The Ultimate Guide to Escape Rooms: Everything You Need to Know

Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a real-life video game, where solving puzzles and finding clues is your only way out? Escape rooms are immersive, team-based adventure games where players must work together to achieve a common goal—all while racing against the clock.

Each escape room has a unique theme, ranging from historical mysteries to sci-fi adventures. Whether you’re solving a heist, uncovering a secret society, or racing against time to save the world, these experiences are designed to challenge your mind and create unforgettable memories.

This guide gives you everything you need to know about escape rooms for a memorable experience. Looking for some quick advice? Take a look at our 33 escape room tips to keep in mind.

A Brief History of Escape Rooms

The concept of escape rooms didn’t begin as physical adventures but originated in the world of Japanese video games. Titles like Crimson Room (2004) introduced players to virtual puzzle-solving environments, laying the groundwork for what would become the first real-life escape room phenomenon.

In 2007, the concept leaped into the real world in Kyoto, Japan, where SCRAP, a Japanese company, launched the first live escape game. The idea quickly gained popularity, spreading across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Modern escape rooms are based on this innovative idea, blending advanced technology, intricate storytelling, and captivating themes to create multi-sensory experiences where players must work together to succeed. Millions worldwide now enjoy these real-life adventures, redefining the way we play and connect.

Curious to discover more? Check out our blog on the history of escape rooms.

How Do Escape Rooms Work?

If you’ve never played before, here’s a step-by-step look at how escape rooms work:

1. Briefing: Your adventure begins with meeting your game master, who explains the rules, safety guidelines, and the story of your room.
2. Gameplay: You and your team enter the themed space. The door closes, and the timer starts. Search for clues, crack codes, and unravel the room’s secrets to accomplish your mission.
3. Debriefing: Whether you succeed or not, the host will review your performance, reveal missed clues, and answer any questions you have.

Don’t worry if you get stuck during the game! Game hosts monitor your progress and can provide hints to propel you through the game.

Choosing Your Escape Room Experience

Not all escape rooms are the same—choosing the right one is key to having a great time. Here’s how to pick the best fit for you:

1. Escape Room Themes: What Sparks Your Curiosity?

Historical Mysteries

Step into the past and uncover secrets hidden for decades. Perfect for those who love intricate narratives and history, these rooms feature dusty bookshelves, antique objects, and puzzles. Try The Architect to explore Dutch architect Berlage's study and his ties to a secretive organization.

Best for: history buffs, lovers of old-world charm, and those who enjoy unraveling timeless mysteries.

Heist Challenges

High-stakes thrillers where every second counts. These rooms offer the chance to become a master thief, bypassing security, cracking safes, and escaping without a trace. In The Vault, you break into a century-old safe complex with state-of-the-art security, adding an extra layer of excitement to your heist.

Best for: adrenaline seekers, team players who love fast-paced action, and those who dream of outsmarting high-tech security.

Magical Realms

Dive into a world where logic meets enchantment. These rooms blend storytelling with creative codes, creating wonder at every turn. Try The Alchemist, where technomagic, smoking potions, and a dangerous ritual add a magical twist to your adventure.

Best for: fans of fantasy, tech enthusiasts who love innovative puzzles, and those who want an escape room with a dash of the extraordinary.

Suspenseful Thrillers

These rooms create a sense of tension and excitement, often featuring darker themes, urgent scenarios, or horror-themed escape rooms. While not always scary, they keep your pulse racing and your mind sharp.

Best for: fans of suspenseful plots, those who enjoy a touch of tension, and teams who love working under pressure.

Crime Investigations

Put on your detective hat and solve a mystery by analyzing evidence, finding hidden clues, and connecting the dots. These rooms often reward meticulous attention to detail and logical thinking.

Best for: aspiring detectives, detail-oriented thinkers, and players who love unravelling complex webs of clues.

Pick the themed escape room you want and dive into the adventure—time to start cracking those codes! If you need help choosing, here’s a list of great Dutch escape rooms that we highly recommend!

2. Difficulty: Start Simple or Dive into the Deep End

Escape games are often labeled by difficulty to help you choose one that suits your group’s experience level:

• Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for families or first-timers, these games often have straightforward mysteries and a forgiving hint system.
• Intermediate: A balanced challenge with layered clues, perfect for players looking for something more dynamic.
• Advanced: Designed for experienced players who thrive on intricate, multi-step challenges and tight time limits.

