EXIT: The Game
TABLETOP ESCAPE ROOM BOARD GAME SERIES (2016+) by GERMAN DESIGNERS INKA + MARKUS BRAND, published by KOSMOS. Each box contains a SINGLE-USE PUZZLE EXPERIENCE — 60-90 minutes for 1-4 players to solve a themed escape scenario at home. Components are DESIGNED TO BE DESTROYED (fold, cut, tear, mark) as part of the puzzles. 40+ titles across difficulty tiers (Introductory → Advanced Experts). Sold 5M+ copies globally. Won Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017 (specialist Game of the Year Germany). Sister series UNLOCK! + DECKSCAPE offer similar experiences.
Quick facts
Category
Escape & Immersive
Type
Team sport
Players
1–4
Duration
~90 min
Where played
indoor
Country of origin
🇩🇪 Germany
Estimated origin
2016 first releases (The Abandoned Cabin + The Pharaoh's Tomb + The Secret Lab)
Olympic
No
Popularity
major
How it works
Objective
Solve all puzzles + escape the room within the story deadline.
Rules
Basic rules
Set up puzzle box components + read introduction card
Standard setup.
Solve puzzles in sequence using code disc + hidden clues + physical components
Signature puzzle progression.
DESTROY components (fold, cut, tear, mark) as required by puzzles
Signature single-use design.
Use hint cards (progressive hints) if stuck; time penalties apply
Hint system.
Complete final puzzle = escape + score based on time + hints used
Rating system.
Scoring
Each box scored 1-10 stars based on time + hints used.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Solve without hints | Maximum stars (typically 9-10) |
| 1-2 hints used | Slight star reduction |
| Multiple hints + long time | Lower rating (still counts as complete) |
| Solve under target time | Bonus stars |
Win condition · Escape by solving all puzzles.
Equipment
EXIT box (~$15 per single-use experience)
Card deck + puzzle components + decoder disc + strange objects
Scissors, pen, paper (to permanently mark/cut components)
Signature destructible design
Companion app (optional, some titles)
Some newer EXIT games use apps
Terminology
- Decoder Disc
- Circular disc used to decode answers throughout.
- Single-use
- Components are destroyed during play; you can only play once.
- Hint Card
- Progressive hints if you're stuck; using hints reduces final score.
- Riddle Card
- Individual puzzle cards drawn as game progresses.
- Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017
- The prestigious German specialist Game of the Year award EXIT won.
Where it is played
Governing bodies
KOSMOS (publisher)
Founded 1822 · Stuttgart, Germany
Thames & Kosmos (US publisher)
Founded 2001 · Providence, USA
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Inka + Markus Brand (co-designers of EXIT series)
- Kosmos publisher team
Frequently asked
EXIT vs UNLOCK vs escape rooms?+
All are ESCAPE ROOM-STYLE experiences. IN-PERSON ESCAPE ROOMS: physical rooms at commercial venues; $25-50 per person per hour; multiplayer. EXIT: tabletop at-home boxes; $15 per single-use box; 1-4 players; DESTROYS components. UNLOCK! (Space Cowboys, French): tabletop at-home; single-use but uses APP + does not destroy components; reusable if you buy new booklet. Choose EXIT for classic puzzle-solving; Unlock for app-integrated modern feel; commercial rooms for social outings.
Sources & provenance
- Wikipedia — Exit: The Game— Wikipedia
- Kosmos EXIT publisher— Kosmos