Official Clue Escape: The World’s Fair Rules

Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

In Clue Escape: The World’s Fair, players must solve puzzles and uncover hidden clues to escape a mysterious situation set in the vibrant and historic 1893 World’s Fair. With the clock ticking, every decision counts as you race against time and work together to crack the case.

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How to Play Clue Escape: The World’s Fair

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Overview

This is a single-session cooperative mystery game in the Clue Escape series.  

The game is designed for players aged 10 and up.  

It accommodates 1 to 6 players and game time is estimated to be between 90 and 120 minutes.  

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Contents

• 6 plastic pawns
• 7 game boards
• 113 cards
• 3 secret envelopes
• A solve sheet
• A brochure  

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Quick Start Guide

1. Begin by taking out Board A, the LOBBY, and placing it face-up on the playing surface. Place the player pieces (pawns) on the board, ensuring they do not cover any numbered spaces. Then, retrieve Deck 1 and position it near the LOBBY board. It is important not to look at the cards in Deck 1 at this stage.  
2. Although this is a cooperative game, the youngest player takes the first turn. The player moves their pawn to any numbered space (referred to as “nodes” in the rules) on the board and then selects the card from Deck 1 that corresponds to that number. These nodes signify various points of interest within the game space, and the drawn cards provide details about what is discovered at those locations.  
3. The drawn cards are read aloud to the group.
   • Narrative cards present information and instructions. Players should pay attention to any prompts at the bottom, as they indicate the next action. After reading, these cards are discarded into the box lid.  
   • Puzzle cards feature a puzzle piece icon in the bottom right corner, marked with a letter and a number. Cards with the same letter form a set. The bottom edge of the card indicates the number of pieces required to complete the puzzle.
     • Note: If all puzzle pieces are not available, players should explore more nodes and leave the incomplete puzzle face up until the remaining pieces are found.  
4. The solution to every puzzle will be a number. When players believe they have solved a puzzle and determined the number, they select the card with the matching number from the deck. A card marked “SOLVED” confirms a correct solution. If the number is not in the deck or the card does not say “SOLVED”, the solution is incorrect, and players must try again.  
5. After the first player’s turn, play proceeds to the left. The next player moves their pawn to an unexplored node and draws the corresponding numbered card.  
6. The objective of Deck 1 is to unlock the gate and access the exhibit halls.
   • If players encounter any difficulties, they can consult the HINTS section at the end of this rulebook.  
   • STOP: Players are instructed to put the rules away and begin playing, referring back to them as necessary.  

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Gameplay

The game involves taking turns to explore The World’s Fair, collaboratively solving puzzles, and gathering clues to escape and uncover the mystery behind the power outage.  

The aim is to identify:

• WHO committed the murder
• WHERE the murder took place
• WHAT weapon was used  

The youngest player starts, and turns pass to the left.  

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Player Turn

Escaping the Fair and solving the mystery requires exploring rooms, deciphering puzzles, and collecting clues.  

This is done by:

• Moving a pawn to an unexplored node on the game board and drawing the matching numbered card from the deck.  
• Reading the card aloud and performing any listed actions.  
• Placing puzzle cards face up until all pieces are found and the puzzle can be solved. Card types are detailed in the CARDS section.  
• Collaboratively solving available puzzles.  
• Passing the turn to the next player on the left if there are no further actions.  

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Cards

The game includes various types of cards:  

• Narrative Cards: These cards advance the story and provide instructions. They are read aloud and discarded into the box lid after use.  
• Puzzle Cards: These cards contain puzzles, often made up of multiple cards, such as wordplay or visual riddles. Each puzzle card has a puzzle piece graphic with a letter and indicates the number of pieces needed. They unlock new items, locations, and clues essential for progressing in the game. Puzzles remain face up until solved and are not discarded until instructed. Puzzle solutions are always numbers. Players find the card with that number in the deck to check the answer.
  • If the card is not in the deck, the solution is incorrect.  
  • If the card is found and says “SOLVED,” the solution is correct.  
  • If the card is found but does not say “SOLVED”, it’s the wrong card, and players must replace it and try again.  
  • Hints for puzzles are in the back of the booklet, corresponding to the puzzle’s letter. Each puzzle has three hints, and solutions are also in the back of the booklet.  
• Clue Cards: These cards, marked with a magnifying glass icon, are kept throughout the game. They are not for solving puzzles but are used to determine the final mystery solution. Clue cards are placed face up for all players to see.  
• Placement Cards: These cards alter the board by adding new nodes to explore. They are found in the deck and placed on the board as instructed, aligning the artwork. Players at the covered location are placed on top of the Placement card and can explore the new node.  

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Clue Escape: The World’s Fair Game Board

The game board expands as players progress and unlock new rooms. New boards are taken from the box and placed alongside the existing ones when the game indicates. Similarly, new card decks are unwrapped and added to the current deck when instructed. Players should not look through or shuffle the decks.  

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Solving the Mystery

At the game’s conclusion, players must identify WHO killed Felix Carmine, WHERE the murder occurred, and WHAT weapon was used. This requires using the collected clues and evidence. Players can review rooms and nodes if needed and may find it helpful to arrange Clue cards in the rooms where they were discovered. Once an accusation is ready, the Solve Packet is opened to verify its accuracy.  

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Game Reset

To reset the game for future players:  

• Repack the box in the following order: Solve Packet, Packet C, Board F, Packet B, Board E, Board D, Packet A, Board C, Board B, Monorail, Brochure, Board A, rules booklet, STOP sheet.  
• Sort the cards back into their respective decks in sequential order using the front card of each deck as a divider.  
• Store the sorted decks, pawns, and character cards in the box wells.  
• Disassemble the boards.  
• Fold and seal the Solve sheet and return the transcoders to their packets.  

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Clue Escape: The World’s Fair FAQ

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Clue Escape: The World’s Fair offers an exciting blend of mystery, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether you’re a seasoned detective or a first-time player, you’ll be captivated by the immersive experience. Can you escape before time runs out?