skills and earn your clearance.
Quartermaster’s Workshop – Try gadgets that could save your life.
The Villain’s Yacht – Mingle with high society while uncovering hidden dangers.
Underwater Rocket Base – Sabotage the launch and save the world from beneath the waves.
Cool Spy outfits – Slip into character with sleek new looks. Props & gadgets – Add espionage flavor to your rooms. New room editor props will be available for all players, with or without the DLC. New Soundtrack – Music fit for high-stakes operations.
Whether you’re sneaking in alone or teaming up in co-op, you’ll need quick thinking, sharp instincts, and steady nerves. Your mission begins September 22, Agent. Are you ready?
📢 Escape Simulator 2 release date update
Escape Simulator 2 will now launch on October 27, six days later than planned.
October 21 turned into one of the busiest release days of the year and we didn’t want ES2 to get buried under all the noise. This small shift gives the game more space to shine and have more players join in from the get-go.
We know you’re eager to play and we’re just as eager to share it with you. Thank you for your patience and support. October 27 can’t come soon enough!
As the sun shines brighter and the days stretch longer, there’s no better time to dive into the world of Escape Simulator and uncover some of the community’s latest (and greatest) creations. From dark futuristic corridors and haunted manors to whimsical adventures and daring heis
As the sun shines brighter and the days stretch longer, there’s no better time to dive into the world of Escape Simulator and uncover some of the community’s latest (and greatest) creations.
From dark futuristic corridors and haunted manors to whimsical adventures and daring heists, this spring & summer handpicked rooms are bursting with imagination, clever design, and that special something that makes the Workshop shine.
Whether you’re into heartfelt stories, gothic mysteries, or brain-twisting sci-fi riddles, we’ve got you covered. These rooms span all styles and difficulties, but they all share one thing: they’re worth your time.
So grab a friend, or fly solo, and start exploring!
Aqueduct Tower II
By namo_krub | Difficulty: Medium | 1–4 Players | ~45+ min
The aqueducts are calling again, this time with a grand finale. Aqueduct Tower II is namo_krub’s farewell letter to Escape Simulator 1, and what a letter it is. This spiritual sequel builds on the foundations of the beloved original room, but stands tall and proud on its own: packed with fresh puzzles, atmospheric sound design, and secrets of a forgotten underground city just waiting to be uncovered.
While you don’t need to finish Part 1 to enjoy this, it’s still worth playing through the original to appreciate all the callbacks and improvements. Expect a 45+ minute experience with custom sounds, elegant scripting, and layered logic puzzles that feel both fresh and familiar. It’s an excellent example of how to do a large room right; with thoughtful pacing and a consistent sense of mystery.
Pro tip: Turn on the sound. it adds a lot to the experience.
Rita Down Below
By Wollo & Elkondo | Difficulty: Easy | Singleplayer | ~30 min
Rita isn’t just any girl. She’s a puzzle-loving bookworm on a heartwarming (and occasionally surreal) journey into the unknown.
Rita Down Below is a lovingly crafted narrative escape that blends incredible hand-drawn art, professional-quality voice acting, and gentle puzzles into something that honestly feels like its own indie game.
Designed primarily for solo players, this room skips the traditional escape room feel in favor of a whimsical, storybook-style experience. The puzzles are approachable but creative, perfectly woven into the illustrated environments and Rita’s charming tale.
And get this: everything is voiced, from the narration to little character sounds, giving the whole thing a polished and immersive vibe. Even the soundtrack is DMCA-free, so feel free to stream away.
Highlights? The visuals are stunning, the narration (by Robin) is genuinely lovely, and the whole thing radiates personality. Several players called it the best room they’ve ever played, and it’s easy to see why.
A minor note: A few players reported minor glitches with the key-dragging puzzle. Nothing game-breaking, but if Rita gets stuck, a quick restart might do the trick.
The Alien District
By Lord SuFx | Difficulty: Hard | 2+ Players Recommended | ~45+ min
Step into a shadowy, futuristic nightmare where nothing is quite what it seems. The Alien District drops you in an abandoned home (if you can even call it that), filled with cryptic tech, eerie ambiance, and a creeping sense that you’re not alone. It’s part sci-fi, part horror, and all brainpower.
This is a hard room, make no mistake. Expect layered logic, clever misdirection, and a lot of reading. The map’s full of secrets tucked away in corners, behind puzzles, and possibly in your own assumptions.
Perfect for players who love deep mysteries and futuristic vibes. Bring a friend or two (or three). And absolutely play with sound on: the atmosphere is half the experience.
