Escape Rooms are themed rooms where you and your team have to find clues and solve puzzles to either escape the room or complete a goal within the allotted time (usually 60 minutes).
Choosing an Escape Room
If you're lucky, there are already a few options available in your city or region. Sites like TripAdvisor or Yelp can give you an idea of the most popular escape room businesses in your area, and that's a good place to start. Take a look at the different themes and stories, and choose one that seems interesting or exciting to you. Do you feel up to trying to rob a bank? Or maybe you'd rather try to stop the nuclear missile launch before time runs out? Maybe escaping the clutches of a serial killer is more your style! Consider who might be on your team, as some themes and physical requirements may not suit everyone.
Companies are generally pretty good at stating what is expected of players, as well as whether there are any fear factors. Not all rooms require being literally locked, and most don't have horror themes, so don't let that deter you.
Picking Your Team and Making a Booking
Ideally, you'll want people who know each other well enough to communicate effectively and who know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Diversity isn't a bad thing either, as different approaches and mindsets will help strengthen the team as a whole.
Escape room games are a great alternative for team building exercises, improving communication and teamwork skills. They are also a great social activity with friends and family, and can bridge the gap between young and old!
Some escape rooms take reservations until the room's capacity is reached, which means you could end up playing with strangers if you don't reserve all available slots. Other escape room companies will offer you the entire room as a private reservation. It is important to check this when booking to avoid potential disappointment. Playing with strangers isn't always as bad as it sounds, but for your first time, it's probably best to stick with people you know!
Escape room capabilities can vary greatly; most have a minimum requirement of 2 people, and the maximum can range from 4 to 10 people or more. For a first timer, it doesn't hurt to have plenty of hands to help you, but you'll probably find that the more you play, the more you want to see everything for yourself. A large team runs the risk of not allowing you to solve or participate as much as you'd like, or even missing entire puzzles while you're in another part of the room. After a few games, it might be a good idea to call an escape room to get their advice on optimal team sizes for specific rooms if you're unsure.
Once you have booked, make sure you get a confirmation email and start getting excited!