Thinking about taking part inRace Across the World: The Experience but can’t find the answer to a burning question you have? We’ve got you covered!
You can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions over in our FAQs section, but we also know that there are some specific scenarios that might need some more in-depth explanation.
We’ve gathered 10 questions that we get every now and again to give you some definitive answers so you can know what to expect. Read on!
1. Is it a literal race against other people?
Yes and no!
All teams compete in Race Across the World: The Experience in private teams, so you’ll never be bundled up with strangers.
However, you are racing against the live leaderboard where you will be paired with rival teams to give you an idea of how you’re progressing in the race and to add a competitive element. If you’d prefer to go at an easy pace, ignore the leaderboard - it’s your race, after all.
The only exception is if you book for a large group and split into multiple teams, you can race head-to-head in real-time against teams of your choice.
2. Do I actually travel between cities?
No.
Each Race Across the World Experience is self-contained within one city or, in the case of London, one area, e.g. the City of London or the West End.
Public transport is banned for a reason: your task is to navigate between 3 checkpoints within the boundary of a city before the other teams do. This is done entirely on-foot (or using mobility aids). All teams are given the same resources, but your in-game choices determine the routes you take!
3. How easy or difficult are the puzzles and clues?
Annoyingly, the answer is it depends.
If you’re a seasoned puzzle aficionado, you’ll be more accustomed to solving puzzles, spotting patterns and thinking outside of the box. If this is your first puzzle-led experience, you’ll likely find the race more challenging.
We’ve designed the physical puzzles, riddles and clues to be moderately challenging for most adults. Cheaper directions are deliberately more cryptic to give those who want more of a challenge an extra notch, but more “expensive” directions are more straightforward.
For this reason, families taking part in the race with young children are advised that they will need to provide guidance and support throughout the race.
4. Can I use map apps to help?
No, they will probably hinder rather than help you.
Race Across the World: The Experience uses WhatsApp to deliver clues and instructions, so it won’t disable your phone or any other apps you have access to. But the clues are designed to be solved using your surroundings, no prior knowledge needed.
5. What is the "virtual budget"?
Everything you need to complete Race Across the world: The Experience is provided in your start pack and initial instructions.
You don’t need to spend an extra penny if you don’t want to (although there are exclusive discounts available at checkpoints, so make the most of those!).
All teams start with a set amount of in-game currency. You "spend" it to get hints if you're stuck or to unlock directions by selecting a guide. One is cheaper (more cryptic) and one is more expensive (more straightforward). You "earn" money back by completing "Work Challenges" (mini-tasks) during the race.
Read more about how budgets work in Race Across the World: The Experience here.
6. What are “work” puzzles?
Work puzzles are additional puzzles that you can take on to build your budget back up.
These take the forms of cryptic riddles wrapped in different scenarios, e.g. a chef asking for help translating an ingredient into English. The word will be given in another language, and a short riddle will accompany the word to help you solve it.
Some puzzles are linguistic, others rely on logic, spotting patterns, or mathematical conundrums.
You can only take on work tasks while on a leg. It’d be cheating to earn money while resting!
7. Do we have to run?
Absolutely not.
Like with most aspects of the race, it’s entirely up to you how fast or slowly you move during the race.
Judging by the average completion times, most teams walk at a brisk pace with a completion time of 2-3 hours (excluding breaks).
Because the final score is a mix of speed and budget management, "slow and steady" teams that solve puzzles efficiently are just as competitive as "sprinters" who have to buy hints.
8. Are there actors or CityDays staff involved?
No, Race Across the World: The Experience is entirely self-guided and takes place on real streets in real time.
We, the creators of the experience, won’t be there to meet you in person, but you can always contact us by sending us a message on WhatsApp if you need help. This is sent to you in your welcome message, so if you get stuck or something doesn’t seem right, let us know!
You’ll meet the venue personnel at the checkpoints who will hand over your puzzle and offer you a drink or a bite to eat.
Throughout the race, teams interact with "character guides" via WhatsApp who give you clues, but the puzzles you solve are physical objects or riddles based on your surroundings you have to find in the real world.
9. What happens if we run into our “rivals”?
Nothing, don’t be led astray by rival teams!
Because the experiences are very popular, you’ll likely see a few rivals rushing around clutching envelopes similar to yours.
While it might be tempting to follow the team in front of you, you’d be doing your own team a disservice. All teams are following routes they have chosen and they are very likely to be different from your own. Stick to your own path and clues and follow the instructions you’ve been given!
10. Can I play solo?
No, sorry solo players!
The experience is strictly for 2–8 players per team. Race Across the World: The Experience has been designed for collaboration, and the system won't allow a single-player registration because teamwork is the core mechanic of the race.
The good news is, this is pretty much the only category of people who can’t take part in the race. All races can be made dog-friendly, step-free routes are available and, like we said before, families are very welcome to race together.
Ready to Race?
If you’re ready to race, book your tickets now from our website.
Select your city to be taken to the relevant booking page. Ticketing is handled by Fever, but if you need to make adjustments to your booking, please email us.
Check out our FAQs for answers to any questions you may have or feel free to contact us. See you on the leaderboard!