Escape rooms are popular team building activities wherein a group of people are locked in a themed room and must solve puzzles and challenges to escape before the time runs out. It is an immersive and interactive activity that requires teamwork and communication among two to six people to complete tasks. If you have gathered your team for your first escape room activity, here are some tips to help you prepare:

Tips for Beginners: How to Prepare for Your First Escape Room Experience

Dress Comfortably

Escape rooms often involve physical activities, including reaching objects on high surfaces or crawling through tight spaces, so choose an outfit that will not restrict your movement.

Arrive Early

Each escape room may have its own set of instructions and rules, so give yourself time to settle in and complete any necessary paperwork prior to the activity. It may be helpful to bring your confirmation or booking details as well as valid identification for a smooth check in at the venue. You may also need to place some of your items in a locker prior to entering the escape room.

Listen to the Briefing

Each escape room has a different theme and experience. Prior to entering the escape room, the game master will give you a background story of the escape room and will brief your team on the rules and objectives of the game. Be sure to pay attention to the briefing, as the game master may also provide specific instructions unique to the escape room. These guidelines will help you navigate through the puzzles and challenges for a successful escape.

Communicate and Collaborate

Assign roles to different members of the team to distribute responsibilities, leverage individual strengths, and maximize efficiency. Depending on the number of members on your team, some common roles that can be assigned are:

– Coordinator: This person can make quick decisions, delegate tasks to team members, and keep the team focused on the objectives of the game. The coordinator makes sure that the team is working together and communicating with each other throughout the activity. Some escape rooms allow players to ask the game master a limited number of questions during the session; the coordinator can be instrumental in prioritizing and deciding which questions to ask!
– Observer: This person will thoroughly search the room and communicate their findings to the team. They should pay close attention to the surroundings and examine the details of the room. They should have a keen eye for hidden clues or objects that others might overlook, such as hidden compartments, codes, or keys.
– Puzzle Solver: This person will tackle the challenges found the team by deciphering codes, solving riddles, and identifying puzzles.
– Timekeeper: This person will be responsible for monitoring the time left and ensuring the team can escape the room before the allotted time runs out. The timekeeper will remind team members of time constraint, so that the team can work together to manage time effectively and ensure that no puzzle or task is consuming an excessive amount of time.
– Notetaker: Although there may not be an opportunity to literally take down notes during the game, the notetaker will keep track of all the information, clues, and codes discovered throughout the room and makes sure that no important detail is overlooked or forgotten.

These roles are flexible, and team members do not need to exclusively work on their assigned tasks. Team members may need to wear multiple hats throughout the game, but the assigned roles can provide guidelines on the tasks each team member should prioritize. Voice out any findings or questions as you work through your tasks, and ask your team members for help if you feel stuck on a single task. Team communication and collaboration will be essential for a successful escape room session.

Stay Calm and Focused

Entering an escape room for the first time can be overwhelming. If you were assigned a specific role, concentrate on the tasks assigned to you and keep distractions to a minimum. Keep an eye out for any clues, hidden objects, patterns, symbols, or anything that seems out of place. Many escape rooms have set time limits; it is important to stay calm as you manage your time wisely.

Enjoy the Experience

Escape rooms are meant to be enjoyable activities that foster camaraderie and critical thinking. Embrace the challenges and celebrate small wins with your team. Do not panic, and trust that your team can work together through the challenges.

Regardless of the result, an escape room is a fun way to spend time and bond with others. With these tips in mind, you can shake off first day jitters and embark on your first escape room adventure!