Best comment says it all:
"If Einstein, Newton, and Hawking threw a wild, intellectual rave and somehow had a lovechild, it would pale in comparison."
The Evil Nanny – Chapter Two: The Hidden Chamber
By SuperFriiz | Difficulty: Hard | Singleplayer | ~45+ min
The Hidden Chamber is the chilling second chapter in SuperFriiz’s Evil Nanny series, and it's every bit as eerie, emotional, and elegantly unsettling as you'd hope. Set deep within the forgotten depths of Harrowgate Manor, this room trades cheap scares for atmosphere, unraveling a tragic mystery one haunting clue at a time.
From whispers of the past to dusty echoes of sorrow, the room’s storytelling is layered and patient. You’ll read, explore, and gradually piece together a long-buried family secret, guided by gorgeous atmospheric music and some top-tier environmental storytelling. The mood? Less jumpscare-fest, more gothic grief-core.
It's a slow burn, best enjoyed alone, with headphones on and lights dimmed. A couple of bugs have been noted, and yes, there are a few small jumpscares, so maybe don’t play it right before bed unless you're into that sort of thrill.
Pro tip: This room is colorblind-friendly and includes an in-game walkthrough if you get stuck in the shadows.
Victorian Office Escape
By Captain Flint | Difficulty: Medium | Singleplayer | ~30 min
Victorian Office Escape is a compact yet satisfying adventure that blends classic escape room logic with the cozy charm of Edgewood Mansion’s beloved aesthetic.
Built using the original Edgewood setting as a base, this room manages to feel fresh thanks to clever puzzles, subtle environmental storytelling, and just the right amount of reading.
So whether you're a history buff, puzzle fan, or just enjoy a good study-with-secrets, this is 30 minutes well spent. Don’t forget your monocle; and yes, do keep the sound on for full immersion.
The Pit
By Cryptic1 | Difficulty: Easy | Singleplayer | ~15 min
Chained beneath Castle Blackstone in a room that whispers with the ghosts of past prisoners? Yeah, not ideal. But in The Pit, escaping this grim chamber is less about brute force and more about quiet observation, gentle puzzle-solving, and a bit of curiosity-driven exploration.
This short and sweet room delivers rich atmosphere in a tight 15-minute package. From the custom voice work to the eerie original soundtrack, everything is crafted to pull you into its damp, torchlit world. The puzzles? Casual and chill, perfect for players who want to take a breather between bigger brain burners.
There’s mystery, there’s mood, and yes, there might even be an easter egg or two hidden among the bones and books. A great pick for newer players or anyone craving a quick adventure with a strong sense of place.
Midnight Heist
By Lycargus | Difficulty: Easy | Singleplayer (Multiplayer Supported) | ~30 min
Midnight Heist drops you straight into a sleek modern caper where timing, precision, and a bit of light puzzle-solving are key. It’s a stylish, easy-to-digest room perfect for newcomers or anyone craving that Ocean’s Eleven vibe (minus the 10 other people).
Visuals are a standout here. Lycargus went all-in on polish, with crisp environments and clean lighting that make the experience feel tight and cinematic. You’ll sneak through an upscale property, disable systems, and outsmart safes with the help of helpful hint prompts (just tap "H" if you're stuck).
Bonus: The creator hints at continuing their work in Escape Simulator 2, and if this room is anything to go by, we’re ready for more.
The Witcher Apprentice
By a.dalpozzolo | Difficulty: Medium | Singleplayer | ~45 min
Set in the dark and dangerous world of The Witcher, this room invites you to step into the worn boots of an aspiring monster slayer. Your final trials await at the Academy where only the clever, the brave, and the puzzle-savvy earn the title of Witcher.
From alchemy and signs to trial chambers designed by the masters themselves, The Witcher Apprentice blends mystery, lore, and adventure into a satisfying solo experience. It’s a love letter to Sapkowski’s universe, packed with Easter eggs and atmosphere, making it a must-play for fans of the series.
Note: The room is a bit buggy at times, but nothing that should stop you from enjoying the journey.
So, here you go! Huge thanks to all the talented builders who continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Escape Simulator.
Tried a room you loved? Don’t forget to leave a thumbs-up and a kind word on the Workshop. Your feedback keeps this incredible community going!
Now go solve some puzzles, and we’ll see you in the next round of community picks!