Remember, difficulty isn’t always about how “hard” the game is but how much teamwork, observation, and lateral thinking the room you want to play requires.

3. Team Size: Finding the Perfect Balance

Escape rooms are designed with a range of team sizes in mind. Choosing the right group can impact how smooth and enjoyable your game is:

• Smaller Teams (2-4 players): Ideal for those who enjoy an intimate, focused experience. For instance, The Architect works wonderfully for two players, making it a great choice for couples looking for a unique date idea.
• Larger Teams (5-8 players): Best for groups who can stay organized and collaborate effectively. Complex rooms, like high-stakes heist themes, often benefit from a bigger team, which is why The Vault requires a minimum of 4 players.
• Mixed Sizes (4-6 players): Most escape rooms shine with this balance, allowing everyone to contribute while avoiding overcrowding.

Preparing for Your Next Escape Room Adventure

To make the most of your escape room experience, follow these tips:

Forming Your Team

The right team is key to solving your next escape room. A strong group dynamic not only makes puzzles easier to crack but also enhances the way the room is designed to immerse you in the experience. Here’s how to create your dream team

• Choose People You Trust
  Pick teammates you love spending time with and can rely on under pressure. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, trust is the foundation of a great escape. After all, you’ll need each other to navigate those tricky clues and tight deadlines.
• Balance Personalities and Skills
  Over the years, we’ve noticed that the best teams are a mix of “player types.” Maybe you’re the Pack Leader, steering the group, or the Zen Master, calm and unshakeable. Is your friend the Brainy One, always great with puzzles? Bringing different strengths to the table makes everyone shine.
• Fill the Gaps
  If everyone on your team is high-energy, consider adding someone detail-oriented to balance things out. A mix of skills and perspectives is the secret to unlocking every puzzle—and having a blast while doing it.

Curious about your player type? We’ve observed these traits over the years and created a blog to help you identify which one suits you best.

Mindset

Escape rooms are meant to be thrilling and immersive, but remember: it’s not just about escaping—it’s about enjoying the ride. Here’s how to set yourself up for a fun and rewarding adventure:

• Stay Positive
  Even when you’re trapped in a room, remember that escape rooms are still a blast! Celebrate small victories and keep searching for the next puzzle pieces around the room—it’s all part of the fun.
• Collaborate, Don’t Compete
  Escape rooms thrive on teamwork. Communicate with your teammates, work together, and trust your team. When everyone’s on the same page, the puzzles almost solve themselves.‍
• Embrace Failure
  Some rooms are ultra-challenging, making you feel like you're trapped in a room straight out of an escape room movie. Even if you don’t make it out, the laughs, surprises, and shared moments are the real win.‍
• Immerse Yourself
  Every escape room has its own story waiting to unfold. Dive into the theme, get into character, and enjoy the mystery—it’ll make the experience even more magical.

Practical Prep to Play an Escape Room

A little preparation goes a long way in making your escape game experience unforgettable. Here’s what we recommend:

• Dress for Comfort and Mobility
  You might be crouching, reaching, or even crawling, so opt for comfy clothes and shoes that let you move freely. Avoid high heels, tight outfits, or heavy accessories—they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Wondering what works best? Our blog on what to wear to an escape room has all the tips you need!
• Arrive Early
  Getting there 10-15 minutes before your booking gives you time to settle in, lock up your belongings, and listen to the game briefing without feeling rushed. Late arrivals can cut into your time—or worse, your team might have to start without you.
• Fuel Up
  A light meal beforehand is perfect for staying sharp. Hunger or dehydration can make solving puzzles tougher, so grab a snack and a sip of water before heading in.
• Be Clear-Headed
  Heavy partying or pulling an all-nighter? Probably not the best pre-game plan. Escape rooms are all about using your wits, so make sure you’re rested and ready to think on your feet!

Extra Tips to Solve an Escape Room

If you really want to prepare yourself beforehand, there are some fun ways to do so:

Try a tabletop, smartphone, or online escape room. These games offer a sneak peek into solving a series of puzzles and spotting hidden clues. If you're planning to tackle The Vault, use our Android or iOS app to practice with combination locks and puzzles. While diving in blind is fun, these virtual escapes can boost your confidence and give you an edge when the clock starts ticking.

