[Hourglass

An item obtained from a locked box in the library, used to solve the hourglass puzzle.

Verification: Human verified

The Hourglass is an item obtained from a locked box in the library, and it is later used to solve the hourglass puzzle that blocks the way to a Strange Tile. It is picked up alongside a Crank Handle and is required to progress the "Where There's Smoke" / Burning Library escape.

How to Obtain the Hourglass

1. In the library, locate the locked box that requires a sequence of directional inputs. The solution is Right, Right, Up, Left, Down, Up, Left, Left [src-e1ae555f25][src-59f8d3957c].
2. Enter the sequence on the directional lock to open the box.
3. Inside, grab both the Hourglass and the Crank Handle [src-cc415a0c9f][src-e1ae555f25].

Note that some walkthroughs describe the box as a cupboard or chest near the back of the library, next to the "Wisdom Through Effort" panel [src-59f8d3957c] — this is the same locked box referenced in the record.

Using the Hourglass in the [Hourglass Puzzle

After collecting the item, return to the main library area and find the door with the hourglasses on it. Place your Hourglass onto the puzzle to fill in the missing slot [src-cc415a0c9f][src-6bdc604a49].

The puzzle requires you to adjust each hourglass so it matches the pattern shown in the stained glass window above [src-6bdc604a49]. Two walkthroughs describe the correct configuration:

• The first hourglass should be set diagonally up.
• The second hourglass should be set diagonally down.
• The third hourglass stays as it is / horizontal.
• The last hourglass should be horizontal so the sand spills across it — save this one for last and wait for the sand to flow through [src-cc415a0c9f][src-59f8d3957c].

One walkthrough summarizes it as: put one on its side, leave one as it is, tilt one to the left, and for the final one make sure the sand is in the top part so it falls down and triggers the door [src-59f8d3957c]. The exact orientation wording differs slightly between sources, so use the stained glass window above the door as your authoritative reference [src-6bdc604a49].

Timing and Completion

As the sand passes through the final hourglass, the door will open [src-cc415a0c9f]. This step involves a little timing, but the sources describe it as pretty easy to get down [src-cc415a0c9f]. Once inside, you will find the globe puzzle room, where solving the colored rings (red = sun, blue = wind/air, yellow = fire) reveals a Strange Tile [src-cc415a0c9f][src-6bdc604a49].

Tips

• Grab the Hourglass and Crank Handle in the same interaction — they are stored together in the box [src-e1ae555f25].
• Do not leave the locked box area before also opening the numbered chest nearby (code 2257) to collect your first Strange Tile [src-e1ae555f25][src-59f8d3957c].
• When setting the hourglasses, save the one that needs flowing sand for last, since the door only opens once the sand finishes passing through [src-cc415a0c9f][src-6bdc604a49].

Rewards

Completing the hourglass puzzle opens the door to the globe room, where you obtain one of the four Strange Tiles needed to unlock the secret exit [src-6bdc604a49][src-e1ae555f25]. The Hourglass itself is a key item consumed by the puzzle — it is not a collectible and has no use outside this room.

Details

type

Item

Sources

• Escape Academy Walkthrough | ALL Achievements / Trophies
• Escape Academy: How To Escape The Burning Library
• Escape Academy - All Achievements/Trophies Walkthrough - 100% Puzzle Solution Guide (Xbox Game Pass)
• Escape Academy Where There's Smoke Walkthrough