How to Unlock a Lock In an Escape Room

We all are fairly familiar with simple keys and locks like you'd find on your front door, but escape rooms are built to surprise you, so even the locks you might find in an escape room may be like nothing you've ever seen before! One of the most common questions we get is what to expect in an escape room, and while we don't want to give everything away, we are always happy to share a few tips and tricks. Read ahead to find some of our favorite tips for locks and keys in escape rooms!

You will find so many different kinds of locks in an escape room. While you will occasionally find a keyed lock, many escape rooms use locks that require a secret code. Sometimes these codes will be made up of numbers, but you will even find letters or symbols too! Since locks are oriented in so many different ways, it's helpful to know where to start. Nothing is worse than wasting time using the right code in the wrong way. When in doubt, check the orientation of the letters. If they are positioned on top of each other, then you will work top to bottom, but if they are next to each other, then work left to right. 

Many locks will have a line, notch, or word that you are supposed to line up the codes with. When this happens, it's really important that you line things up in a perfect straight line. Often, people will get in a rush and put the code in messily, but this could be a fatal mistake! It's important to make sure you are carefully lining up each letter, number, or symbol and then gently pull down on the lock. It should slide open easily when you've gotten it right!

Some locks or keypads are trickier to use than others and require specific steps like hitting the "#" at the end or clicking "enter" once you are finished inputting your code. More often than not, your game master will give you instructions on how to use unusual locks or will step in and offer help if you are struggling but have the right code. Don't be afraid to check and see if you are doing it correctly! We don't expect you to be lock experts. 

It can be really challenging to slow down and focus when that clock is ticking and you are cracking up laughing at how wild and fun an escape room experience is. Every game master will tell you that one of the most common mistakes made in these rooms is going too fast and overlooking a lock or incorrectly putting in the code! Even if you think you've already tried a code in a lock, double check your work, and ask your teammates to check behind you too! With a little teamwork, you guys will make it out in no time!

Click here to read about some of our favorite tips and tricks for escape room success! Book now if you are ready to try out your new lock skills.