Ravn may be a recent addition to the Escape Simulator Workshop, but he’s already made a big impression. Hailing from Denmark with a background in real-life escape room design, Ravn burst onto the scene with The Fable of the Frog King , a charming and clever entry that earned him
Ravn may be a recent addition to the Escape Simulator Workshop, but he’s already made a big impression. Hailing from Denmark with a background in real-life escape room design, Ravn burst onto the scene with The Fable of the Frog King, a charming and clever entry that earned him first place in the Rookie Builders category of The Artifact Challenge Build-a-Room competition.
We sat down with Ravn to learn more about his background, what sparked his journey into Escape Simulator room design, and how a simple idea for a friend’s livestream turned into a full-blown passion for building. From winning contests to obsessing over 0.1-second animation tweaks, Ravn shares insight into his design process, inspirations, and what’s coming next.
Let’s jump in and get to know the builder behind the frog.
What inspired you to start creating community rooms?
One of my friends used to be part of a small YouTube gaming channel, and I thought a great way to support them would be to build a custom virtual escape room that they could play together on stream.
That’s how I discovered Escape Simulator in December 2021, and by March the 3-player coop room was done, filled with puzzles based on inside jokes and content from their videos.
The stream had a very rough start. I had forgotten to update the room after making the final changes, so I realized 20 minutes in that they were on a broken unfinished build and would have to restart the game AND wait for me to publish the update. Whoooops! Fortunately, they still seemed to love the experience!
Your workshop showcases a strong creative style. How would you describe your approach to designing escape rooms?
I’m definitely highly motivated by concepts that are unique and fun. For my last two projects, which were both competition rooms, I spent the first few days just thinking about what I could do with the constraints presented by the rules. Once an interesting idea had formed in my head, however, I worked almost nonstop on it.
I’m also a bit of a perfectionist. I’ll spend way too much time testing whether an animation works better with a 0.6 or 0.7 second duration and I’ll add features and quality-of-life improvements weeks after a room has been published. I’ve also got the Twitch page for Escape Simulator bookmarked so I can catch streamers playing my rooms and take notes.
Where do you usually start? Do you focus on puzzles first, or do you build a theme and environment before adding mechanics?
Once I have an idea and start developing it, I make a text document and write down all the interactions, elements, themes, story beats, etc. that I can think of and would want to include.
The list is then gradually reorganized and the various items removed, transformed or expanded upon as I build the room. The puzzles then usually create themselves as I flesh out interactions, play around with stuff in the editor, and figure out the flow of the game.
The Fable of the Frog King won first place in the Rookie Category in the 2025 Artifact Challenge. Can you share the story behind this room?
I can certainly try (though most of that time is now shrouded in a stress-induced and sleep-deprived haze)!
For this competition, I experienced some rough “builder’s block” the first few days. I had no idea what to do with the 10 artifacts and wasn’t even sure if I’d end up participating.
Eventually my lack of inspiration turned into a source of inspiration when the concept of a writer unable to create a story due to uncooperative material formed in my head.
It sounded fun to be that annoying character that refused to do as the narrator narrated, messed with his bookmarks and changed the story.
The story wrote itself from there, though it did morph quite a bit.
How did it feel to achieve the recognition of the best rookie builder?
Thank you so much! (Quick shoutout to Ubi Popo, whose Pineville Zoo was my personal favourite! <3 )
I was super happy and thankful to win! I was also very surprised, as I wasn’t completely satisfied with the room myself, but I’ve made a huge update to it on May 22nd, adding a bunch of new NPCs, locations, puzzles and a reworked end game.
The room is now about an hour long and a much more fulfilling experience.
Is there a particular puzzle or design element in one of your rooms that you are especially proud of?
The Human Institute of Having Hands is definitely my own favourite, and I could mention a bunch of stuff from it. Seeing streamers figure out the catapult puzzle in part 2 and timing their hand gestures is always such a joy, though, so I’ll go with that one.
Are there any builders in the Escape Simulator community whose work you admire or draw inspiration from?
Oh my god, so many people, how long a list can I make here? I really admire Zesty Mordant’sDevilish Diorama series. It’s already been mentioned by everyone who’s played it, but they’re such masterclasses in game design.
Super fun to play, an incredibly unique concept, mind-bending puzzles that are difficult but completely fair and an interesting story all merged into a tight but cohesive package. It’s basically the room(s) I most wish I’d made.
Wollo makes some incredible stuff - some of the best puzzle ideas occasionally merged with surprisingly emotional stories.
