When playing an escape room, it is likely that you will need to crouch and look under things, and possibly even crawl on the floor at times.
On the Day
When playing an escape room, it is likely that you will need to crouch and look under things, and possibly even crawl on the floor at times. Wearing comfortable, stretchy clothes is a sensible option. I recommend meeting with your teammates beforehand at a location close to the escape room, ideally at a coffee shop or bar that is walking distance. This is also the time to come up with a game plan! Math skills, a steady hand, knowledge of morse code; make known any hidden talents that may be useful in a puzzling situation.
I recommend having something to eat, and a caffeinated drink prior to playing to make sure you are in peak mental and physical condition. Solving puzzles and working against the clock is more tiring than you think, and you’ll want to be as focused as possible for the entire experience. With that in mind, I strongly discourage drinking alcohol prior to escape rooms. It will diminish your performance and increase the chance of breaking something and frustrating your team!
Meeting up before your escape room minimises the chances of arriving to your experience late which will not benefit you or your hosts. Generally speaking most locations will prefer it if you arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, but the booking email or website FAQ should advise. Your host (Game Master) will love you for being on-time and prepared. A good Game Master can make or break your experience, so it won’t hurt to start off on a good foot.
Getting Your Introduction
Prior to your game, you will normally receive an introduction of what to expect, and any rules. Pay close attention! Every escape room company is different, and rules may change even on a room-by-room basis within a particular company.
The rules are there to help you maximise your time. Don’t waste it trying to climb on things or using items more than once if you have been told otherwise. You’ll also be advised as to what system there is for hints. Hint systems vary from using walkie-talkies, reading text from a monitor, or receiving visual clues.
After a general introduction, you will find out the backstory to your room, normally either from your Game Master or a video. Immersion is an important part of the experience, so whether you’re breaking out of jail, or curing a zombie virus, let yourself escape from reality and assume the role that lies before you.
