Do you love solving puzzles? How about the excitement of escape rooms? Well lucky for you, there are some great subscription boxes out there that bring the escape room experience right into your living room.
Complete fun puzzles, engage in intriguing stories, and solve interesting and challenging cases. Sherlock Holmes ain’t got nothing on you!
From fixing time travel mishaps to solving a gritty murder mystery, there are plenty of escape room and mystery puzzle boxes on this list that are perfect for the beginning sleuth to the expert detective.
So grab some friends and family to spice up your next game night, or put your own skills to the test by solving these boxes alone instead (if you dare).
Here’s 10 of the best escape room and mystery puzzle subscription boxes out there:
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS ESCAPE THE CRATE?
In Escape the Crate, you’re part of a time traveling institution called E.M.I.T, that’s tasked with going back in time to fix issues that have come about as a result of time travel. Take on missions like boarding the Titanic to save an agent of yours, or stop president Abraham Lincoln from being assassinated…4 years too early.
With the help of your friends and family and your trusty computer or mobile device, you’ll receive an extra special crate that sends you back in time to stop history from being changed for the worst. However, if you don’t complete the mission in time, you could create irreversible time ripples or paradoxes that could signal the end of the world! So do you have what it takes to keep history in check?
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Tools, objects, letters, and ciphers to solve the puzzles within the crate. Hints and the solution are also provided if you get stumped.
Crates usually take around 2 hours to complete and are designed for those ages 10+ and for 2 – 6 players. You’ll also need to have a computer or mobile device to enter some puzzle information to unlock new pieces to the puzzle.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$29.99 / Bi-Monthly + *shipping
Ships the 1st of every month and ships to U.S., Canada, UK, Australia + more.
*Shipping and taxes based on country
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- 2 Month – 1 crate every 2 months
- 4 Month – 2 crates every 4 months
- 6 Month – 3 crates every 6 months
- 12 Month – 6 crates every 12 months
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who like a little sci-fi with their history.
NEED A COUPON?
20% OFF with exclusive code SHOWDOWN
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS FINDERS SEEKERS?
Finders Seekers is all about exploring world cultures by solving puzzles and discovering underground societies in well-known and historic cities like Beijing, Tokyo and Athens. Your main objective is to discover the “Find” within each box’s locale. After you’ve put your sleuthing skills to work, you can be entered into Finder’s Seekers sweepstakes to win prizes!
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
In each monthly box, you will be transported to a unique city complete with cryptic clues, objects, and puzzles. Hints and answers are also provided if you get stumped and a Finders Seekers User Group on Facebook to collaborate with other “Seekers”.
Finder’s Seekers boxes typically take 2 – 4 hours and recommended for 1 – 8 players ages 10+ (content is always family friendly, but still very challenging). Internet access is also required to verify answers.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- 3-Month
- 6-Month
- 12-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$30 / monthly + FREE U.S. shipping
*$5.95 for Canada, and $11.95 Internationally.
Ships on 23rd of each month.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Travel enthusiasts that love a good puzzle.
NEED A COUPON?
50% OFF first box with code HALFOFF
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS THE DEADBOLT MYSTERY SOCIETY?
You’re part of the Will Street Detective Agency and they need your help solving murders and kidnappings. Dive into immersive scenarios and compelling stories while engaging with intriguing characters. Eliminate suspects one by one on your quest to find the culprit.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Evidence items, puzzles, and interviews to help you catch the culprit. You also need internet access and QR code reader app for the online components of the puzzle.
This box takes about 2 – 3 hours to complete and is best for 1 – 4 players ages 13+. While these boxes are murder mysteries, they are still considered family friendly, as it doesn’t focus on the gruesome aspects of the the crimes, profanity, or sexual situations.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- 3-Month
- 6-Month
- 12-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$24.99 / Month + $4.99 U.S. shipping
*Canadian shipping price varies.
Ships out the first week of the following month.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who love a good murder mystery.
NEED A COUPON?
15% OFF with code FIFTEENOFF
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS SLEUTH KINGS?
You’re a gumshoe detective working with the Lead Detective Sullivan King in Sleuth Kings to solve crimes. Interact with your partner Sullivan King via email where he will provide his insight and help throughout your case.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Physical case file of clues, evidence, objects, ciphers and puzzles. Boxes are perfect for 1 – 4 sleuths and family-friendly. Requires internet access and a personal email account.
