How to play an escape room!

I am often asked if I have any #escaperoom "tips," so I thought I better share my thoughts.

Firstly, listen to the game master and the rules! They are not trying to trick you, they want to help you and make sure you have fun whilst staying safe!

• If the rules say "you won't need to climb"... guess what, YOU DON'T NEED TO CLIMB.

• If the gamester says "you won't need to use a clue more than once," they are not trying to trick you. Not all escape rooms say this, and if its not mentioned, it cannot be assumed. Some escape rooms will use a clue or prop more than once, so don't forget what you've used earlier one.

• Some escape rooms have a symbol which shows that a lock, prop, door etc. is not part of the game, again, they are not tricks! You don't need to worry about them, they are probably used for resetting or fixing things.

Secondly, stay organised and communicate with your team.

• I like to look around the room and tell my team what locks and things to open there are in the room. E.g. "3 digit number lock on this drawer" or "5 digit letter lock to open this box." By knowing all the locks, you will know what type codes you are looking for and where to put them if you find a code.

• Make sure you show your team what you've used and what you've opened... you don't want them trying to solve something that you've already solved.

Thirdly, READ THINGS...

• I am not saying to read a whole book, but if there is a note with instructions... read them. You wouldn't believe how many times people can't solve or find things simply because they have neglected to read a clue.

Lastly, know when and how to ask for help!

• Forget your pride, ask for hints... if you've found that you haven't done anything for a while, or are not sure what to do for a puzzle... Ask! A game master will very rarely give you the answers, they prefer to give cryptic clues that point you in the right direction but don't tell you exactly what to do. This way, you can still say you solved it yourself.

• Know the hint system for the particular room you are playing. Some venues use different hint systems for their different rooms, whilst some use the same for everything.

• Hint systems that I have seen are: "voice of god", walkie talkies, iPad/tablet, hint button, a phone in the room, dumb waiter pulley and visual and word clues popping up on a tv or computer screen.

• Know if you have a limit... but also know that its not normally strict. I have definitely used more than the "limit" of hints... the game master shouldn't just stop helping you.

#puzzle #escaperoomtips #escapetheroom #roomescape #puzzleroom #enigma #tipsandtricks #escaperoomsyd #escaperoomaus