With the Meta Quest release, we’ve also updated the Steam version (v33780). This update includes new features like brightness adjustment, automatic language detection, better VR interactions, and plenty of bug fixes to improve your experience.
General Improvements
Meta Quest Version Released: The game is now available on Meta Quest 2 & 3!
Brightness Adjustment: Added an option to customize game brightness.
Automatic Language Detection: The game now automatically sets the language based on your system settings upon first launch.
Steam Deck Support: You can now quit properly on Steam Deck when running on Linux Proton.
Updated Steam SDK: Integrated the latest Steam SDK for improved compatibility.
Improved Dark Mode: Enhanced dark mode with a new background video.
Visual Enhancements: General theme improvements across the game.
Bug Fixes:
Fixed an issue where lobby codes were not displayed in the "Can't find lobby" pop-up.
Resolved a bug where no button was selected when using a controller after failing to join a lobby.
Fixed controller navigation for walkthrough buttons.
Resolved an issue where the character in the main menu would incorrectly appear.
Fixed item rotation freeze in multiplayer when taking an item from a slot filled by another player.
Addressed a memory leak in Workshop rooms related to audio management.
VR Improvements
Customizable VR Hover Time: Added an option to adjust the hover time needed to show VR item info.
Enhanced Manual Interaction: Improved manual interaction with joysticks.
"Reconnecting" UI: Added a clear "Reconnecting" message when players disconnect during multiplayer.
Precise Interactions: Interactions with slidables are now more accurate in VR.
Improved Pop-up Messages: Enhanced clarity and added better animations to pop-up messages.
Token Pickup: Improved positioning of the token pickup message in VR.
Vignette Effect: Enhanced rendering of the VR vignette effect.
Bug Fixes:
Fixed an issue where changing game language didn’t update item names in the VR trashcan.
Resolved a black screen bug when failing to join a lobby in VR (e.g., when host puts down headset).
Fixed a bug where slot object names would appear incorrectly when hovering with an item in community rooms.
Resolved an issue with "Slot" gizmos being visible in mirrors and inventories in community rooms.
Level Improvements
Token Accessibility: Fixed tokens that were previously unobtainable in certain levels (Lost Spirits, The Underground Lab, Leonardo's Workshop).
The Attic (Globe Puzzle): Improved UX—now displays the last pressed button to avoid confusion.
The Top (Level Exit): Added a proper exit when finishing the level.
Tutorial: Fixed localization issues.
The Attic (VR): Enhanced Jack-in-the-box interaction.
Space Walk (VR): Player helmet is now correctly positioned.
Improved Readability in VR: Increased item sizes in certain levels (The Library, The Attic, The Lab, The Lobby) for easier reading.
Adrift in Space (VR): Text on tablets is now enlarged in VR for better visibility.
Special Interaction Hints (VR): Added clearer hints for special interactions in specific VR levels (e.g., rotating statues in "The Top," rotating pipes in "Space Walk").
Escape Simulator is Now Available on Meta Quest!
Hey everyone!
We’ve got some exciting news—Escape Simulator is now live as a standalone release on Meta Quest 2 & 3! That means you can now jump into your favorite escape rooms directly on your Quest, no PC required!
If you’re on Quest, it’s time to grab your headset and start solving puzzles in VR. 🧩🔍
Single-player and Multiplayer Co-op: Enjoy Escape Simulator solo or gather your friends for an online co-op adventure for up to 10 players, though each level is ideally suited for groups of three.
Cross-platform Co-op Multiplayer: Escape Simulator supports Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3 and Steam version (flat of VR) in multiplayer co-op, ensuring seamless fun across platforms.
Full VR Integration: Experience intuitive movement with Meta Quest’s Touch Controllers, fully immersing yourself in the interactive environments.
Varied Play Modes: Choose to play sitting, standing, or in roomscale mode, adapting the game to your preferred play style.
Community-Created Content: Meta Quest users can also access a curated selection of the best community-created escape rooms, hand-picked by Pine Studio and ported to Meta Quest for VR.
Downloadable Content & Updates: Internet connection is required to access downloadable content, which includes regularly added rooms and puzzles, providing ongoing updates to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
And finally, we want to thank our VR testers from Discord for their tremendous help, without whom the Meta Quest version would have been extremely difficult to achieve.