GG3L and apa_games are masters when it comes to coding and Blender and they’re some of the most helpful people I’ve talked to on the Pine Discord.
Cool Cash! is a love letter to game shows, featuring 16 different rooms with themed mini-games inspired by shows like The Price is Right and The Crystal Maze. What inspired you to create a game-show-themed escape room, and did you face any unique challenges you'd like to share with the Escape Simulator community?
I was actually inspired by the big Versus update! I wanted to make a huge open game with a ton of puzzles that players were rushing around to solve as fast as possible. It may have been a bit too ambitious, considering it was the first public room I made, and it ended up taking 10 months of on/off work to complete.
LUA seemed way too difficult to try to get into at the time, so I decided early on that I wanted to make everything exclusively in the editor. I could probably have shaved off quite a few months of development time if I’d just used LUA…
The Human Institute of Having Hands is designed exclusively for 2-4 players, emphasizing communication and cooperation. What motivated you to create a co-op-only experience, and how did you ensure that the puzzles required effective teamwork?
I’d wanted to make a true co-op experience after Cool Cash, which was mainly made for singleplayer and versus mode, and I generally love the rooms where players are split up and need to communicate to progress. To be honest, this turned out to be fairly easy (and incredibly fun!) to design. I have two tips; 1) make sure not a single puzzle can be completed entirely by one side. You want players to be active, talking and sharing knowledge, not waiting while the other is working quietly on their own stuff; 2) make the rooms asymmetrical. You want players describing what they can see and do, not able to guess what’s in the other room.
Now that you’ve made a name for yourself in the community, do you have any ambitious projects or ideas you’d love to explore in future rooms?
Oh man, I have more ideas than I have time to build, unfortunately! I’ve long had an idea for a horror room that involves exploring the dreams of sleeping people, and I’ve also wanted to do a silly room that explores the history and purpose of the Escape Simulator tokens.
A lot of people have been asking about an Institute of Having Feet as well… I’d also really love to be part of a collab sometime! I considered joining the World Tour late in development, but couldn’t think of an interesting idea for a country.
If you could add a new feature or tool to Escape Simulator, what would it be and why?
The curated lists of recommended community rooms are good, and I'd like to see continued and consistent curation, but there are a lot of features from the Steam workshop I'd really like to see in the game app as well. List of the all time best rooms, votes by users. Browsing with filters. Important game properties being visible (length, difficulty, number of players).
Any advice for newcomers who want to start building their own rooms but don’t know where to begin?
Check out what others have built. Find inspiration, but don’t copy. Join the Pine Discord, there’s so much help and so many ressources to find there. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions, but also do your best to research first. Get other people to test your room and your puzzles - test early and often. Make something you think is fun!
So, whether it's frogs, hands, or high-stakes game shows, Ravn continues to push creative boundaries, and we can't wait to see what he builds next!
We’ve just released a small free update featuring a brand new noir-themed room called Detective’s Office. You can play it in both flat and VR versions of Escape Simulator. Immerse yourself in a gritty atmosphere with flickering neon lights and classic noir puzzles. Also included
We’ve just released a small free update featuring a brand new noir-themed room called Detective’s Office. You can play it in both flat and VR versions of Escape Simulator. Immerse yourself in a gritty atmosphere with flickering neon lights and classic noir puzzles.
Also included in the update are new detective outfits for your characters, alongside a bunch of small bug fixes and improvements.
🎵 Soundtrack Update
The official Escape Simulator soundtrack just got a major boost. It's updated to include music from recent rooms and DLCs, along with some of the loopable chill tracks from our livestreams so now includes 56 tracks and over 3 hours of music, available in both MP3 and high-quality WAV formats.
🥽 Mayan DLC now available on Meta VR
Our Mayan DLC is now fully playable on Meta VR platforms. Explore the jungle and uncover ancient puzzles in VR. And yes, the new Detective’s Office room is also available on Meta, free for all players.
🐧 Linux Support?
We’ve decided to stop maintaining a native Linux build. :( We supported the native Linux version for nearly 4 years, even though it’s always been under 0.5% of our players.
Proton now runs the game more reliably than the native build with fewer crashes, better performance, and most Linux players already switched to it.
As a small team, maintaining the native build across many distros was taking time away from developing new content (we just released our 50th room!). So we’ve decided to focus on supporting Proton, which continues to work well on Linux and Steam Deck.
