New to escape rooms and looking for the essential must-knows before tackling your very first game?
Searching for tips and tricks to make your debut a success?
Need help with choosing an adventure, or wondering if the challenges are very difficult?
Well, you’re at the right place.
Get the inside scoop on escape games courtesy of Lost Reality Escape Room in Perth.
A brief history of escape rooms
A history lesson you’ll actually like!
Originally inspired by video games and live-action role-playing games, escape rooms first emerged in Japan around 2007.
They immediately gained immense popularity and started expanding to other Asian countries.
However, it wasn’t until 2011-12 that escape rooms started opening in Europe (Parapark in Hungary), the USA (SCRAP/Real Escape Game in San Francisco) and Australia (Escape Room Melbourne).
And there’s been no looking back since then!
Do escape rooms have any mental and/or physical benefits?
No, they won’t make an Einstein out of you…but then again, how many Einsteins can the world handle?
Escape rooms aren’t just about fun and games – they also offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Enhanced problem-solving skills.
- Improved communication and teamwork.
- Boosted creativity and critical thinking.
- A great opportunity for social interaction.
To learn more, visit our blog post on the physical and mental benefits of escape rooms.
How escape rooms work
The experience takes place inside a themed room that’s specially designed to simulate a specific game environment.
Once you’ve chosen your adventure, you’ll be sent into the room where you and your group will have to solve a series of puzzles, riddles and clues to win the adventure…within a set time limit.
To be clear, this isn’t like a test – there’s a storyline and narrative underpinning the experience, and which will gradually unfold as you proceed through the challenge.
We will revisit this aspect in a bit…
Different types of escape rooms
- Different themes: Check our games page, and you’ll find numerous adventure themes ranging from magical fantasy to detective fiction and even a classic murder mystery.
- Different difficulty levels: Some escape rooms rank their games by a difficulty score, while others have difficulty levels.
- Generally speaking, there are 3 kinds of escape rooms: Easy (for beginners), Moderately difficult (for casual players), and Very hard (for seasoned enthusiasts).
- Different generations: Depending on the kind of technology used and other attributes, escape rooms may be:
- 1st Gen: A series of lock-based challenges, riddles and so on, with only a thin storyline.
- 2nd Gen: Some electronic puzzles introduced, mission-based games, and special effects.
- 3rd Gen: Higher-level tech like RFID sensors, with newer themes sometimes based on popular movies.
- 4th Gen: Designers use Virtual and Augmented Reality to overcome the physical limitations of the room and also empower players to influence the outcome.
What to expect during your visit
From the pre-game briefing to the tips and tricks for spotting and solving clues and puzzles and a brief word about the time limit, here’s what to expect on your outing.
Pre-game briefing
Before you enter the room, the game master will talk to you about the game. Typically, this pre-game briefing focuses on two aspects:
- Safety rules that you’ll have to follow during the game.
- Crucial game information, which could contain insight that’ll come in handy to solve the game. Keep this in mind!
The role of the game master
He/she plays a key role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable escape room experience for you!
- They will brief you before the game and also (as we shall see in a bit) debrief you afterwards.
- They’ll monitor your progress through the adventure and will offer help if you seem to be struggling.
- In any emergency, they’re the ones to turn to.
- If you need a hint, feel uncomfortable or want to leave the room, tell your game master.
Basics tips and tricks for clues and puzzles
- Keep your eyes open; anything can be a clue or puzzle. Seriously, anything.
- Ask teammates for help if needed. Two heads are better than one, right?
- Keep clues in one place so anyone can check the clues you’ve found. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- Don’t panic if you get stuck. Remember, it’s all part of the fun.
The time limit
As you may well know, escape room games have a time limit within which you must accomplish your “mission”.
Usually, this is 60 minutes, but there’s no hard and fast rule; there are games that last only half an hour, and there are adventures where you get 90 minutes to escape!
This might seem a bummer, but the “ticking clock” gives you an extra adrenaline rush, which adds to the attraction!
How to prepare for your first escape room
From choosing an appropriate room to assembling a great team and even what to wear – here’s how to prepare for your escape room debut!
Choosing the right escape room
- The theme should appeal to your entire team. Pick something that gets everyone excited!