But wait! Take this FAQ before you go!
How much does the game cost on Meta Quest? Escape Simulator for Meta Quest is priced at $19.99 USD or €16.99 EUR.
Will there be cross-platform multiplayer between Meta Quest and Steam versions? Definitely!
Is the content of Escape Simulator identical to the PC version? Yes, but at launch, the game will include 16 rooms, all of which are completely free.
When will the other rooms and DLCs be released? Additional rooms and DLCs will be released over the next few months.
Why are you doing it this way? I want all the rooms right away! We understand you'd like everything immediately, but optimizing larger rooms for Quest takes extra time to ensure they run smoothly, and we want to do it right.
I’m confused about the community rooms. What do you mean Pine Studio will be selecting them? Since there's no way to link the Meta Quest version to Steam Workshop, Pine Studio will carefully curate the best community rooms and manually upload them to our server, where they will be available to Meta Quest players.
Can I create my own community room on Meta Quest? Unfortunately, no. The Room Editor is currently only available on the Steam version of the game.
Will there be a discount for Steam owners of the game? Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a discount for Steam players due to technical limitations.
Will Quest VR testers get a discount? Our Quest VR testers will receive Escape Simulator for Meta Quest completely free as a thank you for their tremendous help.
As always, thanks for being the awesome community that you are, and happy escaping!
Pine Studio
The Collab: World Tour, Volume 1 is out now!
The much-anticipated sequel to The Collab: Museum, one of the most popular community-created rooms for Escape Simulator, has arrived!
The Collab: World Tour, Volume 1 begins with the discovery of a grandparent’s old scrapbook, sparking an adventure that takes players through four historically rich and culturally significant locations:
The Palace of Minos in Greece
An Ancient Atrium in Rome, Italy
A Quaint Town Square in Germany
The Wat Arun Temple in Thailand
As the authors say, each location is designed to challenge players with puzzles deeply rooted in the history and culture of these iconic sites. Whether deciphering ancient scripts in Greece or unlocking the secrets of a town square in Germany, the experience promises to be both challenging and educational.
Crafted by a Talented Team
At Pine Studio we can't stress enough how incredibly proud we are with our incredibly creative community. This project represents a collaboration between veteran builders in the Escape Simulator community, each bringing their unique expertise to create a cohesive and engaging experience.
Wollo crafted the intricate details of the German town square, Dr. Krank brought the Palace of Minos to life, apa-games meticulously recreated the ancient Roman atrium, and namo-krub designed the stunning Wat Arun temple in Thailand. The journey home was built by Brushstroke and Robin, providing a memorable conclusion to this global adventure.
Robin also created the story and provided the narration, adding depth to the experience, while Cryptic1 composed the atmospheric soundtrack that accompanies the journey. The entire project was managed by Brushstroke, GG3L, and Zesty Mordant, ensuring that every element came together seamlessly.
Accessible and Inclusive Gameplay
The team says The Collab: World Tour, Volume 1 is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. It is colorblind-friendly, with sound recommended but not required to solve puzzles. In-game translations are available for all languages supported by Escape Simulator, making the adventure accessible to players around the world.
Suitable for all ages, the adventure can be played solo or with friends and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. It’s also playable on the Steam Deck with the “Half” textures setting.
The team
This project was made possible by yet another incredible collaboration between the members of Escape Simulator community.
Germany: Built by Wollo
Greece: Built by Dr. Krank
Italy: Built by apa games
Thailand: Built by namo-krub
Home: Built by Brushstroke and Robin
Story: Created and built by Robin
Narration: Robin
Soundtrack: Cryptic1
Translations: Provided by Eureka Paprika, Robin, Wollo, and ChatGPT
Project Management: Brushstroke, GG3L, and Zesty Mordant
Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Mihail (AKA GG3L), a full-stack developer from Romania, who has made a significant mark in the Escape Simulator community through his impressive modding and scripting skills. Mihail's journey into the world of Escape Simulator began with a casual YouTube discovery that quickly turned into a passion. Since then, he has become an integral part of the community, contributing innovative LUA scripts and room designs that enhance the gameplay experience for everyone. Join us as Mihail shares his insights, experiences, and the creative process behind his engaging and intricate escape room projects.
Enigmas of the Nile
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into playing Escape Simulator?
