Think Fast, Stay Calm: Winning Tips for Escape Room Success

Are you new to escape rooms? Escape rooms are meant to be tricky - they challenge you to think in new situations and test your problem-solving. Although the theme might be different, the premise is always the same, you’re locked in a room and need to find a way out. They are often designed to feel like an adventure. But they are certainly not meant to be impossible. Walking in with some tips and strategies on escaping might help cool your nerves and keep you calm under pressure, making it a bit more enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips and tricks on how to solve escape rooms!

Tip #1: Come with a Team that is Ready to Play!

Having a good team to play with is a large part of what makes an escape room fun. Most escape rooms have you pick out your team before you enter, which gives you the advantage of being able to pick your teammates!

We recommend picking people you already have a good rapport with, that way communication and interactions are already easy for you. It helps if you determine the strengths and weaknesses that they might bring to the team. If you know they are good at puzzle solving or that they bring a new perspective to the team, they might be a good choice.

Making sure your team is the right size is also helpful. You don’t have to fill every available slot in the room. If you feel like you operate better with only a part of what the max is, then that is perfectly okay!

Tip #2: Communicate with your Team!

One of the best things about working with a team is that you are not alone - so make sure you utilize that!

Spread yourselves out, look around and find clues. If you see something, make sure you say something! Remember to talk to your teammates throughout the game. If you are stuck on something, ask your teammate for their two cents, someone might have a new idea and crack the code!

Everyone’s brain works differently, and there might be something your teammate catches that you or someone else missed. In fact, studies show that problem-solving in groups can actually boost critical thinking skills—learn more about the science behind it here. Remember, escape rooms are meant to be a bonding experience, not something you do solo! So have fun with everyone and be a team player!

Tip #3: Keep Things Organized!

Remember when your mom would scold you for not cleaning your room after you complained about never being able to find anything? Yeah, well, turns out she had a point. Organization goes a long way in helping you stay on task and not lose things. This turns out to be especially important when you are trying to solve a bunch of puzzles while trapped in a locked room.

Try to keep anything that might be a clue in one place. Put it on a table where everyone can see. When you use it or solve what it means, either put it in a separate pile or leave it where it is, but make sure you know that you have figured out what it means. Let your team know when a clue has been used; as they’re usually used only once.

Make sure everyone on the team understands the organization method so there is no confusion. Keep everything as neat and together as you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just understandable.

Tip #4: Work with your Gamemaster!

The gamemaster is a resource for a push in the right direction if you need it. If you feel stuck after using your hints, ask for a suggestion. If a door doesn’t open, ask if there is anything else you need. Your gamemaster can always point you in the right direction.

Remember, you and your gamemaster are on the same team and they will not leave you high and dry. They are mainly there to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you want the challenge of doing it all without any help, let the gamemaster know. If you want to be sure that you make it out, let them offer a little guidance.

Want a behind-the-scenes look at how they do it? Read our blog on How Gamemasters Keep You Guessing in Escape Rooms.

Implementing Your New Strategies

You are armed with the knowledge—now it’s all about experience. The best way to truly understand how these tips work is by diving into an escape room challenge. Each new game is a chance to learn, laugh, and level up your skills. Ready to see how your team does under pressure? Book a session at a local escape room like Diablo Escapes and put your new strategies into action. There’s no better way to grow your confidence than by stepping into the game.

In Conclusion…

Don’t forget to enjoy the adventure and have fun together! The main escape room strategies involve picking a great team, communicating with them, keeping your clues organized and working with your gamemaster. These tips and tricks can not only help you bring down your time, but also make it more fun for you and your team.