Contestants use a mix of forming alliances, deception, and exploiting advantages such as disabling security mechanisms (e.g., a 'kill switch' that disables the watch tower lever) to try to escape the locked mansion. They also engage in mind games, betrayals, and timed escape attempts to outsmart others and steal the prize money.

The prize money starts at zero and increases to one million dollars over 10 days. The longer contestants stay in the house, the more money accumulates, which creates tension between cooperating to split the pot or attempting to escape alone to steal the entire accumulated amount. This dynamic forces players to constantly weigh trust against self-interest.

The first episode introduces 20 contestants, including reality TV veterans and rookies. Notable players mentioned include Omarosa Manigault Newman, Spencer Pratt, Athena Vas, Nick 'Doodles' Metzler, and Steve. These contestants bring different levels of experience and strategies, contributing to the complex social dynamics and competition.

Contestants must navigate a locked mansion with security measures such as watch towers, alarms, and buttons that can close gates. They face constant surveillance and the risk of being caught by others pulling levers or hitting buttons to block escape attempts. Additionally, they must manage interpersonal conflicts, betrayals, and the uncertainty of who to trust.

The watch tower lever can be pulled to sound an alarm and close the gate, preventing escape. Some contestants, like Nick 'Doodles' Metzler, have a 'kill switch' advantage that can disable the watch tower lever for a limited time (e.g., eight minutes), allowing escape attempts without triggering alarms. However, trust issues arise when players with these advantages may betray each other to secure money for themselves.