Next Haunt is a student group started in 2014 and based in Next House. We create and operate a Halloween haunted real-life escape the room game for the MIT community. Real-life escape the room games are physical adventures in which groups are locked in a room and must use elements in the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit. This year's runs will be on October 20, 21, 22, 27, and 28! SIGN UP HERE!

BEFORE THE CHALLENGE

☠ We will not be allowing cameras/any electronic devices inside. We will have a bin outside to store any belongings.
☠ Please wear some sort of footwear. Closed toed shoes. Shirts and pants required.
☠ You may get a little bit of zombie blood on you. This should wash out, but please don't wear your favorite tuxedo.

DURING THE CHALLENGE

☠ You will have 25 minutes to escape the house.
☠ Puzzles are solvable. Nothing requires brute force.
☠ Once an actor touches you, you are paralyzed. You can talk, but cannot move.
☠ Nothing requires you to reach on the ceiling.
☠ Do not tamper with wires/cables/light bulbs.
☠ Do not tamper with the fire extinguisher. It is there for your safety.
☠ Do not jump/sit/stand on the furniture.
☠ Do not run in the room.
☠ Do not abuse our actors. We love them. They love you (maybe in a different way).

FAQ

What is Next Haunt?

See above!

What is the history of Next Haunt?

Next Haunt debuted in 2014. Here are the themes of previous Haunts.
☠ 2014: Haunted House
☠ 2015: Escape the Haunted Asylum
☠ 2016: Escape the Tomb
☠ 2017: Alien Invasion
☠ 2018: Drowned Souls (Lighthouse)
☠ 2019: Nuclear Meltdown
☠ 2020: Nightmare before Christmas
☠ 2021: Haunted Mine
☠ 2022: Into the Deep
☠ 2023: S.T.U.D.: Spooky Terror Under Destruction

When do you make it?

The construction of the Next Haunt house starts mid-September and proceeds up until the weekend before Halloween. Simultaneously, painting of the house's exterior will also take place during this build. The weekend before live runs, the house's many rooms are decorated with puzzles and furnishings. Want to know who made this year's haunt? Head over to the contacts page.

Can I help build/paint?

Yes, yes, yes! A major goal of Next Haunt is to build community, and thus all students are encouraged to help in its production, regardless of experience. Consequently, many students who would not otherwise have the opportunity are given the chance to discover the rewarding of experience of creating a highly interactive production. SIGN UP HERE.

Is this free?

Admission is free all MIT students (undergrad, MEng/grad, postdoc) to encourage people to attend and experience the creative work that Next Haunt puts in. Sign up quick before space fills up!

Is there a puzzle on this site?

No. Nothing on this site is a puzzle.

What skills do I need to participate?

Curiosity, patience, and a willingness for team sacrifice!
We recommend knowing how to open a standard 3-number combo lock.

More questions? Help? Anything? haunt-exec [at] mit [dot] edu

To contact the producers, email next-haunt-prod [at] mit [dot] edu