Super fun place to try out. My husband and I heard about it and wanted to try. We did the book room (can't remember the name) and it was super fun. Unfortunately, we didn't finish in time. But we will be back! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I had such a blast in the reel room. My friend and I came on a spontaneous idea that started somewhere with frog earrings. Garrett made the experience even better by chatting with us and being overall great! read more

Puzzle Effect - End screen with 35 seconds left - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This escape room was such a great time! The staff here was fantastic and super encouraging and they made our 14-year-old's birthday escape room party a wonderful time. We had such a great time that we bought a gift card afterward for our next adventure. Thanks for the memories! read more

So fun!! We did the Emerald Sea room and it was difficult but we made it out with 5 minutes to spare!!

This was the second escape room we did, and we chose Grim Stacks. We finished with less than a minute left after utilizing maybe 6-10 hints starting at the 20th minute. The theme was well executed and in general, the escape room was really well put-together and well thought out. The hints were very helpful and our operator was very attentive to us and nice. After the game, he was very polite and happy to talk to us about the room or even give some SLO tips to some out-of-towners. Unfortunately I can't remember his name as it's been over a month now, but he was the very tall blonde one. Kudos to him and the rest of the crew at The Puzzle Effect! :) read more

Ohhhh buddy. This was the second puzzle room I've been to, with the first being in London (we didn't get out there either, so what does that say?!) - and I have to say Grim Stacks did not disappoint! I do not recommend having cocktails before doing this one (we did Intermediate) because you'll need all the brain power you can get. Don't spend all your time on the first room - because the second room will take you just as long, if not longer. The clues were pretty obscure and challenging, which is exactly what you want from an escape room. The staff was super helpful with clues when we needed them - although I'm pretty sure they had a good laugh at us in the back with some of our antics. A five-star experience for sure! read more

Puzzle Effect - Team building for our holiday party - we didn't make it out. Rescue us please. - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This place is great. The staff is always very friendly and the rooms are fun and challenging. We held a work event here and it was a great way to have fun with coworkers. Highly recommended!! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I've been to 20 other rooms. I did thoroughly enjoy grim stacks. I went with 4 other girls. One has done a couple rooms the other one room and the last 2 had zero experience. We were able to escape with 3 minutes left. The room is more of a manual room not too much technology. It was challenging and fun. We had 3 clues and I would say difficulty is medium. They offer a deal if you buy before hand you get a discount for the next room. My friend and I jumped on it. $6 off is $6 off. Everyone in my party enjoyed the room. Will come again for the other 2 rooms! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I loved all the rooms here and had 3 great experiences but today was unfortunately very unsatisfactory. My wife in the beginning was already asking him to please help us because we get stuck. The male working Saturday night got us started in our room like normal and we went to trying our best. We are not the best and we're struggling after 5 minutes. Unfortunately the "game master didn't give us a clue for the first 20 minutes as I could hear him talking/ chatting the entire time almost sounded like he was to busy trying to flirt or just distracted. He gave us our one clue and then again didn't hear from him for another 20 minutes for our last clue until our 60 minutes ran out. I hope that is not the new standard of treatment there. read more

There are many things I liked about this escape room and a few things I didn't. I liked the staff there, they were very friendly and encouraging. We didn't quite 'escape' but our guide let us go ahead and finish when our time was up which was really nice. We did the pipe works room and there are 2 sides represented by 2 colors. Because there were only 2 of us, we only did one side but both colors were in that room and this became a little confusing for me. Apparently, we were not really supposed to do anything with the other color but that wasn't conveyed clearly OR maybe I'm not smart enough to do an escape room! It took a while to get going and that was because the first clue was hidden pretty good which I didn't really like because we wasted a lot of time trying to find it and, really, that was the reason we didn't 'escape' in time. I don't think finding the clues should take the most time especially the first one because I became discouraged right at the beginning! Pipe works was a little on the full side I'd say, as far as the look of it and the clues weren't as fun to solve as other escape rooms I've done but it was still a fun experience. I really like that you can have only your party in a room even when you're just a party of 2. I look forward to going back and trying the other rooms! read more

Puzzle effect has an awesome escape room and even better staff. Upon entering the facility we were greeted by Max. Max was an amazing game host and extremely friendly. The game was is well designed and the clues are helpful. This is a must try! read more

We did The Curse of the Emerald Sea as our 74th room and we were very pleased with the set design and a few of the puzzles, but there were a few puzzles that were a bit of a stretch in logic and we weren't a fan of the clue system. As experienced players we prefer having the ability to ask for help when we need it. There were multiple points where our GM just sent us clues without asking. I understand if there are only minutes left and you're trying to help us finish, but we would be on the puzzle talking it out and would almost be onto something when he would send us an unprompted clue. Also, before we began he went through the spiel of how each individual lock works without ever asking if we've ever done a room before. We knew every one but the unique key lock and we could have easily explained this to him and saved him 5 minutes. Overall though, he was a good GM because he was very thorough in his descriptions of everything! If you are new to escape rooms you would feel confident walking in that you understand how everything works. If you're looking for a cool set design though check them out, but experienced players will question some of the puzzles. read more

