Notes from the desk / Case 00
Answers before the investigation.
The essentials for playing The Intake Room, opening a shared room, and returning to your case. These answers introduce the game without revealing any puzzle solutions.
Your assignment
The Intake Room
- Detectives
- 1–5
- Objectives
- 3 sequential
- Per round
- 15 min
A spoiler-free field guide
Playing and room access
Frequently asked questions
These are the same room and access answers in the playing guide. For the difference between a round and a room's access window, read how it works.
What is ColdCase Escape and how do I play?
ColdCase Escape is a browser mystery set in The Intake Room. Inspect 3D evidence, follow the clues, and solve three objectives in order. Each objective unlocks the next. This guide does not reveal the solutions.
Can I play solo or with a group?
Yes. Play solo or bring up to four guests, five detectives total in one room.
How long is a round?
Each round lasts 15 minutes. The case has three sequential objectives.
Does everyone need an account or a purchase?
No. The buyer pays through Stripe without signing up first, and returning buyers get an emailed sign-in link. Guests join with a room code and never need an account or purchase.
What does a room pass cost?
One room pass is $9.99 USD plus applicable tax. Stripe shows the final total before you pay.
When does a room pass expire?
Unused passes do not expire. Once a room is created, its 24-hour access window begins immediately, including time spent in the lobby. You can repeat 15-minute rounds within that window.
What happens after the room's 24-hour window ends?
An expired room requires a new pass to create another room. Refunds or payment disputes revoke access.
Can I recover my place on another device?
A host can recover their active seat through their account on another device. A guest can recover their seat only in the same browser tab.
Your next step
Choose solo play or plan a shared room.
Use the homepage's free solo option to investigate alone, or explore The Intake Room before inviting friends into a paid room. The case is original fiction, not a factual true-crime account. For a group larger than five, read the team-building guide to plan separate rooms. If you need account help, request a sign-in link at account recovery or email support.