We understand this change is frustrating for some, and we truly appreciate everyone who supported us on Linux. <3 🐧 Linux Update 🐧
We just released a new update that brings back the native Linux build (v35497). We're still waiting for Steam to approve our Proton version of the game and after that we'll default to that version of the game. We strongly recommend Steam Deck/Linux players use Proton (specifically the Proton Hotfix version), as it offers better stability and performance for most setups.
💡 Cerebral Puzzle Showcase
Escape Simulator is part of the Cerebral Puzzle Showcase. For a limited time, the base game is 40% off and all DLCs are 20% off. If you’ve been waiting to complete your collection, now’s a great time.
Dear escapers, step into Detective's Office , a black-and-white murder mystery designed for up to 8 detectives. Inspired by classic noir films, this room brings gritty atmosphere, flickering neon, and puzzles built around forensic investigation. Will be available in Escape Simula
Dear escapers, step into Detective's Office, a black-and-white murder mystery designed for up to 8 detectives. Inspired by classic noir films, this room brings gritty atmosphere, flickering neon, and puzzles built around forensic investigation. Will be available in Escape Simulator (flat and VR), starting May 29. It’s a short but sweet experience, and best of all, it’s completely free to play.
What to Expect:
Develop photographic negatives
Analyze fingerprints
Trace the killer’s route on a city map
New detective outfits!
Can your team solve the case before the trail goes cold?
Also coming to Meta on May 29
Detective Update (free)
Mayan DLC (paid)
Soundtrack Update
We are updating the official Escape Simulator Soundtrack with new music from recent rooms and DLCs, plus chill background loops from our live streams.
Escape Simulator 2
If you’ve missed it, we’re also deep into Escape Simulator 2 development — and a free demo is already available on Steam.
More news about that project is just around the corner!
Following the success of the first World Tour , the biggest community project is getting its sequel. After returning from your globe-spanning adventure in The Collab: World Tour, Volume 1, one final mystery awaits: a hidden itinerary... and a key to the locked basement of your gr
Following the success of the first World Tour, the biggest community project is getting its sequel.
After returning from your globe-spanning adventure in The Collab: World Tour, Volume 1, one final mystery awaits: a hidden itinerary... and a key to the locked basement of your grandparents’ house.
Solve puzzles and explore immersive environments, each crafted with cultural care and detail:
🦙 Peru – The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, built by Franch & Robin 🥟 Poland – A colorful village, built by Elkondo & Bartololomeo 🪘 Sierra Leone – A bustling town square, built by Brushstroke 🍁 Canada – The CN Tower in Toronto, built by Zesty 💃 Spain – A rustic haven in Córdoba, built by Eureka Paprika
🏡 Plus, revisit “Home” by Brushstroke & Robin ⭐ And don’t miss the bonus content from Wollo & ChazzyB!
🔍 Features & Info:
🕵️ Players: 1–4 ⏲️ Playtime: 2–3 hours ➡️ English walkthrough available (Press H in-game) ▶️ Video walkthrough available on YouTube 🖍️ Colorblind friendly 🔊 Sound recommended, not required 🧠 No external knowledge needed 📕 Some reading required 🗣️ Fully translated in all Escape Simulator supported languages 👪 Family friendly 🎮 Not Steam Deck compatible 👓 Not optimized for VR
🎬 Behind the Scenes
This massive project was made possible thanks to the combined efforts of a passionate, international team:
🛕 Peru – Franch & Robin 🥟 Poland – Bartololomeo & Elkondo 🪘 Sierra Leone – Brushstroke 🍁 Canada – Zesty Mordant 💃 Spain – Eureka Paprika 🏡 Home – Brushstroke & Robin ⭐ Bonus content – Wollo & ChazzyB 🔧 3D Modeling – Belgi 📖 Story & 🎙️ Narration – Robin ⌨️ LUA Scripting – GG3L 🎵 Soundtrack – Cryptic1 🌍 Translations – Eureka Paprika, Robin, Wollo, ChatGPT 🤝 Project Management – Brushstroke & Zesty Mordant 💪 Additional support – namo_krub, apa-games, Dr. Krank
Play The Collab: World Tour, Volume 2 now and uncover the last secrets of your grandparents’ epic journey!
Available now in the Escape Simulator Workshop! https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3467466395
After two years of development, we’re excited to give you a first hands-on look at Escape Simulator 2. Play the free demo of Escape Simulator 2 now: Watch the new gameplay trailer: The demo includes the tutorial and the Courtyard – the first room from the Dracula’s Castle level.
After two years of development, we’re excited to give you a first hands-on look at Escape Simulator 2.
