When playing in an escape room, it's likely that you'll need to crouch and look under objects, and maybe even crawl on the floor at times.
On the Day
When playing in an escape room, it's likely that you'll need to crouch and look under objects, and maybe even crawl on the floor at times. Wearing comfortable, stretchy clothing is a wise option. I recommend meeting your teammates in advance at a location close to the escape room, ideally at a cafe or bar within walking distance. Now is also the time to develop a game plan! Math skills, steady hand, knowledge of Morse code; make known all the hidden talents that can be useful in a puzzle situation.
I recommend eating something and drinking a caffeinated beverage before playing to ensure you are in optimal mental and physical condition. Solving puzzles and working against the clock is more tiring than you think, and you'll want to be as focused as possible for the entire experience. With this in mind, I strongly advise against drinking alcohol before escape rooms. This will decrease your performance and increase the chances of breaking something and frustrating your team!
Meeting before your escape room minimizes the risks of arriving late to your experience, which will not be beneficial to either you or your hosts. In general, most venues will prefer that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time, but the booking email or website FAQ should advise you. Your host (Game Master) will love you for your punctuality and preparation. A good Game Master can make or break your experience, so starting off on the right foot won't hurt.
Getting Your Introduction
Before your game, you will usually receive an introduction on what to expect and the rules to follow. Be careful! Every escape room company is different, and the rules can even vary from one room to another within the same company.
The rules are there to help you maximize your time. Don't waste it trying to climb on things or using items more than once if you've been told not to. You will also be informed about the hint system. Cue systems vary, from using walkie-talkies to reading text on a monitor or receiving visual cues.
After a general introduction, you will discover the history of your room, usually from your Game Master or through a video. Immersion is an important part of the experience, so whether you're escaping from prison or curing a zombie virus, let yourself escape reality and take on the role that awaits you.