Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
Cold Case Zero in Alexandria: A Director Zero Investigation
4.73Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 52 min 1.6 km Alexandria, VA App-guided
Play in
English
The experience
About this quest
Step into one of America’s oldest mysteries as you explore Alexandria’s cobblestone streets, historic townhouses, and waterfront. From a colonial tavern to a 19th-century apothecary, you’ll help a rogue AI investigate a real-life unsolved case — the death of the Female Stranger. Solve clues, uncover hidden records, and decide if her ghost deserves justice… or peace.
Is this for you?
Who it's for
True-crime fans and visitors curious about the Female Stranger, Alexandria's most famous legend, get a real unsolved case to work through, from Gadsby's Tavern past the waterfront to the apothecary and back. Friends, couples and Director Zero series fans can expect about 70 minutes over 1.6 km of clues and records. Anyone wanting a live guide to question, or a lighter story than a mysterious death, should choose another walk.
What makes this quest special
Highlights
A concise walk around one of America's most historic cities combined with an exciting story about one its most enduring legends.
Start and end at Gadsbys Tavern, where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were known to dine and socialize.
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.73 / 5
11 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 1
Open the app. You’re on your way.
Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.
- 2
Get outside. Follow your curiosity.
Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.
- 3
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
Alexandria, VA
A · Start & finish
138 N Royal St, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Ryan Taylor.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Ryan Taylor
WHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
What is Cold Case Zero in Alexandria about?
It is a Director Zero investigation in which you help a rogue AI look into a real unsolved case, the death of the Female Stranger. You solve clues, uncover records along the way, and at the end decide whether her ghost deserves justice or peace.
Is this a self-guided exploration game played in an app?
Yes. You play it on your phone, and the app leads you from place to place through Old Town, tells the story of each stop and sets a puzzle in what is in front of you. There is no guide and no group to join, so you can start any time and pause to continue later.
Where does the walk start and finish?
It starts and finishes at Gadsby's Tavern, the colonial tavern where the Female Stranger died, so the route is a loop. In between you visit Carlyle House Historic Park, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the ferry terminal and waterfront, the Athenaeum, Gentry Row, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum and Market Square.
How long does it take and how far is the walk?
Most players take about 70 minutes, including walking and solving puzzles. The route covers about 1.6 km on Alexandria's cobblestone streets and waterfront. Because you can pause and pick up again later, you can stop for a coffee or a meal along the way.
Can we play as a group?
Yes. One ticket covers the whole group playing together, so friends or couples can follow the case side by side and work out the clues as a team. You do not need to book a time slot; just start when your group is ready.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsKeep exploring Alexandria, VA
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OUTDOOR INVESTIGATION IN ALEXANDRIA, VA
A detective-style mission through Alexandria, VA
Cold Case Zero in Alexandria: A Director Zero Investigation is for players who enjoy spy, detective or investigation stories and want a city route with clues instead of a passive walk. The city becomes the setting for the mission.
The route starts at Gadsbys Tavern and finishes at Gadsbys Tavern over 1.6 km, with 10 challenge locations. Typical duration: 52 min; 1.6 km walking route; 10 challenge locations
Choose this for an outdoor investigation you control. Choose an escape room when a contained indoor set and fixed session are more important. Playable languages: English.
