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Derby, UK

Contagion

The Escape Room Guys

A clean, mission-led virus outbreak game with steady puzzle flow and very low scare factor. It is a sensible choice if you want solid solving over spectacle.

Duration60 min
Avg escape50:52
DifficultyModerate
Smiling team holding props after escaping Contagion escape room at The Escape Room Guys in Derby
Image: theescaperoomguys.co.uk
The Story

Clinical, Clever, Clear

Contagion keeps its focus tight: a virus outbreak, a government lab, and one simple objective, find the cure before the clock runs out. It is a serious theme, but not a grim one, and the room seems content to be clean, functional and fair rather than theatrical. That makes it a sensible pick for teams who want a clear mission and a game that gets moving quickly.

The strongest card here is the puzzle mix. There is plenty to solve, with observation, searching, logic, word and maths elements woven into a linear structure that should suit teams who like to work through a room together. It is the sort of room where everyone can contribute, and that matters more here than brute force or slick gadgetry.

It’s not the flashiest room, but it’s well put together and fun to play. That feels like the right yardstick. The set dressing is sparse rather than lavish, yet effective enough to support the premise, and there are hints of at least one unusual hiding place or reveal to keep the searching interesting.

This is a very sensible choice for first-timers, families and mixed groups. It is designed around teamwork rather than physical effort, carries no horror or jump scares, and should be comfortable for players who want a welcoming challenge without too much friction. One neat summary would be:

Experienced teams may come away wanting more spectacle. The room does not appear to chase high-end tech, big theatrical moments or deep immersion, and that means its limits are fairly obvious if you arrive expecting a showpiece. Still, for a solid, clue-led hour with decent variety and a straightforward save-the-day frame, Contagion has the right basics in the right places.

How It Compares

Contagion leans into clean, cooperative solving rather than spectacle, with a tidy mission structure and a reliably varied puzzle mix. It suits players who value fair progression and clear objectives more than dramatic set pieces or high-end effects.

Puzzle Focus
Strong
Immersion
Moderate
Technology
Low
Scare Factor
None
Physicality
Very Low
Uniqueness
Low
What To Expect

Lab mission

Enter a government lab, track the outbreak, and work towards the cure before containment fails.

Puzzle mix

Expect observation, logic, word and maths puzzles, with a broad, steady spread throughout.

Team focus

The room is built around cooperation, so everyone should have something useful to contribute.

Functional set

The lab dressing is clear and practical, supporting play without leaning on big theatrical moments.

What Players Are Saying

A solid, straightforward game that feels especially welcoming to newcomers.

Well judged

There’s plenty to solve here, with a pleasing mix of puzzle styles throughout.

Plenty to solve

It’s not the flashiest room, but it’s well put together and fun to play.

Not flashy
Ready To Play?

Book your mission.

Spots can change quickly. Gather your team, compare options, then choose the room that best fits the night.

Private bookings, gift vouchers, and team sessions may vary by company.

Smiling team holding props after escaping Contagion escape room at The Escape Room Guys in Derby
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