Have you ever been stuck in an escape room, desperately trying to pull at an unopened lock, turning a picture frame over and over, or aimlessly walking in circles? Then this article is for you!
Whether it’s your first time at an escape room or you are an expert escapee with multiple wins under your belt, everyone is bound to get stuck at some point in time. Accepting you are stuck is the first step towards getting unstuck. So, instead of freezing in place when you realize you are stuck, try out these helpful tips in order to get back on track and beat the clock!
1. Search Every Nook and Cranny (And Then Do It Again!)
Although it’s good escape room practice to check every corner of the room, it’s human nature to miss a spot. Retracing your steps and giving the room a second look is necessary in moments of panic. Maybe you forgot to open a drawer that is hiding a vital clue or overlooked a phrase that ties into the final puzzle. Whatever it is, you are likely going to find it if you take the time to re-examine your surroundings.
2. Take a Breather from That Difficult Puzzle
Have you spent a good chunk of time on a single puzzle? This is your sign to take a break. Forcing yourself to finish a puzzle can sometimes do more harm than good. Remember that these difficult puzzles are designed to make you struggle, so give yourself some slack and walk away from the puzzle you are wrestling with. Whether it’s helping a teammate with their own puzzle or going back to our first tip (Search every nook and cranny!), make sure you regain your focus and come back to the puzzle from a new angle.
3. Revisit the Storyline
Every escape room comes with a story. Are you trying to escape an evil wizard’s curse or attempting to retrieve a time medallion from a Pharaoh’s tomb? Context is key during your escape room experience, so give your storyline a reread in order to retain all of those tiny details you might’ve forgotten! You may find that the overarching narrative gives you clues to certain puzzles or codes.
4. Ask for a Clue!
Finally, if all else fails, it’s time to ask for some help. Yes, we know … asking for help can oftentimes feel like a defeat, but we are here to assure you that there is no shame in needing a little help from your Escape Guide. They are there to make your escape adventure a thrilling experience, and watching the countdown clock near the feared zero is not helping it. So, allow your Escape Guide to give you a little nudge in the right direction. This will keep the game going and maintain the fun environment you and your team have going on!
We hope this handful of tips will help you the next time you feel stuck in an escape room! Remember that no escape room is unbeatable, some are simply more challenging than others.
Nervous about your first visit to an escape room? Read our blog on the most common puzzles you’ll encounter in an escape room to prepare!
Will You Make it Out?
With only 60 minutes on the clock, it is up to you and your teammates to work together to decipher clues and free yourself from the room.