My name is Mihail, and I am a full-stack developer from Romania. I currently specialize in web-related application development but have also dabbled in game testing, software testing, game design, and development.
As for how I got into playing Escape Simulator, I was watching random YouTube videos and stumbled upon one about it. After watching it for a few minutes, I paused the video, went to Steam, and bought it. I've never stopped playing since.
Modding in videogames in general is a pretty fun way to expand on what the developer originally envisioned. But we really want to know what made you say: “Fine, I’ll do it myself”? :-)
Chronicles of the Forgotten Wisdom - Ch. I
When I first started building rooms, I made it a rule to only use the editor logic. I thought it would be a fun challenge. After I eventually tried LUA for the first time, it became a new challenge. I spend a lot of time on the official Discord server and take note of what others are having trouble with or would like/need to be added to the game. I realize that most of these problems/requests aren’t a priority for the developers, as they have more important things to focus on, so I try my best to create the functionality and share it with the community.
Did you mod other games before, or Escape Simulator is the first one you started fiddling with?
I’ve always had an attraction toward computers in general. I’ve started tinkering with them since I got my first one back in 2002. I first learned all of the “how not to do it” ways… the hard way. As for modding, I started with custom private servers and client modding for popular games of the era in 2005.
How do you approach the creative process when starting a new LUA script or escape room project? Do you begin with a concept, a puzzle, or something else entirely?
When it comes to room building, I start with a simple idea. I then give it a name, a story, and a visual representation. If I’m happy with the result, I then start building puzzles. Scripting is different. When most people want to relax, they watch a movie, play a game, or do some other activity. I like playing around with the LUA API.
How did you first discover the potential for creating LUA scripts for Escape Simulator?
I’ve played around with a lot of programming languages, but LUA wasn’t one of them. At first, I was reluctant to learn another one, but that quickly changed when I couldn’t find any other way to implement a feature for one of my rooms and realized it was extremely easy and fun to use.
What motivates you to continue developing and refining your LUA scripts for Escape Simulator? Are there specific feedback or experiences from our community that drive your work?
I’ve always enjoyed helping people. All of the scripts I’ve shared were designed with the community in mind. Most people find coding intimidating, that’s why my scripts don’t require coding knowledge to be used and are configurable through the editor directly.
GG3L is an active community member on Pine's Discord server and often helps other members
Besides your own creations, are there any other LUA scripts on the Steam Workshop that you think are total game-changers for the Escape Simulator community?
Thoroniul’s and apa-games’s work is some of the best out there. Thoroniul is the original LUA master, and apa-games, while relatively new to the community, has created some great things and also spent the time to create a detailed guide to help others get into LUA easier.
Were there any specific resources or tutorials that helped you learn LUA scripting for Escape Simulator?
I think most people interested in trying LUA scripting, myself included, probably started with “Thoroniul's LUA Tutorial” as a guide.
Are there any specific game mechanics or features in Escape Simulator that you haven't explored yet but are interested in experimenting with through LUA scripting in the future?
I feel like I’ve almost reached the limits of the current API. I’m looking forward to the new update.
Every creator faces hurdles. What are some valuable takeaways you've gained through your experiences as a creator for Escape Simulator, especially those that were hard-earned lessons?
Always test and playtest your projects thoroughly before publishing and make sure you always have backups that you can roll back to in case you ever need to.
If someone in the community is interested in getting started with LUA scripting for Escape Simulator, what advice would you give them?
Start small and go up from there. It might look intimidating, but it’s not really that hard. You could think of using the editor logic props as a simplified form of coding and LUA as a more manual but less restrictive way of doing the same thing.
The guide created by apa-games is perfect for both beginners and experienced coders. If you have any questions or need help, the official Discord server is your friend. Someone will always be there to help.
Pine's Discord community member apa-games has created a famed Unofficial Escape Simulator LUA Guide. Check it out!
Has your experience with LUA scripting in Escape Simulator influenced your approach to other games or activities outside of the game itself? Has it sparked an interest in programming or scripting in general?
I’ve been meaning to go back to game development, but could never find the time. LUA scripting was the answer to that problem.
Can you recount any funny moments, unexpected discoveries, or bursts of inspiration that happened while working on your projects for Escape Simulator?
