We completed more than 250 escape rooms, including all of the PanIQ Escape Room Atlanta rooms, with a 92% escape rate. We were only able to achieve this number by consciously applying the best tips to win an escape room game we had compiled:
#1. Choose the Right Partners for the Room
It can be very tempting to get a cheaper ticket for a public room in one place. However, if you want to get one of the best escape times on the leaderboard, we do not recommend this type of game. Believe me when I say this. We are on the leaderboard of the PanIQ Escape Room Boston.
It is important who is on your team. Every person is different and everyone has different puzzle types. If a spot on the leaderboard is what you want, we recommend you play a private game with a balanced and experienced team. On average, 4-5 is the number of players you can ideally fit in a room. Therefore, there should be preferably 4-5 people on your team, with a variety in age from children to grandparents, to help give the widest range of perspectives. Be sure to have experienced friends to play with. If you are doing it mainly for fun, then beginners and experienced players are the way to go!
#2. Communication
Proper communication within the team is very important. It is recommended to appoint a leader to manage the group, lead communication, and help make sure no hints are missed. If you have any comments or clues, be sure to share them with the others! There should be no shouting or arguing because important information can be difficult to pass on to each other. Only say something loudly when you have solved a puzzle or something has happened.
#3. Teamwork
Once you have decided who will be the leader of the team, divide into 2-3 small groups. Each small group should investigate one puzzle. If you get stuck, switch. It may be easy for the other group to do that particular puzzle. Do not crowd! Make room to think and look around!
#4. Move Deliberately
When you find hints, keys, or anything of interest, keep it in one place if possible, such as a table or corner of the room. This will save you a lot of time later!
Notice the pattern of puzzles in the room. You may be able to solve several puzzles at once, or you may find that you can only move in a certain order.
#5. Listen to the Game Master
Game masters are there to help your gameplay, not hinder it. They want you to have fun and succeed! Ask for a hint when you are really stuck. Some escape rooms have a limited number of hints, so keep that in mind. If the game master sends help, follow it carefully. If you have already done something and they send you to help with it, let them know. They are human and can sometimes make mistakes. Do not be aggressive with them.
#6. Solve a Puzzle Efficiently
When you start to solve a puzzle, do it very carefully. If you rush and hurry, you could lose more time. Most importantly, if something doesn’t work the first time, don’t break the games. In escape rooms, you don’t need to use force to solve puzzles. If something is stuck it’s because it will open when you’ve solved it, or it’s just decoration. Listen if the gamemaster says to be careful with an object! Often the solution is in the details!
#7. Other
Here are a few more tips and ideas that will save you more time when you arrive and enhance your escape room experience:
- Fill out the waiver before you arrive
- Don’t be intoxicated when you arrive
- If you wear glasses, be sure to bring them with you
- Before the time countdown starts, quickly scan the room
- If you feel tired or sick, skip the game
- Don’t keep checking the time
I hope you enjoyed these best tips to win an escape room game. If you follow these, you’re guaranteed to have a better experience and increase your escape rate. If you want to have a birthday party in an escape room, be sure to read our Escape Room Birthday Party article.