Play the free demo of Escape Simulator 2 now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3499320/Escape_Simulator_2_Demo/
The demo includes the tutorial and the Courtyard – the first room from the Dracula’s Castle level. It shows the new direction we’re taking with the sequel: more atmospheric, more detailed, and bigger in scale. The tone is darker and more mysterious, but it’s not a horror game – it’s about immersion, exploration, and clever puzzles.
Play solo or in co-op with up to 8 players. Drop-in multiplayer is now supported, so your friends can join or leave without restarting the session. There’s also auto-saving, meaning progress is saved as you go – no need to finish everything in one sitting.
This is an early alpha version, so you may encounter bugs or performance issues. Thank you for your understanding – we’re working hard to improve every aspect of the game.
Escape Simulator 2 is our biggest leap yet – with a rebuilt engine, deeper mechanics, and an upgraded visual experience. Your feedback during this stage is incredibly valuable. We’re listening, so feel free to leave a comment, join our Discord, or reach out via our socials!
Escape Simulator 2 is a huge leap for us – both in tone and technical scope – so we’d really appreciate hearing what you think. You can leave feedback in the comments below, join our Discord, or reach out via our socials!
-Pine team
🔍 FAQ ⁉️
Are you still working on Escape Simulator 1? A: Yes! We are working on a free update and new DLC at the moment. More info soon! ;)
Q: When is the full game coming out? A: We haven’t announced a release date yet, but it’s coming soon. We’ll make sure to give everyone a heads-up when the time comes.
Q: How many rooms will the full game have? A: 12 rooms in total, spread across 3 themed levels – Dracula’s Castle, Starship EOS, and The Cursed Treasure. We are already working on more rooms that are coming post-release.
Q: VR when? A: We hope at launch. If not, then later as a free update.
Q: Will it come to consoles? A: We're starting with Steam (with Steam Deck support), and we’re planning other platforms after that.
Q: Will Escape Simulator 2 have Workshop support at launch? A: Yes!
Q: What engine is it running on? A: It’s made in Unity, but with an overhauled setup compared to the first game – new lighting system, better interactions, and a more robust multiplayer backend.
Q: Does the demo support multiplayer? A: Yep – full co-op up to 8 players, just like the main game will.
Q: I found a bug / performance issue in the demo – where do I report it? A: If you can, send us your player.log file via Discord, email, or the Steam forums. It helps a lot.
Builders, you’ve outdone yourselves! This was one of the best Build-a-Room contests ever. The challenge? Create an escape room using at least three objects from The Artifact Pack . The results? Absolutely stunning! ✨ A massive thank you to everyone who participated. Your creativi
Builders, you’ve outdone yourselves! This was one of the best Build-a-Room contests ever. The challenge? Create an escape room using at least three objects from The Artifact Pack. The results? Absolutely stunning!✨
A massive thank you to everyone who participated. Your creativity, puzzle design, and storytelling blew us away. Special thanks to our guest judge, Wollo, for joining the Pine Studio team in evaluating all the incredible entries.
🥇 1st Place: The Dreamweaver's Cottage by BrushStroke – $500 cash prize + 2 keys for the upcoming Escape Simulator DLC
We had a three-way tie for second place! Instead of forcing a decision, we thought it would be fair to give out three second-place prizes! In no particular order:
🥈 Temple of the Wooden Warriors by Dr Krank – $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming Escape Simulator DLC 🥈 The Secret of The Golden Bread by Bartololomeo – $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming Escape Simulator DLC 🥈 Eclipse by KirbyDee – $100 Steam gift card + 2 keys for the upcoming Escape Simulator DLC
Rookie Builders Category
🥇 1st Place: The Fable of the Frog King by Ravn – $500 cash + 2 keys for the upcoming Escape Simulator DLC.
While these entries didn’t take the top spots, we want to recognize their outstanding creativity and effort! ✨
A Stone's Throw Away by Eureka Paprika
Artefacts of our Past by apa-games
No One Leaves by GG3L
Temple of the Golden Monkey by Rogan
The Price of Adventure by Tenaciousmc
Congratulations to all the winners! 👏
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out these amazing rooms in the Workshop or directly in our in-game list! We can’t wait to see what you build next.
If you love community-made escape rooms, keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming masterpiece! The Collab: World Tour Vol 2 is on the horizon, promising an unforgettable escape journey across the globe. It’s coming out soon, so you have just enough time to dive into World Tour Vol 1 and get ready for the next adventure. 🌍