We had a great time! We did the grim stacks and we were on the last puzzle but couldn't beat it ! Definitely a fun and interesting room. The decorations were very much on point and the puzzle really had you thinking. A lot of surprises in the room, unlimited clues so it was nice having a helping hand. Bryce was out guy and he was a fun nice guy. Definitely going to have to come back to this escape room to do the most challenging room ! read more

Puzzle Effect - Grim stack 1; Kik fam 0 - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Went with my family for a belated Christmas present outing. We did the library room and it was SO FUN. Eric and Caleb helped us and were friendly and helpful! The waivers are easy to fill out with a QR code and the "clues" weren't too much. Just right to keep everything challenging, but not maddening. Will definitely come back to try the other rooms. read more

We were a bunch of out-of-town looking for a fun activity in downtown SLO. When we met Caleb at the front door, even before regular business hour, he was very patient with us and explained to us what kind of options we had with the different rooms and the times. As the game started, he was very accommodating for our need with kids in the group and he hosted the games and was genuinely happy that we were having fun. Thank you, Puzzle Effect! Thank you Caleb! read more

Came here last year and had the worst Escape Room experience ever! The manager offered us another experience no charge but we could not bring ourselves to come back. Flash forward 1 year and we were given another chance to be comped and we did it! Amazing experience can't wait to come back! The true measure of a company is how they handle adverse issues and Puzzle Effect rose to the top! read more

Great service and fun room- we did the reel room and it was difficult for 2 of us but still managed to get time!

My husband and I did the Grim Stacks room and had a pretty good time. We are Wizard nerds as well so this was very fun to immerse ourselves in. read more

We had such a blast figuring out "Grim Stacks". It was definitely an excellent and exciting challenge! Highly recommend!!!! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Fantastic! My BF and I came here to do Grim s Stacks (just the two of us) and we had such a blast. The scenario was fun, the room was really well put together, the puzzles were challenging, the hints were helpful, and it was an incredible experience for both of us. We beat the room and I immediately asked if any of the other rooms were available that night. Lol. We rode a huge high of happiness and adrenaline for the rest of the night. So much fun! Thank you! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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With this review, I think it's official: we're escape room junkies! We're not hard-core, by any means, thought, and in previous reviews, I've listed what makes an escape room work for us. Now, when an escape room merits a review, the outing has to be positive. I'm not going to waste time posting a review (I generally go for epic reviews, or why bother?) that is not going to help promote a business that I want to stay in business. We create our own environment, I always say, and what a great job The Puzzle Effect has done in San Luis Obispo! First impressions matter, and coming in from Berkeley, San Luis Obispo was refreshingly ordered, with tons of natural adventures to be had. So The Puzzle Effect, located right in the heart of town, was a huge bonus for us city folk. The main office was bright and welcoming as our group of three entered, and, Kristin, our game mistress, was cheerful and accommodating. It was fine that we got there a little early - unlike some places that like to start you on the hour, there was barely a wait before we were shown into the library that was Grimm Stacks, where we were to free a captive creature ... The library itself: such a change from all the dark, mysteriously illuminated rooms we've done before - which also provided a lot of fun, but nothing beats natural light! But that was the first deception - aha! Grimm Stacks is a cunningly easy room, lemme tell ya ... The artifacts were authentic, the story compelling and the fact that we could see "regular folk" walking about outside really added to our experience. It was a little like when you see in the movies: people being trapped in a snow globe, banging on the glass to be let out - except we were too busy to actually be banging on anything ... Thank you, thank you, Kristin, for letting us free the creature even though it was gasping for breath (we were gasping with laughter) by the time we did! We felt somewhat vindicated when we saw our photo on Facebook, though - we were not the only ones beaten by the room! The trimmings that made The Puzzle Effect a fun business to visit were not important to us, but made for good eye candy: the merchandise on display were cute, the pens and stickers free - but we have quite a lot to remember San Luis Obispo by already :-) It's been two weeks since we were in town for the day, and our day trip to this town along the Central Coast was wonderful, topped off by our Puzzle Effect immersion into the magic that permeates all the air of SLO. We managed to enjoy a family walkabout, a terrific restaurant lunch - and participate in the SLO Utility Box Art Hunt all in the same day, so, yeah, I highly recommend The Puzzle Effects' Grimm Stacks and Bindings as a fantastic addition to the perfect SLO day trip. Can't wait to visit again! read more

Escape rooms are awesome!!! Our hostess Sydney Wiles truly added to the fun, masterfully spending time with us to answer any of our lingering questions after we escaped while also making sure to attend to all her other clients! read more

Wonderful experience! It's nice that you can book an entire room or just one or more open spots in the room. A variety of brains make solving the escape room fun! We did get our, but not without each of us contributing our strengths. We didn't all know each other, but strangers quickly to become friends and problem solvers. Staff is great, room is well appointed. I'm sure to return again and again and again. read more

First time trying out an escape room and was definitely worth it! My family tried out the Curse on the Emerald seas (which we had no idea was the hardest room). We were given lots of hints along the way whenever we were stuck. Overall a fun experience and would definitely recommend. read more

