Whether new to escape rooms or a veteran, it’s always a unique experience. Every escape room is different, and the thrill of uncovering hidden clues, solving intricate puzzles, and racing against the clock never fades, no matter how many times you’ve played.
But if it’s your first time, you might feel a little lost about what you’re getting yourself into, the game’s basic rules, and what mistakes you should avoid as a beginner. You need a handy guide for a practical walkthrough.
That’s why our game masters at the Great Room Escape have curated this ultimate guide for your first escape room experience. Dig in for brief insights on pre-game, in-game, and post-game stages.
The Basic Concept of Escape Rooms
First, you must understand what an escape room is and how it works.
So, in general, it’s a room filled with riddles where you and your pals are locked, and you have to solve these puzzles to get free. But there’s a twist. You only have an hour to decode all the puzzles and unlock the door. And that’s the thrill of the game.
But there’s more to it. You can choose an escape room theme that suits your interests, from a mystery adventure to a horror thriller. This will elevate your experience as you solve relatable puzzles and bond over shared interests.
How to Pick the Right Escape Room for Your First Time
Remember, no two escape rooms are the same, and you’ll always have a unique experience with different escape rooms. But how do you pick the right escape room as a beginner?
You can always call ahead and ask the staff for beginner-friendly recommendations. However, in the meantime, keep certain factors in mind while booking yourself an escape room experience:
- Difficulty level
- Escape room theme
- Group size
Go for an escape room theme that matches your interest and choose from easy to moderate difficulty levels. Also, ensure you have the number of players for a particular escape room theme. For instance, you must have at least four players at the Great Room Escape, as all games are private.
What to Expect on Game Day
Now, this is where the rubber meets the road. After carefully planning the best escape room experience and choosing the right theme, you’ll finally enjoy the game’s thrill.
But before you do so, there are some escape room etiquette that we believe you must know. For instance, you’re supposed to arrive at least 15 minutes before the game starts and attend the pre-game briefing. Trust us; it’ll be beneficial to understand the game’s rules and ask any questions beforehand.
Then, the clock starts ticking when you finally get inside the room. It can be an ample space or a multi-room setup where you can explore, find clues, and solve interconnected puzzles to unlock the path forward. Make sure to keep your calm and communicate with other team players.
However, if you find yourself stuck and unable to move forward, you can always use your hints. Escape rooms offer plenty of fun things to do, such as team collaboration, immersive storytelling, competitive fun, role-playing, and celebrating victory with your team. These activities make the experience even more exciting and memorable while you work together to solve the puzzles.
How to Prepare for a Thrilling Escape Room Experience?
How to Prepare for a Thrilling Escape Room Experience?
Here’s the kicker: experiences like escape rooms are not about winning. Instead, they’re supposed to sharpen your problem-solving skills and build trust, communication, and collaboration among your team.
That’s why an escape room adventure is a go-to team-building activity. Here’s a list of ways you can prepare yourself and your team for a thrilling escape room experience:
Stay Curious and Patient
One of the most important things to remember in a room escape experience is never to lose your calm. Escape rooms are certainly designed to be challenging, but they’re not impossible.
Here’s an insider: Escape room puzzles are designed to be solved quickly. So, if you’re stuck somewhere, maybe switch positions with another player. Sometimes, a new perspective cracks the code immediately.
Speak Up and Listen
Communication is a very important factor in your escape room experience. You not only have to speak but listen to your respective team members as well. Who knows, the clue you’ve been desperately looking for is in their puzzle. And avoid focusing on the same clue as everyone else simultaneously.
Play to Your Team’s Strength
Experience escape rooms with an open mind and be a team player. You’re not supposed to overrun others. Instead, divide and conquer. Assign each person a task based on their skill level and let everyone contribute in their own way.
For instance, if someone is detail-oriented, let them search for hidden clues, while someone with leadership skills should be assigned to connect overall clues.
Dress for Comfort
To experience this game’s essence, you need to dress comfortably. This might seem like a minor factor, but trust us, it plays a major role.
A room escape requires you to move around quickly, reach for things, and sometimes bend. So, you need to be physically at ease in order to enjoy your experience.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid as a Beginner
Your first escape room experience is always exciting, but beginners often make mistakes that can slow them down. Not you!
Here’s a list of common mistakes that you should avoid as a first-timer:
Overcomplicating Puzzles
One of the most common mistakes first-timers make is overthinking the puzzles. As we’ve said before, escape room puzzles are meant to be solved quickly. You’re not supposed to overanalyze them. And if you ever find yourself stuck, take a step back and consider a more straightforward approach.
Ignoring Teammates’ Ideas
We’ve mentioned it before, and we’ll say it again: Good communication can make or break your escape room experience. You’re supposed to listen more than you speak because if someone has an idea, try it! Do not dismiss each other’s suggestions too quickly.
Clue Hesitation
Many teams believe that clues are only meant for the last minute. Yes, you’re supposed to use them wisely, but you’re also not supposed to waste your time. If you find yourself stuck on a puzzle for too long, asking for guidance does no harm.
However, now it’s up to you and your intuitive power to decide whether you can solve the puzzle or if you really need a hint.
Time Blindness
An escape room experience is immersive; sometimes, you might lose track of time. But as a beginner, you shouldn’t make this mistake. Keep an eye on the clock without panicking, and try not to spend too long on a single puzzle; divide your time wisely.
FAQs
What if I don’t escape in time?
Well, no worries. You’re still getting a thrilling escape room experience that matters more than winning. It still helps you connect with your team members and build trust with each other.
What should I do to enhance my chances of winning?
A tip that works for most first-timers is recognizing the distractions. Sometimes, some clues/decorations are just meant to distract you. So, if you’re unable to solve a clue after multiple attempts, move on to the next.
Who can experience escape rooms?
Escape rooms are designed to be all-inclusive. You can play with your friends, family, or office colleagues here. Where else will you find a space that accommodates all? Just check the recommended age for each escape room theme before booking.
Can I reschedule my bookings?
Yes, you can. But make sure to do it as early as possible, because most escape rooms have a policy of rescheduling under certain hours. If you fail to do so, you might miss the opportunity, and no, you won’t get a refund.
It’s Game Time! Gather Your Team and Take on the Challenge!
Now that you have all the essential tips for a thrilling escape room experience, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Step into the world of mystery, puzzles, and adrenaline-pumping challenges at the Great Room Escape.
With 5-star reviews on Google and 2000+ happy customers, we promise an indoor adventure like no other in San Diego. Book your escape room experience today, and see if you have what it takes to beat the clock!