10 things I wish I knew before I played my first escape room. (2023 Edition)

Every first-time experience brings a flutter of anticipation and curiosity. Escape rooms, with their blend of mystery and excitement, were no different for me. At first, I was unsure about the idea of being 'locked' in a room (though today, most escape rooms don't actually lock you in).

As I dipped my toes into the thrilling world of escape rooms, I quickly discovered the buzz around them was well-deserved. After my initial taste of the adrenaline spike that came with unlocking my first clue, I was hooked.

Now, as a seasoned escape room enthusiast, I wish to share some wisdom I've gathered along the way. Here are ten things I wish I had known before stepping into my first escape room:

1. Escape Rooms are for Everyone: Regardless of your age, experience, or skill set, if you're reading this, you're capable of enjoying an escape room. While physical demands are minimal, the potential for fun is unlimited.

2. Not Everything is a Clue: In your quest for hidden keys, cryptic notes, or secret puzzles, remember not all items in the room serve a purpose. Counting ceiling tiles, for instance, might not be the best use of your time!

3. Triple-check Everything: The golden rule of escape room players is to be thorough. Try a correct code on everything, ask teammates to do the same, and always double-check if a lock has already been opened.

4. Hints are Your Best Friends: If the Game Master sends a hint, it's probably the most important thing you should focus on. Remember, they've seen the game played countless times; their guidance can be invaluable.

5. Time is Precious, but Don't Panic: While the ticking clock adds to the thrill, don't let it rattle you. Panicking is a guaranteed way to hinder your progress.

6. Avoid Distractions: It's easy to lose focus when multiple things are happening simultaneously. Always pay attention to the last thing you unlocked and why.

7. Math Can Be Your Friend: It's not uncommon for escape rooms to feature math-based puzzles. So when assembling your team, try to include at least one person who's comfortable with numbers.

8. Logic is Your Ally: Even when a puzzle seems unsolvable, applying logical reasoning can often lead to a breakthrough.

9. Breaking Things is Not Necessary: Escape rooms aren't designed for destruction. Respect the props and settings - they're meant to be used by hundreds of players.

10. Teamwork is Essential: Don't try to be a superhero and solve everything on your own. Communication and collaboration are key ingredients for success in escape rooms.

Those are the ten insights I wish someone had shared with me before I embarked on my first escape room journey. Stay tuned for my next blog post where I'll discuss a unique escape room experience - Solo Escapes!