- Remember we discussed difficulty levels/scores? Don’t choose a room that’s too challenging. You don’t want to bite off more than you can chew.
- Check reviews. Trust your fellow escape enthusiasts.
Building a great team
Having a diverse team with different skill sets can help you solve puzzles faster. Here’s what you need:
- Choose people you’re close to. Familiarity breeds success.
- Choose people with different skills. Jacks of all trades, assemble!
- Try to have at least one person who’s done escape rooms before. They can show you the ropes.
What should you wear?
- Loose clothing that allows you to reach out and move freely. Comfort is key.
- Footwear that helps you move without tripping. Save the heels for another day.
- Avoid things like jewellery. You don’t want to lose your precious belongings in the heat of the moment.
For more tips, review our escape room outfits blog.
Tips and strategies for winning beating an escape room on your first attempt
Sometimes, it feels nice to mis-spell stuff…
From effective teamwork to creative thinking, here are a few tips and tricks to help you emerge a winner on your first escape room visit.
Communication and teamwork
- Why they matter: Strong communication and teamwork are essential for success in escape rooms. They make it easier to solve puzzles, share clues, and keep everyone on the same page.
- Tips for effective communication: Speak clearly, listen actively, and share your thoughts with the group. Remember, a closed mouth doesn’t get fed!
- Tips for effective teamwork: Collaborate and support each other, and don’t be afraid to take the lead when needed. Go, team!
- Delegating tasks: Assign roles based on individual strengths and divide tasks efficiently to conquer the room.
Quick thinking and creative thinking
Quick thinking and creative thinking are essential skills in escape rooms, where players are often pressed for time to solve puzzles and riddles.
Quick thinking is necessary to identify patterns and make decisions on the fly.
In contrast, creative thinking is necessary to think outside the box, find alternative solutions, and connect seemingly unrelated clues.
For instance, players may have to use quick thinking to figure out how to shortcut a maze challenge; while creative thinking would be required to break a custom-made cipher.
Time management
- Set priorities: Focus on the most crucial puzzles first and allocate time wisely.
- Avoid distractions: Stay on track and don’t get sidetracked by cool room decor, props or special effects.
- Have a dedicated timekeeper: Assign someone to watch the clock and keep the team on their toes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Here’s an escape room strategy that the pros follow: if you have no clue (pardon the pun) how to approach a clue or a challenge, just ask for help.
Yes, cracking your first escape room without asking for hints is a huge scalp…but you could easily end up losing the game – after all, escape rooms are not meant to be easy, walkthrough challenges!
Escape room etiquette
From respecting the game master and valuing their advice to keeping your phone on silent/switched off and avoiding disturbing other groups, here are some key escape room etiquettes you should know about!
Respect for the game master
One of the most important aspects of escape room etiquette is treating the game master with courtesy and respect.
As we explained above, they play a key role in your experience.
So, listen carefully to their instructions and advice, and don’t ignore what they say.
Don’t use your phone inside the room
Escape rooms are designed to be immersive experiences that challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Using your phone inside the room can ruin the experience for you and the others.
Keep your phone on silent or switched off, and stay fully engaged in the game. Remember, the real world can wait!
Avoid disturbing other groups
Often, multiple groups will be tackling different games at the same location. It’s essential for each team to be respectful of other players’ experiences.
Be mindful of noise levels, and don’t spoil the experience for others.
Don’t touch or move objects that don’t belong to your group, and try to stay within your designated area.
Not revealing spoilers
Escape rooms often have intricate plots and surprising twists that can be ruined by spoilers. When you share your experience on social media, or give them a review, avoid revealing spoilers or solutions to puzzles to other players who haven’t played the game yet.
Keep the game’s secrets to yourself, and don’t spoil the fun for future players.
After the game
The experience is anything but cheesy, but saying “cheese” afterwards is tradition.
From gaining insight into your strong and weak points via the debriefing to posing for a group photo and having a post-escape dinner, here are some ways to keep up the fun even after the game has ended!
Take part in the debriefing to understand your weak points
We talked about this earlier, remember?
The post-game debriefing is an essential part of the escape room experience.
Use it to identify areas for improvement and learn from your experience.
The game master will often provide feedback on how well you did, what you did right and where you went wrong.
