When you book a game of escape, also known as an escape game or escape room, your primary goal will of course be to successfully complete the room and get out in the allotted time. To help you in your quest for victory, we’ve put together a list of 10 tips that are sure to come in handy in escape games.
1. CHOOSE YOUR TEAMMATES CAREFULLY
The most important thing in an escape game is to have fun! This is often directly linked to the relationship you have with the other members of your team.
Remember two things when creating your escape room team:
Respect the minimum and maximum number of people recommended for the room. Having too many or too few players could be detrimental to solving the game.
Choose people you know and get on well with. You don’t want to argue with your teammates during the game!
2. THE KEY WORD: COMMUNICATION!
Have you found a clue, a key or an object that could be useful? Tell your team loud and clear.
All too often, lack of communication between team members causes problems and can waste time, for example if more than one person goes over the same object or tries to solve a riddle that has already been found.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO TIME
Most escape rooms give you an hour to complete the room and get out. This time flies by as you search for clues.
Always keep an eye on the clock, and if you see that you’re spending too much time on the same object, try to find another puzzle to solve, or ask for a clue.
4. DON’T HESITATE TO ASK FOR CLUES
Many players would like to succeed in the escape game without having to ask for clues. The reality is that the majority of teams who manage to get out before the time limit have asked for at least one clue.
If you don’t know what to do in the room, or if you’ve spent more than 5 minutes on the same object or puzzle, it’s time to ask for a clue. The game masters are there to guide you depending on where you are, so don’t hesitate to ask for their help!
5. BE ORGANIZED
An hour goes by very quickly in an escape room. So you don’t want to waste time on a clue that’s already been solved.
When you find objects, bring them all to the same place and sort them into two piles: hasn’t been used and has been used. That way, you know what to concentrate on.
The same applies to keys and padlocks. Leave keys in padlocks and open padlocks where you found them. This way, you’ll avoid reusing a key or trying to open a padlock that’s already been opened.
6. LISTEN TO YOUR GAME MASTERS
Before your escape game, the game master will explain certain rules and things you need to know about the room you’ve chosen. Listen carefully! He’ll tell you which elements in the room are not part of the game (the ceiling, the wires) and which you should ignore, and maybe even give you a few clues!
The introduction of the room’s story, whether told by the game master or in a video, may also help. So pay attention!
7. HELPING EACH OTHER
Trying to solve a puzzle but can’t? Ask one of your teammates to take a look. Often, a fresh pair of eyes can help you solve the puzzle more quickly.
If no one in your team can solve the puzzle, it’s probably because you’re missing information or need a clue.
8. SEARCH EVERYWHERE EVERYWHERE EVERYWHERE!
Some objects or answers to riddles will be well hidden! Look everywhere in the room; under tables, in jacket pockets, in books, on walls, etc. Inspect the room from top to bottom to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
9. DO NOT FORCE
If you have to use force to open a drawer or move an object, you’re in the wrong place. No use of force is necessary in escape rooms. An object that doesn’t move easily is of no use in solving the escape game.
10. HAVE FUN!
The first rule of escape rooms is to have fun! Even if you don’t manage to get out in time, the important thing is to have had fun with your teammates.
