#1 Have Fun

First and foremost, Escape Rooms are meant to be an enjoyable experience, so try not to take it too seriously or get frustrated if things aren’t clicking right away.

In particular, if you’re escaping with a group, perhaps with different levels of experience, be mindful that not everyone might be on your wavelength!

Personally, we’re not hint purists! We’re more than happy to ask for hints if we get stuck for a bit too long, and we discuss in advance with our host about how frequently we would like them to interject.

#2 Communicate

For the most part, Escape Rooms are a team sport so try not to get too carried away in isolation. It is important that you keep your comms up with your teammates so that everyone can get involved and play up to their strengths

For example, you should start any room by listing out the different objects and locks that you see to let your friends know that you’re on the hunt for a 3 digit code, or a 5 letter word. If you see something in one half of the room, you ought to announce it loudly, as perhaps your teammate has just seen the matching part on the other side of the room!

#3 Search High and Low

This is a real weakness of ours. Even after countless hours solving fiendish puzzles, we’re often thwarted by our inability to use our eyes!

A good escape room will include solving and searching in almost equal measure so be sure to look in every nook and cranny, and check those pockets in every bag and item of clothing!

But don’t forget, as any good host will tell you, you don’t need to need excessive force!

#4 Organisation

There can be a lot to keep track of in a busy room, so you would do well to keep yourself organised, both physically and mentally!

We recommend placing all found items in a clear, central space so that connections between part of a puzzle can be made more easily.

In most rooms, all items are one-time use, so this tip can also help you keep track of what’s been used and what hasn’t

#5 Belt and Braces!

Don’t let your hubris get the better of you! It’s fine, nay, encouraged to search everyone twice, once by you and once by a teammate. You never what they might notice that you didn’t

Relatedly, don’t be afraid to share out puzzles amongst your team. Splitting up is often more efficiently than sticking as a group, and you would do well to allow everyone to play to their strengths.