At Escapism, we often say, "You’re here to have fun, and that’s all that matters." But we know that many players are also trying to race to the finish and achieve the best time possible. Whatever your motivations, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your experience.


1. Listen to the Game Master

The Game Master is your host and will give you an introduction to the room, outlining special points of focus and offering initial hints. Listen carefully—it can help you hit the ground running.


2. Pay Attention to the Theme and Listen Carefully to the Story

Not every room will have a deep story, but the theme often plays a key role in how you should approach the puzzles. At Escapism, all our rooms have intro videos that provide context and outline your mission before the timer starts. Take the time to understand why you’re there and what your mission is; this will help guide your approach to the puzzles. If a room has a story woven into the theme, take note of character names and their roles, as they may provide clues to solve puzzles.


3. Stay Calm and Search Thoroughly

This is especially important in escape rooms with multiple rooms. There may be a key, clue, or item in one room that is vital to solving a problem in another. Stay calm, and be sure to search every item thoroughly.


4. Communicate Clearly and Often

Communication is key in any escape room. As soon as you find a clue, solve a puzzle, or notice something unusual, share it with your team. The faster everyone knows what’s happening, the quicker you can connect the dots. Avoid overlapping efforts by ensuring everyone knows what each person is working on.


5. Divide and Conquer

Escape rooms are designed for teamwork, so use your numbers to your advantage. Split up to cover more ground—some members can search the room for clues while others work on puzzles. Just make sure to keep communication lines open so everyone stays on the same page.


6. Stay Organized

Escape rooms can quickly become chaotic, with clues, locks, and keys scattered everywhere. Keep your workspace tidy by placing used keys (usually left in the lock they opened) and solved clues in a designated area. This helps avoid confusion and ensures you don’t waste time trying the same key in different locks. And avoid putting any keys or small items in your pockets—these can easily be forgotten, leading to wasted time searching for something you’ve already found.


7. Don’t Overthink It

While some puzzles are designed to challenge your logic and reasoning, others might be more straightforward. Sometimes the obvious answer is the right one, so trust your first instincts and see if you can crack it—and of course, communicate what you’re doing with your teammates.


8. Think Outside the Box

Escape rooms often require creative thinking. If you’re stuck, try looking at the problem from a different perspective. Sometimes, the solution is simpler than it seems. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but keep an eye on the clock and be ready to move on if something isn’t working.


9. Use Hints

Not everyone sees a puzzle the same way, and sometimes a hint or clue can help get you moving and keep the game fun. While it’s tempting to solve everything on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for a hint if you’ve been stuck for too long or aren’t sure where to begin. Often, the hardest part is just getting started.


10. Manage Your Time

Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself. If you’re stuck on a puzzle for more than a few minutes, it might be time to move on and come back to it later. You can also check your understanding with the Game Master—sometimes using a clue or item in the wrong place can cost valuable time.


11. Have Fun

Escape rooms are designed to be challenging, but they’re also meant to be fun! Stay calm, keep a positive attitude, and encourage your teammates. A clear head and a sense of humor can go a long way when you’re racing against the clock.

By following these tips, you’ll not only increase your chances of escaping in record time but also make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Good luck, and happy escaping!