When playing an escape room, you will likely need to crouch, look under things, and maybe even crawl on the floor at times.
On the Day
When playing an escape room, you will likely need to crouch, look under things, and maybe even crawl on the floor at times. Wearing comfortable, stretchy clothes is a smart choice. I suggest meeting your teammates beforehand near the escape room, ideally at a coffee shop or bar within walking distance. This is also the perfect time to plan your strategy! Math skills, a steady hand, knowledge of Morse code—share any hidden talents that might help in a puzzling situation.
I recommend eating something and having a caffeinated drink before playing to ensure you’re at your mental and physical best. Solving puzzles and racing against the clock is more tiring than you might expect, and you’ll want to stay focused throughout. With that in mind, I strongly advise against consuming alcohol before your escape room. It will hurt your performance and increase the risk of breaking something and frustrating your team!
Meeting up before your escape room lowers the chance of arriving late, which benefits neither you nor your hosts. Generally, most locations prefer you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled start time, but check your booking email or the website FAQ for specifics. Your host (Game Master) will appreciate your punctuality and preparedness. A good Game Master can make or break your experience, so it helps to start on the right foot.
Getting Your Introduction
Before your game starts, you’ll usually receive an introduction covering what to expect and the rules. Pay close attention! Every escape room company is different, and rules can even vary between rooms within the same company.
Rules are there to help you make the most of your time. Don’t waste it trying to climb on things or reuse items if you’ve been told not to. You’ll also be informed about the hint system, which can vary from walkie-talkies, monitor text, to visual clues.
After the general introduction, you’ll hear the backstory of your room, typically from your Game Master or via a video. Immersion is key to the experience, so whether you’re breaking out of jail or curing a zombie virus, let yourself escape reality and embrace the role ahead.