We’ve seen a huge variety of players and groups over the years, but one thing they all have in common is feeling slightly frustrated when they fail to escape in time.

You’re not unlucky, unintelligent or cursed; yes,

escape rooms are challenging – but anyone should be able to escape in time, given they avoid these five simple blunders.

Let’s take a look at what they might be…

Over-Scavenging

Object hunts are a common puzzle that you’re likely to find at nearly every escape room venue. However, being a standard inclusion doesn’t mean there will be multiple object hunts in the same room – that wouldn’t be particularly fun!

Groups tend to get caught up in the scavenging aspect of escape rooms and will waste a big chunk of their time looking for objects that simply aren’t there. If you find a hidden object, great! Now it’s time to move onto something else.

Hoarding

Escape rooms are a group activity! There’s nothing more frustrating than players who take it upon themselves to play the role of “The Lone Wolf”.

If you find anything that might resemble an object of significance, place it somewhere accessible and inform your team members. 

Communication Breakdown

What does communication mean exactly? Fighting tooth and nail to get a word in over your teammates? We’ve seen it happen! Effective communication involves listening, being receptive to ideas and sharing your own without having to raise your voice.

Choosing to keep quiet with an idea that may be perceived as silly or outlandish is also the wrong approach. After all, you’re in an escape room! The weird and wacky are always welcome here!

Disorganisation

Remember: we’re not here to tell you how to play an escape game. You’re free to play ANY way you wish! Whether that’s slow & steady, fast & furious, ordered, chaotic – it’s entirely up to you.

However, if you’re concerned with escaping in time, a bit of organisation will help your group tremendously. Appointing a leader and assigning roles, strategising before entering the room and constantly checking in with the location of found objects are all organisational techniques you can try implementing! 

Wrong Mentality

“Life ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward” – Rocky Balboa

Having to overcome obstacles is as true in escape rooms as it is in real life. Choosing to mope around and feel sorry for yourself after encountering your first one will only lead to frustration and, ultimately, failure.

A positive, can-do mindset can make a world of difference to your escape experience. Be the player your teammates look to for inspiration!