10 Steps to a Successful Escape Room Adventure
Ever wanted to try an escape room, but didn't know where to start looking for one, or what it really means? How about you've looked into what escape rooms are, but you don't know how to begin the process of finding a game and then actually solving the puzzles to get out?
Lucky for you Brittnee is here! I'll take you from start to finish on how to get the most out of your Escape Room Experience!
Step 1: Read this article
Just kidding
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 even find one closest you. Once you've found a few great prospects head over to Yelp and see how they compare to other rooms. Read a few of the reviews, you might even find out one is too scary for what you're interested in.. or one doesn't do well with kids.
Step 2: Check out their social media for promo codes
You've found the escape room you think you'd like to visit, awesome. You can Google and yelp like 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'll be able to find $5 off promo codes that wouldn't be mentioned anywhere else.
Step 3: Go to their Website
Now that you've got your smarty pants discount, you'll want to know when the place has availability and what rooms they have. The majority of the places you're going to see will have multiple rooms with different themes. Also, most escape rooms make you book in advance and some can get pretty busy. Check out their booking page and see what they have open. Then book it before anyone else does!
*Be careful when booking a partial room. If there are 6 slots available and you've only booked 4 players, 2 more players could join your game - if you call the business though, they may help you out and block it for you
Step 4: Be on time!
Your Game Master will love you for it and being on his good side can't be a bad thing. A game master is the one offering you any hints or clues if you're struggling after all.
Step 5: Listen to the Rules/Intro
They're there for a reason! Not only do we hate when guests break stuff, 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 climb on something as a trick. Also some rooms have informative intros that may even include a few extra hints, so listen up!
Step 6: No Lollygagging
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. Nope. Don't do that. Most rooms give you 60 minutes, so you'll need to hustle. Give yourself 10 seconds to appreciate the work they put into the aesthetics and then start tearing it apart. (okay not literally, that would suck, just start moving things and looking every where)
Sometimes you'll need to find objects hidden around the room to help you with other puzzles... sometimes you'll need to actually find the puzzles... so start looking and gathering everything you find!
Step 7: Split up
Some rooms are harder than others or have more puzzles than others, but there's no harm in splitting up. Some rooms have multiple linear and non linear puzzles (linear meaning you will solve a puzzle that leads into the next puzzle and so on). So you'll benefit from splitting into a couple teams and tackling multiple puzzles at once.
Step 8: Communicate with your Group
There's nothing worse than spending 10 minutes looking for a key your teammate found when they first entered and forgot they had pocketed it. Don't be that person. When you find something tell everyone, maybe they'll need it right away or at some point in the room.
Also, if you're struggling on a puzzle let others know. Everyone sees things differently, so they might get something that you don't. It's nothing to be ashamed of, I'm sure you'll be able to do the same for them later on in the game.
Step 9: Ask for Help!
Don't be afraid to make the game master do their job! It's what they're there for and they've probably been itching to help you for the past 30 minutes too. Don't wait until it's too late to ask for a hint. Some rooms have limits on them, others don't. Make sure you know that going into the room.
Always try to solve the puzzle on your own or ask a team member to help first, but if it's really effecting your ability to succeed, ask for a little nudge and get to the end!
Step 10: Always take a group photo
Even if you didn't get out, I bet you really did have a fun time. Don't let the memories fade away. Get the group photo and share it on social media. Tag the escape room too, they'll love it.
Optional Bonus Step 11: Review the Escape Room
They'll really appreciate it and it helps their business significantly. Remember how you looked them up on Yelp, others will too. If you liked the room and want to see them add more for you to play they'll need to grow as a company. So review and tell your friends it's the very best compliment.
Article Source: 10 Steps to a Successful Escape Room Adventure