The popularity of escape room experiences are on the rise every single day, and regardless of whether you’ve already been to one or you overheard your mates talking about it, it promises to be one of the best team-building activities.
The main reason for entering an escape room is to, well, escape! Themes will differ for every escape room, ranging from movies through to the scenes described in books. If the escape room concept is brand new for you then this article will give you an idea of what you’re going to be experiencing, and how to escape.
Stage 1: find objects and puzzles
As you enter an escape room you will need to scour the room to find any items of significance, and loose items could prove helpful. Your games master would normally warn you if you shouldn’t be touching certain objects in advance. Items with no importance will sometimes be taped off or have different colour-coding. Get all of the loose items together and put them in one place in the room, then sort through your findings. Once you’re done you’ll have a better idea of what comes next, so start issuing the puzzles and objects between your team. You may even stumble across a set of keys on your first search, and if you do then look for a lock to open with the key. Start solving the puzzles before moving onto the next stage.
Stage 2: Logical puzzles can be tricky
At this point, you’ll have a wealth of objects to hand, but you won’t know what to use them for. The majority of objects will, in fact, be useless with only a handful having anything to do with the game. Many rooms don’t intend to be deceptive, and often the item you’re holding is in its simplest form. Sometimes puzzles require you to solve equations such as object 1+object 2= something? The objects should have numbers written on them which is where you’ll need to work out a calculation. Often you will find a lock that has numbers on it or something as simple as a key lock that relates to these objects.
Stage 3: password encrypted locks
It’s not uncommon to solve one puzzle to be greeted with another one consisting of letter and number combos. Where these combinations need to go can be hugely varied, but on occasion, it could be as simple as entering it into a safe, a briefcase, a lockbox or a computer system. In some cases, it will involve you using the combination to fix some sort of gadget.
Stage 4: Fix items to secure an escape
This kind of game will go one of two ways, you’ll have items that need batteries, or batteries that don’t have the associated item. The item might be a radio, perhaps a clock, or even a torch. Let’s suppose you have a radio, you will either need to listen to a tape or find the correct frequency.
With a display gadget, the number shown will normally be the answer to the puzzle.
Stage 5: getting creative
Most rooms you visit will be hugely creative, whereas others might be a little less than average. If you get a room whose designer understands how many of us think and what moves we’re likely to make next then you’ll have a fantastic room. On the other hand, if the room is too abstract things could take a turn for the worse!