General Strategies for Solving Escape Rooms

When it comes to escape rooms, while they are different, some strategies can improve your chances of success:

1. Communicate Clearly: Share everything you find and discuss ideas with your team.
2. Search Systematically: Check all possible hiding spots but don’t dismantle the room!
3. Assign Roles: If your team is big, designate one person to organize found items or clues.
4. Ask for Hints: Don’t hesitate to use hints—it’s better to keep progressing than to feel stuck.

Want to master advanced strategies? Check out our detailed blog: Escape Room Strategies for tips to help you escape.

Finding Your Way: Best Escape Room Tips for All Experience Levels

Whether it’s your first escape room game or your tenth, knowing how to approach the experience can make all the difference. While every room is unique, there are some universal tips to help you and your team navigate the challenges ahead.

First Escape Room: Tips for Beginners

If you're new to escape the room, don’t worry—this is your time to explore, experiment, and enjoy. Here’s what you’re going to need to know:

• Pay Attention to the Briefing
  Listen closely to the game master for rules, storyline, and useful clues. This is your beginner's guide to escape rooms!
• Search Everywhere (Almost)
  Many solutions involve finding clues. Search the room thoroughly and examine everything. Look under tables, behind curtains, and in every drawer or cabinet (if it’s allowed). But don’t go into demolition mode — there's no need to dismantle the furniture — most rooms are designed to keep everything intact. If something feels nailed down or fragile, it’s probably just part of the scenery.
• Communicate with Your Team
  Communication is key in escape games. Found a key? Yell it out. Discovered a code? Share it. These experiences are about teamwork, not solo heroics. Make sure everyone is in the loop about what you’re working on and what’s been solved. Clear communication ensures no one is stuck on a puzzle that’s already solved.
• Don’t Overthink It
  Remember, the mysteries are designed to be solvable in the time given. If you find yourself concocting elaborate theories about a clue, take a step back. The solution might be simpler than you think!
• Ask for Hints
  If you're stuck on a puzzle, ask for help! You shouldn't be afraid to ask your game master for a hint. There’s no shame in getting a nudge when you need one. The hosts want you to have fun, not pull your hair out in frustration. Plus, using one or two hints is practically a rite of passage for first-timers.

Curious about what your first escape game will be like? Check out our blog on what to expect from an escape room — it’s the perfect starting point for beginners ready to dive into the adventure.

Strategies for Intermediate Players

Once you’ve mastered the common escape room basics, step up your game with these tips:

• Divide the Room Into Sections
  Assign team members to search different parts of the room. This prevents overlap and helps uncover potential clues more efficiently. Anything that looks unusual or out of place might be crucial. ‍
• Assign Roles
  Some players excel at spotting hidden objects, while others thrive on logic puzzles. Divide and conquer by letting each person shine in their area of expertise.
• ‍Look for Connections
  Have a random key? Odds are, it’ll open something nearby. Found a strange symbol? It might match another clue. These experiences are a web of interconnected riddles, so keep your eyes peeled for patterns.‍
• Organize Your Findings
  A cluttered workspace can waste precious time. Create a system to separate solved puzzles from unsolved ones. Don’t waste time revisiting completed tasks when time runs fast.‍
• Follow the Narrative
  Escape room themes often offer hints. Think treasure maps and nautical tools if it’s a pirate-themed escape adventure. Immerse yourself in the story and theme of your escape room — it might spark ideas to win the game.

Expert-Level Tactics

For seasoned escape artists, the excitement lies in tackling high-stakes challenges and mastering the art of problem-solving. Here’s how to push your limits:

• Think in Layers
  Advanced escape rooms often present puzzles that require solving multiple steps in sequence or parallel. If you’re hitting a dead end, check if other team members are working on a connected clue or riddle.
• Challenge Assumptions
  The best escapes throw curveballs to keep you on your toes. That code you’re trying on a lock? Maybe it works backward. That seemingly decorative object? It could hold the key to your next step. Stay curious and question everything!
• Pick the Right Escape Experience
  For the ultimate challenge, try rooms specifically designed for experts. These experiences demand quick thinking, collaboration, and a willingness to push boundaries.

Your Next Adventure Awaits: Book an Escape Room

Escape games are more than puzzles—they’re captivating journeys where you and your team are the heroes of the story. They’re about uncovering secrets, working together, and that unbeatable feeling when the final door opens.

Whether you’re solving clues with friends, or trying something new with family, there’s an escape room for everyone. Ready to book your escape? Gather your group, book your Amsterdam escape room, and throw away the key—you’ve got a mystery to solve! Will you crack codes and escape in time?