Escape Room Rules: How to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

Posted on February 1, 2024
by Faith Neece
Escape rooms have taken the world by storm, and it's easy to see why. These challenging games are a great way to bond with friends, relieve stress, and test your puzzle-solving skills. However, as with any game, there are rules that must be followed to ensure that everyone has a positive and fun experience. In this blog post, we'll be covering three important escape room rules that you should keep in mind during your next game. So, let's get started!

Play Aggressive (Not Destructive)
Escape rooms are a completely immersive experience where you can physically handle props to solve the game. You’re free to handle any object in the room, but just be careful not to break anything. You're not in a demolition derby - you're in an escape room. 
Nothing you need to open will require more than about two fingers of force. If something isn’t moving with that amount of pressure, it’s probably not supposed to move! If you have any questions about any parts of the room, ask your escape room game master.
Remember, the room has been designed to be challenging, but not impossible. If you're stuck, take a step back and think about the clues that you've already found; you might have missed something that could help you progress.

Exploring the Ceiling Is Not Necessary
While the ceiling might seem like an obvious place to look for clues, there's usually nothing up there except dust and cobwebs. You don't want to waste your precious time searching for clues in a place where you're unlikely to find anything. Instead, focus on the areas of the room that are within arms' reach. Look behind paintings, under tables, and inside drawers. You never know where the next clue might be hiding.


Photos Are Great… Outside of the Game
Many escape room companies ask players not to take photos or videos of the room during the game, including us at Breakout. This is done for two main reasons. First, we want to maintain the integrity of the game. If players are taking photos, they might accidentally give away clues to other groups who haven't played yet. Second, photos can spoil the surprise for other players who haven't had a chance to experience the game for themselves. So, while it might be tempting to snap a quick photo, it's best to wait until after the game is over to capture those memories.

Conclusion
We hope that these three rules have helped you understand what to expect from your next escape room experience. Remember, the key to a successful game is communication, collaboration, and a willingness to think outside the box. Play aggressively, but not destructively; avoid exploring the ceiling, and save the photos for outside of the game. With these rules in mind, you're sure to have a blast during your next escape room adventure!

Ready to book your next game? Explore our rooms here.