You’ve seen the tracksuits. You know the creepy giant doll with the motion-sensing eyes. But standing in the middle of a cavernous room in Manhattan while a robotic voice counts down in Korean is a totally different vibe than watching it on Netflix from your couch. Squid Game The Experience New York City is currently taking over a massive footprint at Manhattan Mall, and honestly, it’s a weird, stressful, and surprisingly polished bit of immersive theater.
It’s intense.
If you're expecting a low-budget pop-up with cardboard cutouts, you’re going to be surprised. Netflix didn't play around here. They’ve essentially built a high-tech playground that mimics the grim stakes of the show, minus the actual "dying" part, obviously. You enter through a nondescript side door, and suddenly, you're a player.
What is Squid Game The Experience New York City anyway?
Basically, it's a 60-minute gauntlet. You aren't just walking through a museum of props; you are wearing a wristband that tracks your score as you compete in a series of five distinct games. Some are pulled straight from the Season 1 highlights, while others are new additions designed specifically for the NYC space.
The location is key. Setting this up in the old Manhattan Mall (33rd Street and 6th Avenue) gives it this eerie, liminal space feeling. You're in the heart of the city, right by Penn Station, yet once those doors shut, the bustle of Midtown disappears. You're greeted by the Front Man's guards—those guys in the pink jumpsuits and black masks—and they do not break character. They don't smile. They don't help you. They just point.
It’s intimidating.
The production value is where the money went. The lighting is harsh. The sounds are loud. The tension in the room is palpable because, even though it’s just a game, nobody wants to be the person who "dies" first in Red Light, Green Light.
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The Games: More Than Just Red Light, Green Light
Everyone wants to talk about Young-hee, the giant doll. Yes, she’s there. Yes, she’s massive. And yes, the motion tracking is incredibly sensitive. If you so much as twitch a finger after she stops singing, your wristband vibrates, your life "ends" in the game, and you lose points. It’s harder than it looks on TV.
But the experience isn't a one-trick pony.
- Memory Steps: This is the NYC version of the glass bridge. You have to memorize a pattern of glowing floor tiles. If you step on the wrong one, the floor "shatters" (digitally) and you’re out. It’s a test of collective memory, and usually, the group starts yelling at each other within three minutes.
- Marbles: A classic. It’s less about the emotional trauma of the show and more about physical precision.
- Warships: This is a tactical addition. It feels a bit like a giant, high-stakes version of Battleship, where teams have to coordinate to "sink" each other.
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a solo mission. It isn't. You are grouped with dozens of strangers. Some will be your allies; most will be the reason you lose points. The social friction is half the fun. You find yourself side-eyeing the guy next to you who keeps failing the patterns because he's dragging the whole team's score down.
The Logistics: Tickets, Times, and The Night Market
Let's talk brass tacks. Tickets usually start around $39, but that fluctuates depending on whether you're going on a Tuesday afternoon or a Saturday night. If you go for the VIP package, you get "Front Man" perks like a dedicated entrance and a drink at the bar, but the core game experience remains the same for everyone.
The "Night Market" is the aftermath. Once you finish the games—and one person is crowned the winner—you are dumped into a neon-soaked Korean-inspired market. This is where the "Experience" part of Squid Game The Experience New York City turns into a hangout spot.
You can buy:
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- Dalgona cookies (the honeycomb challenge).
- Korean-style fried chicken and bibimbap-inspired snacks.
- High-end cocktails at the "Gwanbu" bar.
- Standard merch like the green tracksuits or those black masks.
The food is surprisingly decent for a themed attraction. Often, these things serve lukewarm chicken fingers, but the Night Market actually tries to capture the flavors of Seoul. It’s pricey, though. You're in Midtown Manhattan at a Netflix-branded event; expect to pay $15-$20 for a snack and a drink.
Is it actually "Scary"?
Not really. It’s "stressful-fun." There’s no gore. There are no jump scares like a haunted house. The "fear" comes from the ticking clock and the desire to win. If you have kids, Netflix recommends ages 13 and up, mostly because of the intensity and the themes of the show. That said, I saw plenty of younger kids who seemed to be having the time of their lives while their parents looked like they were having a mild panic attack during the memory games.
It’s worth noting that the experience is physically active. You aren't running a marathon, but you are standing, walking, and reacting quickly for an hour. Wear comfortable shoes. Do not show up in heels or restrictive clothing unless you want to be the first one eliminated in the first five minutes.
Why NYC and Why Now?
Netflix chose New York for a reason. The city’s energy matches the frantic pace of the show. While there have been similar versions in Los Angeles and various international cities, the Manhattan Mall location is the most ambitious iteration yet. It’s part of a broader trend where streaming giants are trying to find ways to keep fans engaged between seasons. With Season 2 of the show having recently dropped, the hype is at an all-time high.
How to Win (Or at Least Not Look Foolish)
If you want to actually place high on the leaderboard, stop looking at the doll. Focus on your feet and the people directly in front of you. In Red Light, Green Light, people often fail because they try to look at the "guards" or the doll's head. Watch the people who are winning. Mimic their timing.
In the memory games, don't try to memorize the whole board. Pick a 2x2 section and own it. If everyone in your group picks a small section, you win as a team. If everyone tries to be the hero, you all "die."
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Critical Insights for Your Visit
Don't just show up and expect to walk in. You need a timed entry ticket. If you're late, they might not let you in because the games run on a very strict, synchronized loop.
Also, keep your phone in your pocket during the actual games. They want you focused, and honestly, the guards will yell at you if you’re trying to film a TikTok while you’re supposed to be playing. There are designated photo-op spots at the end where you can get all the content you want with the doll and the guards without ruining the immersion for everyone else.
Getting There
The entrance is on 6th Avenue between 32nd and 33rd Streets. If you're taking the subway, the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W trains all stop at 34th St–Herald Square, which is literally right there. If you're coming from New Jersey, PATH lets you out right at the doorstep.
Final Takeaway
Squid Game The Experience New York City succeeds because it doesn't take itself too seriously while still maintaining the "prestige" feel of the series. It’s a 60-minute adrenaline hit followed by a cool place to eat spicy chicken and take photos.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Book your tickets at least two weeks in advance for weekend slots.
- Check the weather; the queue outside can get breezy, though the experience itself is climate-controlled.
- Review the rules of "Red Light, Green Light" and "Marbles" if it's been a while since you watched the show.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged for the Night Market photos afterward.
- Coordination is key—if going with a group, decide beforehand if you're playing for yourself or playing as a team.