I once spent around 30 minutes trying to figure out why my script wasn’t working, only to realize that I accidentally deleted the script prop from the room. Some of my scripts were unexpected discoveries. I usually play around with the API, trying different ideas. There were multiple instances where I discovered something new or got new ideas while working on something completely different.
Possibly one of the most hilarious thumbnails you'll find for a LUA script.
Are there any upcoming projects or LUA scripts you’re currently working on that you can share with us?
I do have some projects in the works, but they’re still in early development. As for scripts, the ones I haven’t already shared news about are part of the new Collab room.
Pine's Discord member Brush$troke has announced a new Collab room. Make sure to check out the previous The Collab: Museum.
Do you have a favorite community room (or rooms) you've created so far?
I don’t have a favorite one. I love and hate all of my rooms equally. :-)
And finally, can you name the 3 best rooms by other room builders?
I’ve played a lot of great community rooms, but the first that come to mind are the ones created by Zesty and Cico. From both a technical and gameplay point of view, my favorite would be The Devilish Diorama.
Calling all Escape Simulator enthusiasts! Prepare to embark on a brand-new adventure as the beloved community-made room, The Collab returns for a thrilling sequel - The Collab World Tour Volume 1!
Following the enormous success of the first and second community collaboration, this new collaborative effort promises to be even grander.
Due to its epic scale, The Collab World Tour will be released in three volumes, with Volume 1 kicking off its beta testing phase in mid-July, and will be available to everyone on Steam Workshop this summer.
To whet your appetite for this international escapade, be sure to check out the announcement video created by Robin from Pine Discord community!
The Collab World Tour Volume 1 is a testament to the incredible creativity of our community. A talented group of creators, including Zesty, GG3L, Eureka Paprika, Bartololomeo, Elkondo, Wollo, ChazzyB, Dr. Krank, APA games, namo-krub, k8sparrot, Robin, and more, have joined forces to craft this unforgettable experience.
Mark your calendars, escape room fanatics – The Collab World Tour Volume 1 is coming this summer!
Get ready to join the adventure and see what treasures await you across the globe!
Want to be a part of something great? Join our community!
Want to connect with the talented creators behind these epic works?
Fresh Community Picks! Here are our top picks for the newest Community Rooms!
Hey everyone!
We are back! In our next quest of searching for the shiniest and the brightest stars among community rooms, here we have the newest picks. So let's dive in!
Quantum Quests, Inc.
Quantum Quests, Inc. is a highly-rated escape room created by Wollo, a well-regarded name many of you probably already recognize. Woll's theme for this room was AI; well, not AI per se, but a a humorous take on artificial intelligence. Quantum Quests Inc. also features voiceovers, DMCA-friendly music, and players praise the room's creativity, intuitive puzzles, and well-integrated difficulty curve. Make sure to check it out!
Calling all armchair detectives! Glitz, Jazz and Murder is a murder mystery room set in 1962 New York City. Created by paullwetzel (author's first room btw!), this escape room transports players to the Birdland Jazz Bar where the famed saxophonist, Jax O. Phone, has been found dead. According to the comments, players laud the room's enjoyable puzzles and immersive murder mystery theme, making it a great choice for players seeking a fun and thematic escape room experience.
Help Fred and George Weasley escape detention in this challenging Escape Simulator room by MelonVerse, a popular community builder! Work together (singleplayer or multiplayer) to solve puzzles, bypass their wacky security measures, and retrieve a mysterious prototype from their Diagon Alley shop. MelonVerse notes that this high-end room is estimated to take 1-1.5 hours to complete, so grab some pen and paper for notes, adjust graphics settings if needed (the room is graphics-heavy), and turn up the volume for all the Weasley-related fun!
Unearth a family secret in Cabin Riches V2! This escape room by AbsoluteMinimal casts you as the inheritor of a potentially wealthy cabin. While on their deathbed, your relative confessed to embezzling funds over a 25-year career and hiding the loot within the cabin. This first-time designer's creation offers a treasure hunt experience with puzzles and secrets to uncover, and it's nice to see players praise the room's design and puzzles, although some found themselves stumped by a particular four-digit keypad lock. The good news? An in-game walkthrough is available to help explorers who get stuck.
