The Cryptic Room

The Interstate in Council Bluffs is under construction. If you are trying to get here on I-80, make sure you take the I-80 LOCAL LANES. Take the Lake Manawa/S Expressway exit, turn left (north) on the S Expressway, turn right at 6th Ave.

The short answer is yes: This ensures that you don't waste your time driving here, only to find a locked door or a packed schedule. The long answer is: If you show up and want to play, and we are here and have a game available, of course, you are welcome to play! Daytime games Monday - Friday should be arranged in advance. Note: We are not always staffed if we do not have reserved games, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

Some of our puzzles that you see in the room are available for purchase. So are TCR t-shirts, hoodies, and even the metal brain teasers from our reception room.

Absolutely! Gift certificates may be purchased for a specific room or in denominations of $25, up to $250. You can pick up a gift certificate at The Cryptic Room or on our website. Someone you know was nice enough to give you the gift of an escape room? Just enter the voucher number at the payment screen for booking. You can also use multiple gift cards, just separate each voucher number with a comma (,).

Absolutely! Check out our web page for information for large groups. If you would like help booking a large party, or are interested in booking outside of our regular booking schedule, please contact us at 712-310-5265 to receive a custom quote.

We are located in a historic building that is not ADA compliant (steps to the front door, some narrow doors, small restrooms). Also, while the rooms are not physically challenging, some elements of the game may require getting into tight spaces, crawling, or ducking. Chairs are located in the game rooms as part of the room, but are fully functional and may be used to rest in.

Someone smarter than you will be a good help when you get stuck. Someone not as smart as you could be helpful too, then you have someone to blame when you all get stuck! But seriously, anyone that you feel will be a good fit for your team you should bring with you. You never know exactly WHO might be the most helpful in any given situation.

1. Search everywhere. Some things will be easily found, others will be much more difficult. 2. A clue might be found early that is helpful later on, don't forget about it! 3. Pretty much everything in the room has meaning. Though there might be some things that lead you in the wrong direction ;) 4. Work as a team and make sure everyone knows what you've found. 5. If you get stuck, ASK FOR A CLUE!

Players 15 years and above welcome to play without an adult. Ages 12-14 may play unaccompanied, but an adult must remain onsite. Children 8-11 must play with adults. Children 7 and under have a difficult time focusing on the game for 60 minutes. This age is not recommended, but we leave it to the discretion of your group.

All games are $25 per player, but we frequently run promotions here on google, on our facebook page, and our blog, so please follow us! Bookings are paid online at the time of booking. If you would like to make other arrangements, please give us a call at 712-310-5265.

Yes. If you would like to reschedule your game, please give us a call at 712-310-5265. If you cancel 24 hours prior to game start time, you can get a refund.

We are always tweaking the games, but not enough for them to be playable again. While it might be tempting to impress your friends with your brilliance, having someone in the room with prior knowledge can ruin the experience for the rest of the team. If you ask nicely though, we might have space in the gamemaster room so you can watch from our side!

If you have more friends that would like to play than you thought, give us a call or email us. Most likely, as long as you don't exceed the game capacity, they can come along and pay on-site.

Our smaller rooms are designed for 2-6 players each. Our larger room, C.O.R.E. Intruders, holds 4-10 players. Of course, you can always have more than 10 players, we will just break up the group between rooms, AND give you a super sweet deal!

Each game is designed to last an hour. Please plan to spend 15 minutes prior to the game to prepare and brief, and another 15 minutes after for the debrief and pictures. You are also welcome to stay and visit in the Cryptic Lounge, where we provide additional puzzles, games, and refreshments for your enjoyment.

No, unfortunately the fire marshall doesn't let us lock all the doors. You may be in a room with a locked door, but there will be a panic button or a second unlocked door that will let you out of the room at anytime. In fact, depending on the theme of the room, the door may not even be locked at all!

No, not really. The games are intended to be exhilarating and suspenseful, not shocking and white knucklers. While some people might find some elements of the game surprising, there is no intent to frighten anyone. If we have a Halloween themed room... well, then the above might not be quite as accurate ;)

No. Handpicking your "team" is part of the fun for you! Having strangers around, well, sometimes they are helpful, but a lot of time... not so much.

I believe its still $25 per person but its so worth it.

Players 15 years and above welcome to play without an adult. Ages 12-14 may play unaccompanied, but an adult must remain onsite. Children 8-11 must play with adults. Children 7 and under have a difficult time focusing on the game for 60 minutes. This age is not recommended, but we leave it to the discretion of your group.