Escape Academy Guide - Complete Walkthrough & Level List

Escape Academy is a puzzle game that puts you in the shoes of a student training to become the ultimate Escape Room Master. Released on July 14, 2022, by developer Coin Crew Games and publisher iam8bit, the game features over a dozen handcrafted rooms designed by real-life escape room experts. Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend in local or online co-op, each level presents timed puzzles that will test your observation skills, logic, and ability to work under pressure.

Main Campaign Structure

The base game follows a progression through increasingly difficult escape rooms as you advance through your training at Escape Academy. Each level is timed, requiring players to solve interconnected puzzles to escape before time runs out. The campaign takes you from your first steps as a novice all the way to the final confrontation with What Lies Below.

Introductions serves as your starting point, throwing players right into the action. Despite being the first level, the game doesn’t hold back, though escaping the starting rooms is manageable within the 10-minute time frame.

Entrance Exam raises the stakes with the Headmaster presenting higher pressure to complete the puzzle room. This level may require additional assistance for some players to solve successfully.

Hall of Escapists lives up to its name as a room designed to challenge aspiring escapists. The tricky puzzles found inside require players to keep a cool head, but they can be solved with the right approach.

Under Pressure presents an irregular experience throughout Escape Academy. This puzzle section stands out from other levels and can catch players off guard if they’re not prepared.

Mid-Campaign Challenges

As you progress through your training, the difficulty continues to escalate with more complex puzzles and tighter time constraints.

The Breakout functions as the final exam of Escape Academy’s first chapter. Players must rescue the Escapist Eel, and while challenging, this can be accomplished with time to spare when approached methodically.

Where There’s Smoke is described as a deceptively difficult level where players can easily get stuck. The room’s puzzles are more complex than they initially appear, making this a point where many players seek guidance.

Tea ‘n’ Tea tasks players with disarming a bomb, requiring considerable detective work to complete. The puzzle combines observation and deduction in ways that distinguish it from earlier levels.

The Confrontation serves as a precursor to the game’s finale. While it’s a shorter interlude compared to full levels, the puzzles may catch players off guard, especially if they’re expecting a straightforward path to the end.

The Final Challenge

What Lies Below represents the ultimate test for Escape Academy students. As the final room in the base campaign, it’s long, timed, and presents a significant challenge. The level requires players to maintain composure throughout an extended sequence of puzzles, making it the most demanding room in the main game.

DLC Expansions

Escape Academy has expanded beyond its base campaign with multiple DLC packs that add new escape room challenges. These additions maintain the same quality and puzzle design philosophy as the main game while introducing fresh scenarios and themes.

Take to the Skies kicks off the DLC content with an escape jet setting. As the first DLC level, it establishes a new storyline while keeping players from getting stuck during the tense escape sequence.

A Juicy Discovery takes a slower pace compared to the hectic opening of its expansion. Despite the more measured tempo, it remains a difficult challenge for escapists to overcome.

Into The Capture Dimension introduces different puzzles that expand on the game’s core mechanics. The level requires players to adapt their problem-solving approach to succeed in this unique environment.

The Experiment serves as the fourth chapter in the 2022 DLC content. Players must work through each puzzle in sequence, with each one building on the knowledge gained from previous challenges.

Ventilation Infiltration rounds out the 2022 DLC offerings. The level requires players to navigate through its namesake ventilation system while solving interconnected puzzles.

Co-Op Gameplay

Escape Academy supports both single-player and two-player cooperative play. The co-op experience is available through local or online splitscreen, allowing you to tackle the escape rooms with a partner. The game is designed to work equally well in both modes, with puzzles that can be approached solo or collaboratively.

Cross-platform play is supported across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, meaning you can team up with friends regardless of their platform. This flexibility makes it easier to find a co-op partner and experience the game’s cooperative elements.

Tips for Success

When approaching any Escape Academy level, time management is essential. Each room has a countdown timer, so prioritizing which puzzles to tackle first can make the difference between success and failure. Pay attention to how puzzles connect - many rooms feature interconnected challenges where solving one provides information needed for another.

Exploration is equally important. Thoroughly examining the environment often reveals clues that might not be immediately obvious. Items and information scattered throughout each room typically serve a purpose, so taking a moment to note everything available can prevent getting stuck later.

If you find yourself struggling with a particular level, the game’s community has developed guides for each room. These walkthroughs can help you past specific obstacles without spoiling the entire experience. Whether you need a hint for a single puzzle or a complete solution, dedicated guides exist for every level in the base game and DLC.

Platform and Technical Information

Escape Academy runs on the Unity engine and is rated T for Teen by the ESRB due to violence. The game is available digitally across all supported platforms, making it accessible without requiring a physical purchase.

The relatively modest system requirements and broad platform support mean most players can experience Escape Academy on their preferred gaming device. The online multiplayer functionality works smoothly across platforms, though you’ll need an active internet connection for online co-op play.

Progression and Difficulty

The game’s structure ensures a natural difficulty curve. Early levels like Introductions and Entrance Exam introduce core mechanics and puzzle types, while mid-campaign rooms like Where There’s Smoke and Tea ‘n’ Tea increase complexity. The finale, What Lies Below, combines everything learned throughout the campaign into one comprehensive challenge.

DLC content assumes familiarity with the base game’s mechanics and typically maintains or exceeds the difficulty level of later main campaign rooms. If you’ve completed What Lies Below, you should be prepared for the challenges presented in the expansion content.

FAQ

How long does it take to complete Escape Academy? Each room is timed, with most levels providing 10 to 20 minutes to escape. The total campaign length depends on how quickly you solve puzzles and whether you need to retry any rooms. DLC content adds several additional hours of gameplay.

Can I play Escape Academy solo? Yes, the entire game is designed to be playable in single-player mode. While co-op adds a social element, all puzzles can be solved alone.

Do I need to play rooms in order? The main campaign follows a specific progression, with story elements connecting the rooms. DLC content is separate from the main story and can be approached after completing the base game.

What platforms support cross-play? Cross-platform play works across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, allowing players on different systems to team up for co-op sessions.

Are there difficulty options? The game doesn’t include traditional difficulty settings, but you can approach rooms at your own pace within the time limit. If you get stuck, external guides are available for every level.