Secret Clue GmbH - "Welcome to Hawkins"

Ryan Driver
Apr 30
3 min read

LOCATION:  Bülach, Switzerland

Photo above is property of Secret Clue GmbH

Photos above are property of ESCAPETHEROOMers

📝 ETR DECODER

🔑 GAME: Welcome to Hawkins
📅 DATE PLAYED: March 30, 2025
🎬 GENRE: Adventure
🧠 DIFFICULTY (Based on 3 ppl): 4/10
👥 TOTAL # OF PLAYERS: 2-6 ppl
🕒 LENGTH OF TIME: 60 Mins.
💰 PRICE: CHF 100-192
☎️ BOOKING TYPE: Private
🔓 ESCAPED/ COMPLETED?: Yes (26:00)

📖 THE STORY

The Hawkins National Research Laboratory is in crisis—strange occurrences, eerie shadows in the woods, and unexplained disappearances have thrown the small Indiana town into chaos. A sinister creature lurks, spreading fear and destruction.

As you search for the truth behind the vanishing residents, you’re pulled into a parallel world—one where danger lurks at every turn and not everyone will make it out. Can you uncover the mystery and escape before it’s too late?

🎯 HIT THE BULLSEYE

The biggest highlight of this game is undoubtedly its attention to detail in set design, particularly the living room from Will’s house. As one of the most iconic locations from Stranger Things, a high-quality recreation was essential, and Welcome to Hawkins delivers. The space is filled with authentic props and decorations, complemented by audio and visual effects that heighten immersion for both fans and newcomers alike.
The other two rooms maintain the same level of craftsmanship, staying true to the theme and ensuring the story aligns closely with Stranger Things. Thoughtful special effects and a spacious layout allow larger teams to move comfortably, fully experiencing what the game has to offer.
The puzzles are well-designed and seamlessly integrated into the theme and storyline. Each action feels purposeful and makes use of iconic props from the show, creating a sense of nostalgia. The high level of interactivity, teamwork, and communication made for a truly engaging experience.
The game unfolds in two distinct halves. The first half is nonlinear, offering multiple puzzles that teams can tackle together or separately—we split up for most of them, which likely contributed to our quick escape time. The second half transitions into a more linear structure, but continues to emphasize team-based challenges, ensuring everyone stays involved until the very end.

🧩 MISSED THE MARK

Overall, this is a solid and well-executed game, with very little to critique. If anything, the middle section felt slightly underwhelming. The space in this part of the game felt larger than necessary, and the momentum dipped slightly. Adding extra puzzles or a more dynamic escape route could enhance this section, keeping the excitement levels high throughout.

🏹 TAKE A SHOT?

Absolutely! This was our favorite room at Secret Clue, despite being one of the easiest. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time player, Welcome to Hawkins is well worth experiencing for its stunning aesthetics, immersive atmosphere, and engaging gameplay.

ℹ️ ADDITIONAL INFO

Parking is not available on site. Free parking is available in clearly designated spaces around the side and back of the building.
There is a lobby area with comfortable seating, lockers, and a few cold drinks for sale.
This game is wheelchair accessible and disability friendly

Photos above are property of Secret Clue GmbH

BOOK NOW

(If you do decide to try this game, give us a shoutout or tag us on social media so we know you heard it from "ESCAPETHEROOMers"!)

Disclosure: We thank Secret Clue GmbH for providing us with a media discount for this game. Although a media discount was generously provided, it does not impact our opinion on the review whatsoever.