5 things to know before playing for 1st (or 100th) escape room.
Looking to play an Escape-a-torium Escape room, possibly for the first time? We’ve compiled some of our favorite tips and tricks for new (and returning) players
- Arrive early and be prepared to listen.
When booking an escape room, your start time is when your clock starts, not when you should arrive. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to sign waivers (you can also sign these online), use the restroom, familiarize yourselves with the locks, and listen to your cluemaster explain the concept, rules and storyline. Remember, there will probably be a group waiting to play the room after you, and your cluemaster needs time to take your winners post game photo and reset the adventure for the next team!
- Work as a team.
Working together in an escape adventure is vital to your success. If you find something, no matter how trivial it may seem, it could become important later, or it may be the missing piece that your teammate needs to solve the puzzle they are working on. While it’s tempting to try and be the hero and solve the puzzles on your own, communication is key. Listen to everyone in the party, especially the kids. We love chiming in when asked for assistance to simply let the adults know that the kid had the answer all along. Teamwork is key to a successful escape room experience!
- Manage your time wisely.
Time management is the most important aspect to being successful in your escape room experience. I would allow 8-10 minutes to really explore your space before getting worried. While you don’t want to ask for and receive a hint every 5 minutes, you also don’t want to stare at the walls and waste a good bit of your time without asking for help. Different escape rooms offer different levels of help as well as different ways to receive those hints. At Escape-A-Torium, we feel that this is your experience and let you tell us how you’d like to be treated. Some groups ask that we as cluemasters chime in, when we see that it’s obvious you need help, and others prefer to struggle until they decide to ask for help. As a cluemaster, I prefer option number 1, as we generally have an idea of how you are progressing and can help you when we see that you need it without giving you too much information. This helps keep you moving, and while it doesn’t guarantee success, it gives you a much better chance of escaping in 60 minutes.
- Tips & Tricks
Research your room before booking. Most companies give a description of the room as well as the difficulty level. Make sure you are playing a room that goes along with your confidence level. Escape room clues are usually right in front of you, and are also the most difficult thing to find. Some tips for first time players include look at everything. Check pockets, flip through pages of books, thoroughly explore your space. However, if something doesn’t move easily or appears permanently affixed to the wall, it isn’t meant to be moved. When you think you’ve solved a puzzle and you have a set of numbers or letters, there will always be an order. Revisit the puzzle and look at all aspects of that puzzle to help determine the order. Sometimes the easiest solution is the correct solution. Some escape rooms consist of multiple rooms. Don’t assume that once you have completed a room you won’t need to go back.
- Embrace the adventure and have fun
Escape rooms are meant to be a challenge AND fun at the same time. Winning is not always guaranteed, so make sure you embrace every success along the way whether you ultimately escape or not. Enjoy the immersive environment, the time you’re spending with your friends, family or coworkers, and solving the puzzles.
Now you’re ready to play!
Now that you know what to expect, you’re ready to book your room at Fayetteville’s Escape-A-Torium Escape Adventures. We offer three immersive experiences right here in downtown Fayetteville, West Virginia. With themes such as “The Secret Bunker,” “The Feud” and “Scare BnB you’re sure to find an experience that is right for you.