Hold your nose and prepare for a hilarious escape in Lost in the Loo (Toilet Trap!) by Pancakemaster. This single-player (with support for multi-player, although some players found some bugs when playing in co-op) room throws you into a bizarre situation: trapped in a public restroom after a secret government mission goes wrong. Players rave about the room's humor, fun puzzles, and creative use of a surprising location. So put your training to the test and see if you can escape this wacky predicament!
Unleash your inner scientist and crack the case of Harriet Anne Heartmeyer's disappearance in Dr Krank's The Secrets of Harriets Study. This community room challenges your logic and observation skills (60% each) as you explore Saint Paulos Study Hall, rumored to hold her hidden research. With difficulty geared towards 1-2 players, this puzzle-heavy escape room (20% succession puzzles, 0% knowledge puzzles) is perfect for those seeking a mentally stimulating challenge.
Calling all game show fanatics! Hurry's Cool Cash is a love letter to classic shows, transforming Escape Simulator into a 16-room game extravaganza! Inspired by The Price is Right, The Crystal Maze, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, and more, this experience caters to all playstyles.
Test your mettle in Versus Mode (30 minutes) – a fast-paced competition where you race against others to solve puzzles, collect "Cool Cash" across themed rooms, and be the first to grab 15! Craving a solo challenge? Embark on a 2-hour single-player odyssey to find all 50 Cool Cash, with an extra-difficult hunt for a legendary 51st hidden somewhere! Feeling the teamwork spirit? Although not officially supported (expect some bugs!), a co-op mode lets you tackle the challenges together (around 1.5 hours).
Especially interesting part about this room is how it was made. The author says the room was started in august 2023 and completed in june 2024, though with intermittent month-long breaks.
Ahoy there, mateys! Prepare to plunder Blackbeard's booty in Blackbeard's Golden Treasure, a quick 15-minute Escape Simulator adventure. You'll need to scour the captain's quarters for six golden keys, forged from the heart of the ocean itself, before Blackbeard's crew returns and reclaims their riches! Can you solve the puzzles and escape with the legendary pirate's treasure?
If you're still looking for a great room to play, this spring we hosted another fantastic Build-a-Room competition. If you missed it, you can check out and play the winning rooms here: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1435790/view/4187863868000595623
Make sure to nominate your favorite community rooms on Pine Discord!
Here's a small reminder that you can nominate your favorite room using these reactions on Pine Discord, in the #share-your-room channel using these reactions
Fixed an issue where items wouldn't enter slots in custom rooms. Items were exiting the trigger before being processed by the update loop.
Added the long-awaited Omega Pillar!
Happy escaping!
-Pine team
5 Reasons Why It's Great to Play Escape Simulator Today!
Escape Simulator isn't just a game—it's an ever-expanding universe of puzzles. With the recent releases of the PowerWash DLC and a vibrant community crafting endless puzzles, now’s the perfect time to dive in. Take advantage of a huge 40% discount during the 2024 Summer Sale, and join us as we call all puzzle enthusiasts and escape room fanatics!
Why Choose Escape Simulator?
Massive Variety
Start with 26 themed rooms—from Ancient Egypt to Space—and explore further with 14 major updates packed with new challenges.
VR Immersion
Experience puzzles like never before with VR support right out of the box.
More Adventures
Enjoy 3 free DLCs including fan favorites like Portals and Among Us, plus premium DLC packs that add magical, Wild West, and Steampunk adventures.
Community and Creativity
Access over 4,000 community-created rooms and unleash your creativity with our Room Editor. Check out some of our favorite ones here.
Keep an eye out for more exciting updates, including a major DLC, two free DLCs, and an autumn Build-a-Room challenge. Plus, we've got even more surprises up our sleeve!
We've joined forces with FuturLab, the brilliant minds behind PowerWash Simulator, to bring you PowerWash-themed room for Escape Simulator!
Get ready to dive into the iconic PowerWash garage, transformed into a mind-bending escape room. Instead of sparkling surfaces, blast away grime to uncover hidden clues and conquer this all-new challenge.
VR Mode: Fully playable in VR or flat version!
New Editor Props: Use new 3D props to build your own garage or whatever your imagination creates.
Rock and Roll Soundtrack: Enjoy a brand-new rock and roll soundtrack that amps up the excitement.
The PowerWash DLC for Escape Simulator is available now! So grab your friends (or go solo!) and get ready for a squeaky-clean escape!