Here are the most common questions you have asked us. Contact us if you have any other questions.
You’ll decipher clues, uncover hidden locations, communicate with characters, solve physical puzzles, interact with people you meet, and make choices that affect your path in the story… Watch this video to find out more.
The games run seven days a week, at times stated in Explore the games.
You can either choose a timeslot at the time of booking, or later when you are setting up your teams. You can change your date and time slot at any time before you play.
You'll set up your teams after you have booked. You can do this straight after booking, or at a later point.
Sign in to your game, and assign players into teams of 1-5 players. Choose a team captain and team name for each team. Provide an email address and UK or US mobile number for each team captain.
Once you have set up your teams, team captains will receive a confirmation email and text message from HiddenCity, which includes your start location. On the day, when you are at the start location and ready to play, the captain of team 1 starts the game by replying BEGIN to the text message from HiddenCity.
All players can be set up to receive messages. Once you have set up your teams, each team captain will get a text message from HiddenCity. Captains can reply with a teammate’s mobile number e.g. “07900 123 123”. Teammates will then be asked to provide their details, via text. Once that's done they’ll also be sent clues, and can reply on behalf of your team. Add further teammates in separate messages.
You can also add teammates in the same way at any point during the game.
Text messages that you send are charged at your standard network rate, or may be free with your phone package. There is no charge to receive messages.
WhatsApp messages that you send and receive are done so via cellular connection or wifi, so as long as you haven’t exceeded your mobile data allowance, or you’re connected to a free Wi-Fi network, your mobile provider won’t charge you for these. If your phone is roaming, data charges might apply.
With two or more players you'll set up teams of up to 5 players. If you have multiple teams you'll play competitively head-to-head, in a race to the finish.
Yes – sign in to your game using the Game ID and password emailed to the lead organiser, and you'll see an option to add players.
Yes – you can change your team captains and mobile numbers any time before you begin, by signing in to your game.
Yes – you can change the date or time of your game by signing in to your game and clicking on "update" next to the date or time window.
Yes – the games are fully flexible, so you can get a refund if you don't play.
Generally not – teams usually separate as they solve clues at different speeds.
If you're running an event for three or more teams, or it's just really important to you that you understand how everything works, then here are some top tips to get the best out of your game:
Yes, your game is timed. You will receive a message at the end of the game with your overall time, as well as your average time per clue. You can then see where you fit in on the Leaderboards.
The guidelines for fair play are as follows:
Good luck!
Wear suitable clothes, and comfortable shoes – most of your game will take place outdoors. If there's weather you don't want to be outdoors in, you can easily reschedule for another day. All games are fully flexible – sign in and change your date.
The final location is secret... If you want to organise something after your game then contact us and we'll make sure you have the info you need.
The games involve locations with specific opening and closing times. The start time windows listed on the games ensure players can access these locations within the time it takes to complete the game. Each game is designed with built-in breaks. If you want to play at a leisurely pace, or think you may go beyond the allocated break timing, then begin your game at least an hour before the latest start time to ensure that locations will be open.
In the majority of cases, players not using UK mobiles will experience significant delays in receiving messages via SMS or WhatsApp and this can be frustrating when you're trying to play a game and immerse yourself in a narrative. Don't worry though – if nobody in your party has a UK mobile, you can acquire a Pay-As-You-Go SIM card with SMS and data options before beginning the game. These are free with a minimum top up amount and some mobile phone shops will even give you a free 'burner' phone.
One exception: Lycamobile will not work with the games.
You will receive most replies within a few seconds. If you are in an area with poor mobile phone reception, you can resend your answer or try adding another teammate's mobile number.
Yes – none of the games require local knowledge.
The games are written with native English speakers in mind, and use British idioms, slang and cultural references. Examples of slang include: tipple (alcoholic drink), wee (small) and pissing it down (raining).
You can always request help if you come across language you find particularly tricky – for example, text STUCK for help working out the answer or text LOST for directions to the next location in plain English.
They sure can - children are welcome on the games. Children aged 12+ take part as a player in the game, receiving clues, sending answers and solving puzzles. Children under 12 can accompany ticketed adults for free.
The games involve licensed premises such as pubs and cafes. Children are welcome in these locations when accompanied by adults - if a team has under-18s in it, make sure there's an adult with them.
The games currently require the use of steps to access the answers to some locations and clues and so are not wheelchair friendly.
As for buggies – sorry, tiny ones out there! The games are not suitable for buggies. Leave your little one with a friend, and instead embrace your own inner child...
Yes – all of the games involve heading into pubs to obtain clues, and most break and end locations are pubs, serving alcoholic and soft drinks. If you want to minimise the time spent in pubs, then skip the breaks, take your breaks in a nearby cafe and/or leave the end location once you've solved the final clue.
No – we select venues on the basis of their contribution to the overall experience.
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