Here are some tips and tricks for people who have a few escape rooms under their belt. This will improve your play and how fast you escape!
Figure out what you need to open
The first thing to do in an escape room is to find out what you need to unlock and open. Look around for locks and see what kind of code you need. Yell out to your buddies “We need a 4-digit code!” “We need a 4-letter code!” I see a 3-digit lock over here!” That way everyone knows what to look for.
Find where the locks line up
One of the biggest delays in the games I game master are not knowing where to line up the locks. I know it sounds like a very small detail, but this is a major factor of not getting record time in rooms. Most of the locks line up in the middles. There are others that line up on the side. You have to look at the little arrows that point to the correct spot. Either way, this small part can help a bunch in escape rooms.
Look for anything that stands out in the room
This may sound like a no-brainer, but I have witnessed a lot of experienced players miss items or clues that were out in the open. Once I clued them in on it, they were frustrated with themselves for not seeing it before.
Look in all the pockets of clothes and bags
I know this sounds like a first-timer tip, but a lot of people do not look in these places for clues. If there is a piece of clothing, a suitcase, or even just a regular bag, it is in the room for a reason. Check all the pockets, zippers, and compartments for clues. 9 times out of 10, there is something valuable in these items. Do not skip over them!
Find the sequence AND the code
I know in our escape rooms, we give you the numbers for the code, but we also give you the sequence of those numbers. A lot of people just try every possible combination, and that takes forever. We aren’t that mean; we give you the sequence as well! Let’s say you have red numbers and blue numbers. The blue numbers are 1,2,3, and 4. The red numbers are 1,2,5, and 9. Which one do you think the sequence in? I cannot tell you how many times I have seen people put in the code 1234. That is clearly the sequence! We give you everything you need to succeed and beat the room; you just got to look for it.
I hope these tips help you and your team improve your game! But remember, communication is the key to succeeding so pick your team wisely! Always remember to call out your discoveries and speak your opinion on how a puzzle could be solved. Every input counts! 