E-Exit: Secret Subway

Long a fixture on the Budapest scene, E-Exit has several often-recommended rooms, but Secret Subway is the newest and longest, at 75 minutes, as well as the one that tends to get the highest plaudits. In it you're delving into a forgotten inventor's hideaway and investigating the writings and machines he's left behind. It has a classic steampunk aesthetic with brass pipes and gothic Da Vinci diagrams; the website suggests bringing a large team, but we found it fine with two, and probably more co...

“Deep beneath the streets of Budapest lie the secrets of a once a brilliant inventor. Their name has been forgotten, but perhaps we can descend into their realm and uncover its mysteries.”

Going down a short stairwell, we emerge into the wonderful aesthetics of Secret Subway. Lots of little gadgets and antiquated mechanisms lying dormant, waiting to be brought back to life. The builders went for a realistic design, connecting all the pieces, giving each item a purpose, and avoiding out-of-place objects. With their attention to detail, the room designers created a feeling of being in an old, somewhat crazed, inventor’s workshop.

Secret Subway inspires us especially because of the different backdrops as well as the technical mechanisms. An effect in the middle of the game is a real highlight, even for experienced players.

E-Exit Budapest- Secret Subway

October 2023

Overview 

At the beginning of our second day in Budapest, we moved onto E-Exit where we expected big things, we were not disappointed in the slightest taking on the Secret Subway, which is a 75 minute room. Our host was warm and enthusiastic and we genuinely got the sense that she was passionate about the rooms they offered and was hoary talking to us for a long time bore we actually got going. The reception area was a decent size to sit and fill out relevant paperwork and to have a glass of water before cracking on. 

Room impression

The first thing to note is that the stairs going down into the room are quite steep and it is a little dark so please be careful when walking down! As soon as you walk into the room, you are fully aware that you are stepping into an inventors hideaway with a steampunk theme throughout. It is dark and dingy but wow is it good?! The room itself is actually quite small and tight and for 4 of us it was a squeeze until we progressed throughout the game and then your mind is blown into the different themes and areas you experience. Out of a team of 4, 2 of us agree that this is the best room we have ever played! 

Puzzles

As previously mentioned, the game does flow into a number if different areas and for that reason, the game is quite linear throughout. There was plenty for all 4 of us to do once we got past the first room. There was a good mixi of random locks and old school hands on puzzles which were really enjoyable. The ending was the only slight damper on the game as a whole, but that’s only because the rest of the game was that good!

Game Master Clues

We were given a walkie talkie to communicate with the host if we needed. The first room was a little tricky for us as mentioned but once we go past that, we didn’t need any further guidance. 

Round Up

The first room we took on at E-Exit in Budapest and what a start it was! With it being a 75 minute room, you can already imagine that there will be more to do in here that an average escape room and to a degree you are right. However, with the sheer size of the game and the different zones you have to pass through, 75 minutes feels fair. There’s a reason why this room is voted as a Tripadvisor number 1 room!!! If you do only one room in Budapest, it has to be this one.