The Squid Game Experience or the Traitors Experience?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into the high-stakes world of Squid Game? Or maybe you’ve wanted to participate in a reality competition show like The Traitors or Beast Games? Maybe you even auditioned, but casting passed you over. Or maybe you’re camera shy, and that’s what stopped you.

Either way, if you’ve ever been curious about playing the games you see on TV, now there’s a way to fulfill your fantasy via “Squid Game: The Experience” and “The Traitors Experience.” (No word yet on whether Beast Games will launch an immersive fan experience. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if we eventually saw something like that. What about you?)

But where can you find these adrenaline-pumping experiences, and how can you join in the fun? That’s what we’re here to explore. Let’s get to it.

Squid Game: The Experience

Like I did with Stranger Things: The Experience, I have Fever to thank for learning about Squid Game: The Experience. It sounds like so much fun! Here’s the description:

“Dive into 60 minutes of epic gameplay at Squid Game: The Experience! Take on beloved—and dreaded—challenges from Netflix’s iconic series, plus a handful of brand-new games exclusive to New York in this high-stakes competition. Outsmart the eerie Young-hee doll in Red Green Light, test your nerves on the treacherous Glass Bridge, and go all-out in the epic Warships game. And there’s more! After mastering the games, unwind at the Korean-inspired Night Market where exclusive merch, iconic photo stations, and delicious soju-infused cocktails await!”

All in all, attendees can partake in five challenges inspired by the show. And they count. Lives don’t depend on it, but scores are kept via a live leaderboard with bragging rights on the line for top scorers. That’ll take 60 minutes, but people can linger as long as they want at the Night Market.

The experience is located in the Manhattan Mall in New York City. From now through March, it’s open Thursday through Sunday, with some special dates on Mondays. (Like on President’s Day on Monday, February 17.)

Prices start at $39 for Standard Admission, $65 for VIP Admission, and $89 for Anytime VIP Admission.

Normally, I dismiss VIP admission upsells, but in this case, I’m noting it might be worth the extra bucks. Particularly for the Anytime VIP ticket.

Complimentary coat check comes with both the plain VIP and the Anytime admission. You also get VIP Lounge access with a complimentary drink, an exclusive mask, and coupons for discounts on snacks and merch in the Night Market.

The Anytime admission comes with anytime flexibility. You still have to pick a day and time you’d like to attend, but you can actually show up anytime that day. When you do, you’ll get front-of-the-line access.

But what really makes the Anytime VIP ticket really worth it, especially for diehard Squid Game fans, is you get to play an additional game. Is it worth the $50 extra price tag? I don’t know, but if the reviews are any indication, it might be.

The Traitors Experience

If you were on The Traitors, which would you want to play as: a Faithful or a Traitor? I’m not sure you get to pick your role in The Traitors Experience, but judging from its description, there’s a chance to play as either.

“Traitors and the Faithful are invited to compete in a series of heart-stopping missions full of lies & trickery in the heart of Los Angeles. Get ready to rummage through Alan Cumming’s iconic wardrobe in a puzzle-filled haberdashery, dodge lasers in a race against the clock, solve a breathtaking coffin escape in a dark dungeon, and more. But watch out — one (or more) of you have been given a deviously secret assignment.”

Instead of the grandiose castle on a sprawling estate like in the show, the experience takes place at the Beckett Mansion in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. (As of this post, this area of L.A. hasn’t been affected by the wildfires.)

However, you won’t find any turreted towers here for Traitors to meet in and plot the murders of the Faithful. The Colonial Revival mansion in L.A. is more reminiscent of an antebellum plantation. But it still offers plenty of space for “an unforgettable outing with friends, fans and other thrill-seekers.”

For 2025, The Traitors Experience dates are February 21, 22, 23, 28, and March 1 and 2. Tickets are timed entry with options available every 15-30 minutes. The cost is $41.80 per person.

Boo-k It!

To book Squid Game: The Experience, click here.

To book The Traitors Experience, click here.

Check-In

Which would you rather play: the Squid Game Experience or the Traitors Experience? Both is always an acceptable answer!