What Not to Do in an Escape Room?

Escape rooms are a thrilling form of entertainment that challenge your mind, teamwork, and creativity. But whether you’re a first-time player or an escape room enthusiast, knowing the dos and don’ts can significantly enhance your experience.

In this guide, we'll delve into the common mistakes players make in escape games, helping you steer clear of pitfalls and ensuring you’re fully prepared to escape like a pro. Think of this as your escape room survival guide—without it, you might just be "that player." You know the one.

What Is an Escape Room?

Escape rooms are created to immerse players in a themed environment where they must solve puzzles, find clues, and collaborate to escape the room within a set time limit—usually 60 minutes. Each escape room offers unique challenges, ranging from solving intricate riddles to uncovering hidden compartments. Think Indiana Jones, but instead of dodging boulders, you're trying to figure out why the lock won't open. Escape rooms are meant to be fun and thrilling, making them a popular leisure activity for groups of friends, families, and even corporate teams.

Ever wondered where escape rooms came from? (Spoiler: it wasn’t ancient Egypt.) Dive into the History of Escape Rooms and become the team’s resident trivia buff.

Why Knowing the Guidelines Matters

Every escape room is a carefully crafted experience, designed to challenge players without frustration. However, not knowing the guidelines can lead to mistakes that spoil the experience for you and your teammates. For example, using unnecessary force or ignoring instructions provided by the host could damage elements of the room or derail the game’s flow. And trust us, the host will notice. Understanding the escape room rules and guidelines ensures you’ll enjoy the adventure while respecting the effort that the designers have put into the experience.

How to Approach Your First Escape Room

Whether you are a first-time player or not, preparation is key to a successful escape. Plan your visit in advance, making sure you’re on time and ready to dive into the experience. (Latecomers might still be allowed to play but trust us, it won’t win you the “team MVP” award.) Arriving early allows you to familiarize yourself with the setup and listen to the game master’s instructions thoroughly.

For further details, check our Ultimate Guide to Escape Rooms, where you'll find everything you need to know!

If you're in a hurry and just want the juicy bits, fear not—we’ve distilled all our blog wisdom into 33 Escape Room Tips. Think of it as your cheat sheet for escape room greatness (minus the actual cheating, of course).

Why Teamwork and Communication Are Crucial

Work as a Team, Not as Lone Wolves

One of the biggest mistakes players make is failing to collaborate effectively. Escape rooms are designed to challenge groups, so collaboration is essential. Share discoveries, split tasks, and keep everyone informed. Let everyone know what you’ve found—you never know who might hold the missing piece. If you think you’re the Sherlock Holmes of the group, remember: even Sherlock had Watson.

Are you the mastermind or the wild card? The clue magnet or the one who ‘supervises’? Discover your Escape Room Player Type and how to unleash your inner hero—or villain.

Communication Is Key

You'll want to avoid keeping clues to yourself. No matter, if you’re a first-time player or a seasoned escape room enthusiast, talking openly among the group, ensures everyone contributes to the solution. Yes, even your quiet friend in the corner might just be the key to solving that tricky cipher. Teamwork and communication are often the deciding factors in a successful escape room game.

How to Handle Clues in Escape Rooms

Find Clues in Order

Many escape rooms have a linear order in mind for solving puzzles. Jumping ahead or ignoring earlier clues can cause errors and confusion. It’s like trying to solve the murder mystery before the victim even shows up. Pace yourself. Look around the room thoroughly and try to solve the puzzles step by step.

Don’t Get Stuck on a Puzzle

If you’re stuck on a riddle, don’t let frustration ruin the experience. Every escape room game is created to move at a good pace. Ask for a clue from your game master if needed; it’s not a sign of weakness but a smart way to keep the game flowing.

