As gamemasters at Paniq Room, we see all sorts of groups – from absolute beginners to veteran escapers. So what do successful groups do that others don’t?
We’ve compiled below 9 tips to help you have a successful escape. They’re not rocket science, but they’ll definitely increase your chance of escaping!
- Communicate, communicate, communicate!
Escape rooms require effective teamwork to escape. Sharing discoveries and clues with your teammates can lead to more effective puzzle solving as you make connections and can preent players from trying to solve the same thing twice. Remember though communication is a two-way street – talking AND listening are key!
- Divide and conquer
If the room’s game flow allows, it’s best to split up and work on multiple puzzles at once rather than all crowding around the same puzzle. Or have some people work on an obvious puzzle while others scour the room for clues and objects.
- Stay organised
In most rooms, you’ll only use an item or key once, so try to keep things organised. Dedicate a space for puzzles/lock/items you’ve solved, and another for items you’re still working on. This will help you keep track of where you’re up to, and quickly allow you to see the items/clues you haven’t found a use for!
- Don’t overthink it
In a well designed room, the simplest, most obvious way to solve a puzzle is usually the correct way. If you’re starting to reach for the answer in ways that involce complicated methods, maybe you don’t have everything you need to solve that puzzle yet.
- Learn to recognise the difference between set dressing and room build, and clues
Escape rooms are thematic and will often include set dressing to build mood. Many rooms are now high tech, which means from time to time you will sometimes spot writing or locks that hide back-end technology. While recognising the difference comes with experience, some things – such as light fittings, cables, ceiling tiles etc – can be safely left alone. In a good escape room, if you have a large amount of one item (such as a bookshelf full of books), you’ll be guided to the book you need rather than being expected to scour every book.
- Pay attention to details
Search-and-find is crucial to escape room success, and many group’s downfall. Be sure to spend at least a few minutes when you first enter a room checking for hidden clues, items or markings before you get stuck into a complex puzzle – you’ll often find these small clues will offer the key to solving puzzles later on.
- Manage your time
If you’ve spent a lot of time on one puzzle and you’re not making forward progress it’s often better to work on something else or…
- Ask for a hint
If you’re stuck, don’t be too proud to ask for a hint. That’s what we’re here for after all! A good gamemaster will be able to direct your focus or help you with a puzzle without giving away the answer. Good gamemasters will also keep an eye on the clock and may offer hints if your team starts falling behind time in order to give you the best chance of escape. You only have a limited time in an escape room, so sometimes it’s better to get help and move on than fail to escape!
- Have fun!
Escape rooms can be stressful – but they’re also so much fun! Don’t forget to enjoy the experience, immerse yourself in the story, take in the scenery, and bond with your teammates while you’re in the room – after all, that’s what the escape room experience is all about!
Paniq Room, Sydney has 6 thematic room experiences available to book, seven days a week! Our themes include Se3es, House of Jumanji, Godfather, Supercell 117, TIME Hotel, and Wizardry.