This is how you use each adventure as a stepping stone on your journey to becoming an escape room pro/escape artist.
Gather for the group photo
Don’t forget to take a group photo to remember your escape room adventure!
This is a fun way to capture the moment and look back on it later.
Many escape room venues have a designated photo area, so be sure to ask your game master where to take the photo.
Have a post-escape dinner at a nearby restaurant
Solving puzzles can work up an appetite, and what better way to celebrate your victory or learn from your defeat than with a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant?
Escape rooms are often located in bustling areas with plenty of dining options, so take advantage of the opportunity to bond with your team over a meal.
Plus, it’s a great way to continue the fun and camaraderie after the game has ended.
Did you know escape rooms are a great option for personal events?
Escape rooms are perfect for various occasions, such as:
- Birthdays: Celebrate another trip around the sun with an exciting escape room experience!
- Graduations: Mark the end of an educational chapter with a thrilling adventure!
- Date nights: Think about it – what better way to rise above the “dinner and a movie” routine?
- Team-building events: Strengthen bonds and build trust among colleagues.
- And many other lesser-known events as well.
Frequently asked questions
From how to prepare for an escape room to whether escape rooms let you win – here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
What do I need to know before going to an escape room?
It’s all about the experience!
Escape rooms are designed not only to be full of challenging puzzles but also to whisk you away on an adventure.
Just turn up with an open mind and prepare yourself for a new and exciting experience.
How do I prepare for an escape room?
Choose the right escape room by considering your team’s interests, room difficulty, and reviews.
And build a diverse team with different skills and, if possible, at least one person with prior escape room experience.
Lost Reality Adds: Escape rooms test all sorts of skills – your logic, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, so trying any puzzles beforehand may help you prepare.
Are escape rooms hard to solve?
Well, what fun would there be if you could just waltz through the game with nothing to really challenge your skills?
Here’s the deal about escape room difficulty: They can be easy, moderately challenging, or very difficult.
First-timers should go for easy rooms.
That being said, on average, escape rooms have an escape rate of 15-30% (or 20-40%), depending on who you ask.
So if you do manage to break out on your first try, very well done!
If you don’t, don’t worry – there’s always next time!
Insight from Lost Reality: Our escape rooms are meant to be challenging but not impossible. If you ever get stuck you can always grab a hint from one of our friendly game masters!
Can you beat an escape room easily?
As we just said, escape rooms are meant to be challenging.
On the other hand, this isn’t an exam.
Aim to have as much fun as possible. Don’t obsess about how challenging you may or may not find it.
A tip from Lost Reality: Remember, practice makes perfect! The more escape rooms you play, the better you’ll become at solving them.
How do you solve escape rooms fast?
- Communication and teamwork are crucial; always share information and delegate tasks.
- Use quick thinking and creative thinking to solve puzzles.
- Prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.
Do escape rooms let you win?
No, escape rooms don’t give you a “cheat code” or “walkthrough” on request, but you can always ask for a hint if you find yourself stuck on a clue or puzzle.
Ultimately, it’s up to your team’s skills and cooperation to succeed.
How do you always solve an escape room?
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy, but these tips can increase your chances of success:
- Communicate effectively with your team.
- Think creatively and quickly.
- Manage your time wisely.
- Learn from your previous experiences and apply those lessons to future challenges.
And finally, remember – escape rooms are all about having fun, so don’t stress too much about always winning!
Key takeaways
Here are your key takeaways from this blog post about your first escape room visit:
- Have fun and bond with your team: The main goal is to enjoy the experience and create lasting memories with your group.
- Make it part of a day out with your group: Combine the escape room adventure with other activities for an action-packed day.
- How you can improve your performance: Learn from each experience and apply the lessons learned to future escape room challenges.
Start planning!
Now that you know everything you need to know, it’s time to start planning your escape room outing so you can put your newfound skills to the test!
Check out the escape room games that we have, and select one that’s beginner friendly and whose theme you and your group will connect them.
Contact us if you have any questions – whether it’s about group sizes, special requests or whether the rooms are suitable for folks with claustrophobia, anxiety and so on.
Looking to celebrate an occasion? Make an event booking with us.
And let your escape adventure begin!