The Importance of Following Instructions

Listen to the Gamemasters

Your game master is your guide to the escape room experience. Pay attention when the game begins and follow all instructions provided. Ignoring guidelines can lead to mistakes or damage elements of the room, derailing the escape room game. Think of them as the all-knowing narrator—they want you to succeed... within reason.

Stick to the Rules

Escape room designers carefully create these games with safety and immersion in mind. Don’t touch items marked off-limits, and steer clear of using unnecessary force. No, that drawer isn’t locked with glue; it’s just not meant to be opened. Rules exist for a reason: to keep the experience fun and fair.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Your Phone During an Escape Room

Avoid Using Technology

Escape rooms are designed to challenge your mind and teamwork, not your phone. You’re there to escape the room, not Google your way out. Steer clear of using devices to look up solutions or take pictures. Not only does this ruin the experience for others, but it also goes against the spirit of the game.

Keep Immersion Intact

By leaving your phone behind, you can focus entirely on the puzzles and enjoy the immersive environment created by escape room designers. Resist the urge to sneak in technology—the best escape room experiences are those where you’re fully engaged.

Avoiding Excessive Force: Treating Props with Care

Handle Props Gently

Props around the escape rooms are meant to be manipulated but not destroyed. If you’re treating them like gym equipment, you might be doing it wrong. Try not to use excessive force or attempt to deconstruct items. If something doesn’t seem to work, it’s likely not part of the solution.

Respect the Environment

Escape rooms are a form of entertainment built with care. Treating the room with respect ensures that others can enjoy the same experience. Breaking something won’t earn you a faster escape—it’ll just earn you a very awkward conversation with the host.

Keeping a Good Pace: Managing Your Time Wisely

Keep an Eye on the Clock

Escape rooms are intense, and it’s easy to lose track of time. Make sure you’re aware of how much time is left to steer clear of rushing through the final puzzles. Trust us, there’s nothing more stressful than shouting “We only have 2 minutes left!” while someone’s still deciphering Morse code.

Don’t Get Distracted

Focus on puzzles and finding clues rather than overanalyzing irrelevant details. Many escape rooms include red herrings, so know when to move on if something doesn’t seem to fit. If you’re still staring at the same wallpaper pattern after five minutes, it’s probably just wallpaper.

What to Do When You’re Stuck on a Puzzle

Ask for a Hint

If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for a clue. The hosts are there to help, and a hint can make all the difference in your escape experience. Remember: it’s not cheating; it’s strategic guidance.

Don’t Get So Focused

Steer clear of tunnel vision when trying to solve a puzzle. Take a step back, let another teammate try, or revisit the problem later. Sometimes a fresh perspective is all you need.

The Role of the Game Master: Listening and Learning

Pay Attention to Your Guide

The game master’s advice is invaluable. Whether you’re looking for a clue or need clarification on rules, their input can significantly impact your game flow.

Trust Their Expertise

The hosts know the escape rooms inside and out. Following their instructions and tips can prevent frustration and lead to a more enjoyable experience.

Top Things to Remember for Your First Escape Room

Plan Your Visit

Arrive early, as being late can cut into your game time. Ensure you’re prepared to dive into the experience without distractions.

Have Fun and Stay Positive

Escape rooms are a fun activity to do. Even if it seems challenging, keep a positive attitude and enjoy the adventure. As long as the team works together, you stand a much better chance of escaping. After all, the only real failure is leaving without at least one funny story to tell.

Key Takeaways:

• Work as a team and communicate effectively to solve puzzles.
• Follow instructions and respect the escape room environment.
• Don't use your phone to keep the experience immersive and fair.
• Handle props carefully to prevent damage.
• Manage your time wisely and ask for hints when needed.
• Trust the game master to guide you through the escape adventure.

With these tips, you’ll not only boost your chances of escaping but also enjoy the journey every step of the way. Good luck—and remember, the clock is ticking! Literally.

Looking to dive into a world of mystery? Check out our Amsterdam escape rooms. Each room has its own story to tell… if you can crack it.