- Master Detective Box – More challenging and requires at least 3 – 4 hours to solve the case. Also get a reward for solving the case at the end.
- Rookie Detective Box – Good for beginning puzzle solvers or those new to puzzle boxes. Can be solved in 1 hour and contains an epilogue client letter.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- $29.95 / month + FREE US shipping – Master Detective Box
- $14.95 / month + $4.95 US shipping – Rookie Detective Box
Ships the 4th of every month.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those new to mystery puzzle boxes or others looking for a challenge.
NEED A COUPON?
10% OFF with code CRATE
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS THE CONUNDRUM BOX?
The Conundrum Box is part escape room, puzzle narrative, and choose-your-own-adventure that will change some of the story’s outcomes and which puzzles you play. Dive into unique storylines that have an overarching narrative and connection. But don’t worry, every box has its own unique theme/story that all have a definite ending to solve. Visit awesome locations and meet fun characters from history and literature to help guide you through your adventure.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Physical objects, puzzles, ciphers, stories, hints, and materials. Also includes in-theme recipes and drink cards to try and suggested musical playlists. Internet access is also required just to check codes and your progress in your adventure.
This box suggest 1 – 5 players that are at least 12+ years old and it takes at least an hour to complete. They also suggest holding on to all the boxes you complete, as there may be puzzles in future boxes that callback to previous material.
- The Conundrum Box – This box is the main box subscription that you get monthly.
- The Conundrum Box Light – This box is for those that want boxes less frequently. It still contains the same stories/puzzles of the main Conundrum Box, but isn’t part of the longer series boxes over multiple months. Also, these adventures are stand-alone boxes, but are still connected to the overall story of The Conundrum Box.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- The Conundrum Box
- Monthly
- 3-Month
- 6-Month
- 12-Month
- The Conundrum Box Light
- Bi-Monthly
- 4-Month
- 6-Month
- 12-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- $29.99 / month + *shipping – The Conundrum Box
- $29.99 / bi-monthly + *shipping – The Conundrum Box Light
*Shipping price varies depending on country.
Boxes are shipped within the first week of every month after the first box.
First box is shipped out within a week, no matter when you order. Just in time for some Halloween fun!
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who want a full immersive experience for your next game night.
NEED A COUPON?
10% OFF with code FALL
50% OFF first box when purchasing 3-Month or longer subscription with code THREEMONTH
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS MADMEN & HEROES?
Madmen & Heroes brings you intriguing and incredible stories in history. Featuring real-life stories of resistance movements and fantastical and supernatural folklore tales. Unravel these complex mysteries through history and learn more about them while solving some challenging puzzles!
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Letters, puzzles, ciphers, photographs, artifacts and collectibles. Also, after the box is finished, there will be additional info on the backstory that your box was themed after. You will also need internet access for hints, etc. Best for players ages 14+ as puzzles are somewhat difficult.
- The Resystance Box – This box is Madmen & Heroes original story line and each box is based on resistance movements throughout history like the Women’s Suffrage Movement or speakeasies during Prohibition.
- The CRAAAFT Box – This box is the second story line and each box explores different characters of folklore and the supernatural from around the world, with stories like that of Anansi.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- 3-Month
- 6-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$29.50 / monthly + $5 US shipping ($15 shipping Canada)
Resystance boxes ship the last week of the month and CRAAAFT boxes ship the second week of the month.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who enjoy history or folklore.
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS DISPATCH?
Dispatch by Breakout Games is an “interactive serial escape room mystery” box. Use your detective skills in a story of your choice. Very reminiscent of the structure of a real-world escape room. Unlike most of the boxes on this list, each Dispatch box is part of a larger series/story.
Depending on the story you choose, you’ll receive a certain amount of boxes based on that story’s length. Some stories have 2 boxes and another may have as many as 7 in the series. Each box will unravel a new part of the mystery. Stop an assassin from using a deadly nuclear device, find out if you’re the heir to a missing magician, or solve the disappearance of your closest childhood friend…who is also a wanted suspect in the killing of his wife!
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Physical and virtual clues, puzzles, ciphers, files, and a special help line to call for hints. Also need internet access.
- On The Run Box – This is the longest series from Dispatch, containing 7 boxes. In this story, you will be trying to discern between fact and fiction to figure out what’s behind the disappearance of your closest childhood friend. Making things even more scandalous, this friend is also wanted as a suspect in the murder of his well-known heiress wife.
