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Have you ever wanted to try an escape room, but didn’t know where to start looking for one or what it really means? What if you’ve researched what escape rooms are, but don’t know how to start the process of finding a game and then solving the puzzles to get out?
Lucky for you, Brittnee is here! I’ll guide you from start to finish on how to get the most out of your Escape Room experience!
Step 1: Read this article
it’s a joke
Step 1: Google and Yelp are your best friends
Google “Escape Room *YOUR CITY NAME*” and see what comes up. Dig deeper and check out the map so you can find one closest to you. Once you’ve found some great prospects, head over to Yelp and see how they compare to other rooms. Read some of the reviews, you might even find that one is too scary for what you’re interested in…or doesn’t do well with kids.
Step 2 – Check your social networks for promo codes
You have found the escape room that you think you would like to visit, amazing. You can google and yell like it’s nobody’s business. Now you’ll want to see if they offer any special codes on their social media pages. We always have the best deals on our Facebook and Instagram at my escape room. Sometimes you will be able to find $5 off promo codes that would not be mentioned anywhere else.
Step 3: Go to your website
Now that you have your smarty pants discount, you’ll want to know when the place has availability and what rooms they have. Most of the places you are going to see will have multiple rooms with different themes. Also, most escape rooms require you to book in advance and some can be quite busy. Take a look at their booking page and see what they have open. So book before anyone else!
*Be careful when reserving a partial room. If there are 6 slots available and you have only reserved 4 players, 2 more players could join your game; however, if you call the company, they may help you and block it for you.
Step 4: Be punctual!
Your Game Master will love you for it and being on his good side can’t be a bad thing. A game master is one who offers you hints or clues if you are struggling after all.
Step 5: Listen to the Rules/Intro
They are there for a reason! Not only do we hate it when guests break things, but we’ll usually tell you how to avoid things that will only waste your time! Remember we want you to have fun and get out! We won’t tell you not to get on something as a trick. Also, some rooms have informative introductions that may even include some extra tips, so listen up!
Step 6: Don’t waste time
Okay, now you’re in this gloriously decorated room and all you want to do is look at all the pretty details for the next 5 minutes. No do not do that. Most rooms give you 60 minutes, so you’ll have to hurry. Give yourself 10 seconds to appreciate the work they put into the aesthetic, and then start tearing it apart. (Okay not literally, that would suck, just start moving things around and look everywhere)
Sometimes you will need to find hidden objects around the room to help you with other puzzles… sometimes you will need to find the puzzles… so start searching and gathering everything you find!
Step 7: Split
Some rooms are more difficult than others or have more puzzles than others, but there’s nothing wrong with splitting up. Some rooms have multiple linear and non-linear puzzles (linear, meaning you’ll solve one puzzle leading to the next puzzle, and so on). So you will benefit from splitting up into a couple of teams and solving several puzzles at once.
Step 8: Contact your Group
There’s nothing worse than spending 10 minutes looking for a key that your teammate found when they first logged in and forgot they’d put it away. Don’t be that person. When you find something, tell everyone, they may need it right away or somewhere in the room.
Also, if you’re struggling with a puzzle, let others know. Everyone sees things differently, so they might get something you don’t. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, I’m sure you’ll be able to do the same for them later in the game.
Step 9: Ask for help!
Don’t be afraid to make the game master do his job! It’s what they’re there for and they’ve probably been itching to help you for the last 30 minutes too. Don’t wait until it’s too late to ask for a hint. Some rooms have limits, some don’t. Make sure you know who is going to the room.
Always try to solve the puzzle on your own or ask a team member for help first, but if it’s really affecting your ability to succeed, ask for a little push and get to the end!
Step 10: Always take a group photo
Even if you didn’t go out, I bet you really had fun. Don’t let the memories fade. Get the group photo and share it on social networks. Also tag the escape room, they’ll love it.
Optional Bonus Step 11: Check the Escape Room
They will really appreciate it and it will help their business significantly. Remember how you looked them up on Yelp, others will too. If you liked the room and want them to add more for you to play, they will need to grow as a company. So check it out and tell your friends it’s the best compliment.