Escape rooms have surged in popularity as a thrilling group activity where participants solve puzzles and riddles to escape within a set time frame. While seasoned escape artists relish the challenge, beginners may find the experience daunting.
If you’re a first-timer, choosing the right escape room is crucial to ensure you have fun while getting a taste of the adventure. Here’s the ultimate guide to help you select the best escape room for beginners.
Understand the Concept of Escape Rooms
Before booking an escape room, it’s essential to understand what it involves. Escape rooms are live-action, immersive experiences where players are “locked” in a themed room and must find clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to escape.
Each room follows a narrative—whether it’s escaping a haunted mansion, disarming a bomb, or escaping a detective’s office—and players must work together to progress. The game usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, and communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are key.
Choose the Right Difficulty Level
Every escape room does not have the same level of difficulty. Some are designed for expert players, while others cater to beginners. Most escape rooms are labeled by difficulty, so for your first experience, opt for a beginner-friendly room.
Rooms rated as “easy” or “beginner” tend to have simpler puzzles, more straightforward narratives, and forgiving time limits, making them perfect for those new to the concept. Starting with an easier room will help build your confidence and make the experience enjoyable.
Consider the Theme
Picking the right theme is a significant choice for you! For beginners, selecting a theme that resonates with the group’s interests can make the game more engaging. Whether you’re into mystery, adventure, sci-fi, or horror, there’s a room for you.
If you’re a fan of detective stories, you might enjoy a room based on crime investigation. If you prefer something light-hearted, steer away from horror-themed rooms, which can be intense and add extra pressure. Instead, choose rooms with adventure or fantasy themes for a more relaxed experience.
Check Group Size and Team Composition
Escape rooms are typically designed for groups, and some are optimized for larger teams. For beginners, it’s crucial to choose a room that fits your group size. Too many players in a small room can lead to confusion, while too few in a room meant for larger groups might make it harder to solve the puzzles in time.
Aim for a room that accommodates your group comfortably, allowing everyone to participate. Ideally, a group of 4-6 people strikes the perfect balance for beginners, offering enough minds to solve puzzles without overcrowding.
Research Reviews and Ratings
Before you book your game, it can be a useful tip to check out the different reviews and ratings of various prospective escape room brands around you. Online platforms like TripAdvisor, Yelp, or Google Reviews can give insights into other players’ experiences.
Pay attention to reviews from beginners who share their first-time experiences. They’ll provide a realistic picture of whether the room is suitable for new players, including the puzzle difficulty, staff helpfulness, and overall atmosphere.
Ask About Game Master Support
For beginners, it’s important to choose an escape room where the game master—staff responsible for monitoring the game—is actively involved in providing hints and guidance. Some rooms offer unlimited hints, while others may have a more hands-off approach.
Ask about how hints are given beforehand. Escape rooms that offer hints when requested can make the experience smoother for first-timers, helping you overcome difficult puzzles without frustration.
Conclusion
Choosing the best escape room as a beginner boils down to finding the right balance between theme, difficulty level, and group size, while ensuring adequate support from the game master. Start simple, do your research, and pick a theme that excites your group. By following these tips, your first escape room experience will be fun, memorable, and the beginning of many more adventures to come!