- The Cat’s Eye Box – This is the shortest series, containing just 2 boxes. A great starter for those trying out Dispatch. Jacob Marlow, an eccentric tech giant has promised a portion of his wealth to any lucky treasure hunter who can find his fortune of jewels.
- I, Spy Box – This series contains 5 boxes. In a weird twist of fate, you have been mistaken for Wolf, a top secret agent. With the new assignment you’ve been sent, you’re tasked with stopping the assassin The Raven from acquiring a nuclear device. Track down The Raven with the help of a mysterious friend.
- The Disappearing Magician Box – This series contains 4 boxes. After triggering a series of events to obtain Lazarus’ journal, you’ll need to study it carefully to discover the disappearing magician’s whereabouts. Find out if you’re the magic heir to Lazarus and if you’ll be able to unlock the mystery and discover his secrets.
Each case comes as a complete box set, so you don’t have to wait a month at a time to solve the next piece of the puzzle. You can get all the boxes at one time!
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- One-time Purchase
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Price varies for each box set.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those that can’t wait to solve a big mystery.
NEED A COUPON?
$10 OFF complete box set with code DISPATCHSIGNUP10
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS HUNT A KILLER?
Private Investigator Michelle Gray needs your help solving cold cases. Track down a killer over the course of six gripping “episodes”, using physical items and clues, autopsy reports, witness statements, and your deduction skills to bring the killer to justice!
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Puzzles, ciphers, hand-crafted clues, authentic evidence, interviews/reports, character personal effects, documents, objective card, dedicated hints page and online forum. Internet access required from some digital clues and evidence and occasionally a personal email address is needed. They also suggest dedicating a special space for all your evidence, whether it be a office or your own “murder board”.
Best for 1 – 6 players and takes an average of 2 – 3 hours to complete. Hunt A Killer boxes don’t have an age recommendation but states that their boxes are rated PG-13 due to difficulty and the graphic nature of some of the clues (autopsy and crime scene photos).
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- 6-Month
- 12-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$30.00 / month + shipping
Shipping is FREE for subscribers in the U.S. when purchasing a 6-month or 12-month subscription plan. Also, Hunt A Killer ships internationally, but shipping price varies by country.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those wanting to feel like a real detective.
NEED A COUPON?
15% OFF first box with code 15PERCENT
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS CHILLING SCREAMS?
Chilling Screams brings you nightmarish horror in a puzzle box. One of the few boxes that delivers a unique horror mystery experience. Every story is delivered through six sequential boxes or “chapters”. Each month you’ll uncover more clues and evidence to solve the story.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Puzzles, ciphers, weird objects, clues, evidence, photos, and audio and video elements. Internet access is also required for some online evidence.
Chilling Screams is best suited for players that are 16+ and you can play alone or with a group. One box/chapter takes around 2 – 3 hours to complete.
*At this time (October 2020), the first story you’ll receive when signing up is the Manor of the Damned, where you’re the leading paranormal investigator that’s tasked with solving the terrifying events going on at Pryce Manor.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- Bi-annually – Full single story (6 chapter boxes every 6 months)
- Annually – 2 Full stories (12 boxes every year)
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
£29.95 / month + £6.95 international shipping
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who are fans of horror or the supernatural.
STANDALONE OR SERIAL CASE?
WHAT IS A KILLING AFFAIR?
Partner up with lead detectives Trish Tate and Kim Kimbell to crack the case and convict the killer. Like a good murder mystery tv show, each box is an “episode” and there are 5 episodes each season/case to solve. Dive deep into each mystery by working through clues and evidence while eliminating a suspect each episode. Getting you that much closer to catching the real killer.
WHAT DO YOU GET IN EACH BOX?
Case files, puzzles, ciphers, messages, photos, interviews, maps, letters, emails, records, evidence, documents, reports, hints and solutions, and a website to visit.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU GET THIS BOX?
- Monthly
- 3-Month
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$35.00 / month + $6 shipping
Your 1st episode will ship within 24 hours of your order and each episode thereafter renews on the 11th of every month.
WHO IS THIS BOX FOR?
Those who love a good crime thriller.
Let me know which escape room & mystery puzzle subscription boxes you want to try in the comments! And as always, please follow me on my social media channels. I’d love to connect with you!
