Escape Room Red Herrings: Mystery and Controversy

The red herring has always been a sensitive topic - you either love them or hate them! This controversial feature is a particularly hot topic in the Escape Room industry. Players often feel that its addition can completely ruin their experience.

So, what is it about red herrings in Escape Rooms that polarize people? Let us ascertain the answer.

What is a red herring?

Wikipedia: Something that distracts or misleads from a relevant or important question. In mysteries or as part of rhetorical strategies, people can purposely use a red herring.

Innocent or intentional?

The two types of red herrings you'll find in an Escape Games are innocent decorations and intentional deceptions.

Red herrings in the form of innocent decorations are decorative items that resemble Escape Game puzzles by chance. The designers merely added the decor to make the space more immersive and fit the respective theme. Still, passionate players spend a lot of time searching for hidden meanings in a regular chair. In Escape Rooms, innocent red herrings are always present to ensure players aren't searching for clues in an empty room!

Now, onto the intentional deceptions... On purpose designed, these objects mimic puzzles and clues, diverting players' attention to fruitless pursuits. Understandably, these are not liked and considered lazy additions without the Escape Room company having to think twice.

Good or bad?

A little moderation doesn't hurt. You can add one deliberate red herring per room or use it solely for your most difficult escape room adventure. Nobody holds a fondness for red herrings, but Escape Rooms gotta keep you on your toes!