The Many Ways to Experience Escape Rooms in Fresno

The Many Ways to Experience Escape Rooms in Fresno

Escape rooms aren’t just about being “locked” in a room anymore. Over the past decade, the industry has expanded into a variety of formats. Whether you’re booking an escape room in Fresno at Next-Gen Escape, playing a board game at home, or even tuning into a podcast, there’s an escape room experience for every kind of player.

In-Person Escape Rooms

This is the gold standard of the industry. In-person games take place in fully themed rooms filled with props, puzzles, and interactive set design. At Next-Gen Escape, we specialize in immersive, story-driven escape rooms built right here in Fresno. Each game is like stepping into your own movie or fantasy adventure.

Virtual Rooms

During 2020, many escape rooms—including some in Fresno—offered virtual versions of their games over video chat. These allowed players to enjoy escape rooms remotely, but with in-person play back in full swing, most locations have retired this option.

Digital Escape Rooms

From Google Form challenges to simple online puzzle sites, digital games offer a lightweight alternative. While not as immersive as Fresno escape games, they’re fun for players who want to test their problem-solving skills at home.

Pen-and-Paper Escapes

Some escape rooms and puzzle companies offer downloadable games you can print and solve with friends. All you need is paper, pencils, and teamwork.

Board Games

Escape room board games have become a huge hit for game nights. Titles like Exit and Unlock! bring the puzzle-solving fun to your table. For Fresno locals, Crazy Squirrel Games is the best spot in town to browse escape-style board games. We’re also working on our own replayable board game, designed to capture the feel of our rooms in a format you can enjoy anywhere.

Puzzle Books

Choose-your-own-adventure stories and puzzle-heavy books like Impossible Maze offer an escape room feel through pages. Every chapter becomes another clue to uncover.

Browser-Based Adventures

Unlike simple text-based puzzles, browser escape rooms often come with visuals, audio, and point-and-click interaction. They’re a fun digital option for those who want more immersion without leaving home.

Phone Apps

Escape room apps put the fun in your pocket. They aren’t as grand as a physical Fresno escape room, but they’re a great way to get your puzzle fix on the go.

Escape Crates

We once offered rentable escape room crates: portable puzzles that could be delivered to homes and offices. They were especially popular with Fresno schools and businesses looking for convenient team-building activities.

Escape Room Podcasts

Yes, escape rooms even exist in audio! Some podcasts review local Fresno escape rooms, while others guide listeners through full interactive puzzles you can solve along with the show.

From in-person adventures at Next-Gen Escape, to board games at Crazy Squirrel Games, to puzzle books and apps, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the escape room experience in Fresno.