Escape Simulator 2 Impressed Us with Graphics and a New Map at Gamescom

If you enjoy independent indie game coverage, consider supporting Indie-Games.eu on Patreon. It helps keep the site independent.

Four years ago, Escape Simulator was released and has since received a ton of new content through DLCs and community creations on the Steam Workshop. While it can be played solo, multiplayer will always be the core component of this game, as solving riddles and puzzles is always more fun with friends.

The Croatian developer Pine Studio proved that such games can be successful, as Escape Simulator currently has 8,356 “overwhelmingly positive” reviews. That’s why the decision to create Escape Simulator 2 was an obvious one. Of course, besides being an improved version of the original game, Escape Simulator 2 aims to take everything to the next level using the latest technology.

What’s New in Escape Simulator 2?

The demo version of the game has been available on Steam for a while, but at Gamescom, in the heart of the Indie Booth Arena, we had the chance to try out a completely new, never-before-seen map set on a spaceship. In terms of mechanics, Escape Simulator 2 brings everything from the original game, but with a whole new theme. The sequel introduces darker themes, but it’s not a horror game. So far, the revealed maps include Dracula’s Castle, the spaceship EOS (which was available at Gamescom), and a haunted pirate island.

In addition, the game features significant technical improvements like a new rendering engine, improved physics, rewritten network code for a better multiplayer experience, and enhanced animations. We noticed this on the new map: Escape Simulator 2 is graphically very impressive, with no technical issues. The difference between the first and second game is noticeable, and the puzzles are now even more complex, designed in collaboration with escape room experts and well-known members of the first game’s community.

Peter Logan, a PR specialist from Game Drive who presented the game at gamescom, revealed that Room Editor 2.0 brings improved tools, including a new lighting engine, a room constructor (with functional stairs), and an animation editor, making it easier to create more realistic rooms. He also emphasized that Escape Simulator 2 supports up to 8 players in online co-op with built-in voice and text chat to make solving puzzles easier.

Escape Simulator 2 Will Test Your Resourcefulness

Back to the map. Although we didn’t have much time to play, we managed to solve three puzzles in half an hour. First, you are trapped in a capsule inside the ship, and to free yourself, you have to answer a system’s questions. You find the answers by observing your surroundings. Once you’re free, your next task is to turn on a 3D printer to clear the path to another room. But this isn’t a simple task, as you have to find different codes and batteries and connect them through various mini-games. What we saw is truly promising.

Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long, as Escape Simulator 2 is set to be released on October 21, 2025, for PC via Steam. If you haven’t yet, you can try the demo today, and a new update is expected soon. Pine Studio also plans to continue supporting the original Escape Simulator even after the sequel’s release, which means both games will continue to receive new content.