The secret to solving an escape room’s series of puzzles may be easier than you think: “Come with a good group and a clear head.” 

That’s expert advice from Jarred Alaca, a Manheim native and the owner/operator of Enigma Escape Room, located in downtown Manheim on the main street. 

Enigma Escape Room opened in December 2025 with its first room, “The Lost Temple.” Walk in, and you’ll feel like you’re on the set of an Indiana Jones movie, or an episode of Nickelodeon’s “Legend of the Hidden Temple.” This comes from a feature that sets Enigma Escape apart from other area escape rooms: access to their own effects shop. 

“Basically everything in here is custom-made,” he said. 

Jarred is also the founder of Shattered FX, one of the world’s largest silicone mask producers. Their masks and props are used in TV shows and movies and at theme parks and haunted attractions. Although Jarred said he’s always loved Halloween, his interest in silicone masks started in high school. A friend introduced him to silicone masks, and instead of spending the approximately $500 to buy one, he bought the supplies to make his own instead. 

He sold his first mask on Ebay for $500, which led to Shattered FX opening in 2011. 

The puzzles and riddles that guests have to solve to “escape” the Lost Temple are also all originals. Jarred studied storytelling and game theory to help with the process. 

“You’re not going to come across stuff you’ve come across before,” he said. 

The average group size is 4-5 people, but the room can accommodate a range, from pairs to groups of up to 10 people. It takes approximately an hour to complete. 

Claustrophobic parties may be relieved to learn that you’re never really locked into an escape room. 

“The goal’s not really to get out of the locked room. It’s to accomplish a mission or task,” Jarred said. 

To that end, they recently added Monday hours to better accommodate corporate clients looking for a team-building activity. 

Other upcoming additions include a Salem Witch Trials-themed room, which is set to open this summer, and their third space, “Mission to Mars,” which is expected to open at the end of 2026. 

Book your Escape Thursday - Monday at https://www.escapeenigma.com/.