10 Essential Tips to Master Any Escape Room

Tip 1: Think Simple

• Avoid overthinking. In a well-designed room, the puzzles are meant to be solvable with the information available in the room. Don’t add complexity where it doesn’t exist.

Tip 2: Search Thoroughly

• Split up and search for clues and items systematically. Check common hiding spots like under tables, rugs, or inside hollow objects. Avoid disassembling items unnecessarily.

Tip 3: Organize Items

• Gather all clues and items in a central location. Group related objects together (e.g., cups with numbers) to make it easier to connect dots and avoid losing track of items.

Tip 4: Laser Focus on Bottlenecks

• Identify what’s stopping progress and work backward from there. Look for clues and inputs specifically tied to the current challenge, and don’t waste time on unrelated tasks.

Tip 5: Assign Team Roles

• Appoint a project manager to oversee the big picture. This person keeps track of tasks, clues, and active puzzles, ensuring everyone communicates effectively and stays organized.

Tip 6: Familiarize Yourself with Locks

• Understand common locks and their requirements, such as key locks, combination locks, directional locks, and lock boxes. This knowledge helps focus efforts on finding relevant clues.

Tip 7: Recognize Common Codes

• Learn basic codes like Morse code, Pigpen cipher, Braille, and number-letter substitutions. Recognizing these can save significant time during puzzle-solving.

Tip 8: Look for Patterns

• Observe patterns in numbers, shapes, colors, or text. Patterns often reveal solutions or combinations for locks and puzzles.

Tip 9: Listen to the Guide

• Pay attention during the game master’s introduction. They often share subtle hints or rules (e.g., “one lock, one use policy”) that can prevent wasted time.

Tip 10: Play with a Smaller Team

• Fewer people improve communication and reduce chaos. Smaller teams ensure everyone gets to contribute meaningfully and enhance the overall experience.