Escape Rooms Guide – What You Need to Know Before You Play

Thinking about trying an escape room? You’re not alone. More people are heading to these puzzle-filled rooms for birthdays, team‑building or just a weekend thrill. Here’s a no‑fluff rundown of how they work, what to expect, and a few tricks to boost your chances of getting out before the clock runs out.

How Escape Rooms Work

Most escape rooms give you 60 minutes (sometimes 45 or 90) to solve a series of puzzles that lead to a final lock or hidden key. You’ll walk into a themed space – a kidnapped‑victim hideout, a sci‑fi lab, a haunted attic – and the game master will explain the story and the basic rules. Then the timer starts.

The puzzles are a mix of riddles, hidden objects, pattern‑matching and simple physical tasks. You’ll search drawers, slide panels, decode symbols and often need at least two people to hold a rope or press two switches at once. That’s why most rooms recommend groups of 2‑6: smaller groups can still solve everything, but a larger team brings more eyes and ideas.

Safety is built in. Every room has a hidden exit button or a simple way for staff to unlock the door if something goes wrong. If you need a bathroom break, just tell the game master – they’ll pause the clock or guide you out quietly. No one ever gets locked inside.

Choosing the Right Room for Your Group

First, think about the size of your group. Two people can tackle most rooms, but some games are designed for 4‑8 players to make the challenge feel balanced. If you have a mixed group – friends, kids, coworkers – pick a room with a moderate difficulty level. Beginner rooms keep puzzles straightforward and give hints after a few minutes of silence.

Next, consider the theme. If you’re scared of tight spaces, steer clear of claustrophobic rooms that use small chambers or low ceilings. Many venues label rooms as “family friendly,” “horror,” or “adventure” so you can match the vibe to your comfort zone.

Clothing matters too. Wear something you can move in – jeans, sneakers and a light jacket are safe bets. Avoid high heels or long dresses that might get caught on props. A breathable outfit helps when you’re bent over a shelf for a long time.

Finally, book early if you’re planning a special event. Popular slots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Some places offer a “pre‑game briefing” video that you can watch at home – it’s a quick way to learn how the room’s clues are structured and can cut down on trial‑and‑error once you’re inside.

Quick tip: split your group into two mini‑teams. One searches high, the other low. Share findings every few minutes. This keeps everyone involved and speeds up the puzzle flow.

When the timer hits zero, the game master will either celebrate your success or walk you through the remaining steps. Either way, you’ll leave with a story and a few new problem‑solving tricks.

Escape rooms are a cheap, fun way to bond with friends or coworkers. They mix mental challenges with a dash of adrenaline, and the best part is you’re never really locked in – the staff are always watching and ready to help. So grab a team, pick a theme you like, and give it a go. You’ll probably surprise yourself with how many clues you can crack in under an hour.