It's awesome place to share with friends. We had a great time with large group of 12 year old kids. Solving the puzzles kept the entire group engaged and laughing read more

We booked the Grim Stacks room with a group of friends for a Saturday afternoon activity. Half of the people in our group had done an escape room before and half hadn't. The room was challenging enough that we were fully engaged and excited the entire time but thought we weren't going to make it out. (We weren't keeping an eye on the clock because we were so into the game.) We ended up making it out with just under 15 minutes to spare but it felt like we'd been in there the full hour. We were surprised when we finished. The room is done in a way that you need different strengths at different points so each person played an integral role in figuring out a clue here and there while the rest of the group was stumped or working on something else so we all felt that we contributed but we didn't all get every answer individually. Communication, team work, and respect for everyone on the team definitely makes a difference. I can see this being a great learning and team building activity for coworkers. We don't live in SLO but plan to come back to try another room next time we're in town. read more

SUPER FUN AND EXCITING! The puzzle effect was my first escape room, the idea scared me BUT this place made me feel totally safe and well informed. Also, it was super fun!! Great decorations and friendly staff. read more

Very fun experience! My boyfriend and I went and did the fantasy library room. It was a nice little room with lots to others with. I don't want to give more information because I don't want to spoil anything, but the puzzles were a good range of easy to hard and definitely overall enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who likes escape rooms or wants to get into them! read more

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed figuring out The Reel. We loved the story line, various puzzles and Damion was super helpful. I will be returning to complete all of the rooms! read more

This was our 5th escape room but 1st time at this location. Everything was great! We did The Reel and really enjoyed it. Our game master was Caleb and he was great! Went above and beyond to make it a great experience for us. We will definitely be back! read more

We had an awesome time at the Puzzle Effect! It was so much fun working as a team and everyone being able to contribute to solving the puzzle in the rooms. We can't wait to come back and do another room! read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This was my first time trying an escape room. It was 3 of us and we did the Pipeworks room. The story line was great, and the decor matched the flow of the story. They did give us an hour and were great about proving hints if they us stuck on a clue. They do not provide parking near the facility. Online booking was quick and easy. read more

Puzzle Effect - Escape Room - Escape Games Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Pre Covid we went as a family and it was so much fun! Loved the room we were in and want to go back and do them all!! I saw they had some outdoor set ups during the pandemic and I regret not getting a spot! If your looking for something fun to do for about 10+ then this is it! read more

Fun room, we did Grim Stacks! Good theming. Everything worked smoothly unlike some rooms we have been to. And the game master Jonas was fantastic, super friendly and helpful! read more

I went with my friend as a last minute plan and it was so fun! Garrett made the entire experience even better by clearly explaining the rules and even having a fun conversation with us afterwards! Definitely planning on returning for a third time! read more

I took a group here for my teenager's birthday party. The rooms are fine and the puzzles are entertaining enough, but the management was quite rude and insulting -- they paid little attention to the group, didn't help answer any of the kids' questions that remained unsolved at the end, , and showed no flexibility in accommodating what I thought was a small reasonable request. Would not recommend and will not go back. read more

Second time doing this adventure and we loved it! Staff is very friendly and fun ( thank you Caleb and Garrett!) and the escape room is challenging and creative, all 6 of us had to work together to solve the mystery! Will do it again ( I am local and I take my house guests there for a really fun time). read more

We were a pair of very experienced escape room players looking for a reason to get out of the car on the drive from LA to the Bay Area coming home after Christmas. The game descriptions were the first draw - while a lot of newer escape room companies buy premade games with generic "plots" (they never have much plot) and puzzles, all 3 were interesting and unusual. Since we'd never done a Puzzle Effect game before, I picked our room based on occupancy (Puzzle Effect does public bookings by default, my preferred option - with only 2 people we would have likely escaped but only by the skin of our teeth, so being able to choose a room that already had a few people playing was a nice option): we played Grim Stacks. As people who have done many escape rooms, worked escape rooms, and designed escape rooms: that was a dang good escape room. The theme and general story of the room were interesting and unique. The decorations were really well chosen (and well anchored when not to be used), with a variety of puzzles. The game is linear, not allowing you to skip valuable information, which I like a lot in a story-driven game. The effects were well done (no unnecessary mag locks or glitchy arduinos), so even when we could predict what was going to happen, the actual effect was seamless. The hint system is reasonable (on screen written hints if you're stuck) and we could have requested no hints (the rest of our team were newbies, so we didn't mind getting 1 or 2). Staff were super nice and friendly, and were happy to talk technical stuff after. Well worth the stop, and we'll be back to play next time we're driving through! My only real complaint is that it's 3 hours away. read more

This was so fun for an evening activity! We challenged ourselves with the Curses of the Emerald Sea room and we got out with 58 seconds remaining!! Max our game manager was so helpful with clues when we got stumped! Totally will come back again :) read more

Had the best time! What a fun group event. Four of us trying to find something to do while social distancing ourselves. This was an absolute blast. We did the Grim Stacks. Very challenging and very cool room. We solved it! The staff was fun and encouraging. They also have stringent hygiene and cleaning protocols in place. We were confident we were safe playing. A must do! read more