The door clicks shut behind you. The timer starts glowing red, counting down from sixty minutes. You are surrounded by deliberate set design. Your adrenaline spikes. This is it.
The most critical part of any escape game isn’t the frantic last few minutes when you’re stuck on the final puzzle; it’s actually right now. How you spend the first 20 minutes can impact whether you escape with time to spare or get stuck staring at a new puzzle when the buzzer sounds.
Don’t Just Stand There, Explore Everything
The moment the game master leaves the escape room and starts your clock, your team should scatter. Do not huddle in the center of the room discussing the theme or how cool the props look. While it’s tempting to marvel at the decor or chat about your last escape room, those first seconds are precious.
Touch and uncover everything (within reason). Open every drawer. Look under the rugs and between the couch cushions. Check the pockets of any coats hanging on a rack, the spines of books, or the backs of picture frames. If you spot any loose floorboards or suspicious-looking décor, investigate those too.
Your primary goal in these first few minutes is to gather information. You’re building an inventory of what you have and what’s inaccessible. If you find a cabinet that’s locked, don’t get hung up trying every key or code immediately. Just note that it’s locked and move on, letting your team know what you’ve found. If you find a folded note, open it; if you find a box, see if it opens or if there are clues on its surface.
Be thorough, but be gentle. Escape rooms are designed to be tested and prodded, but you never need to force anything. If a drawer doesn’t open with a gentle tug, it’s locked or it’s not meant to open yet. Respecting the room keeps everyone safe and the experience fun.
Here’s a tip: If you’re not sure whether something is a clue, assume it might be. Even a fake plant could hide a key or contain a hint.
Shout Out What You Find
Communication is key. Silence is your enemy, especially at the start. When you find something, say it out loud. And don’t be shy, shout over your teammates if you have to! Try: “I found a blue key!” “Here’s a four-digit lock on this box!” “Anyone see where this weird symbol goes?”
This constant stream of chatter helps your teammates make connections you might not. You might pick up a strange battery, while your friend across the room glances at a flashlight that needs a battery. If you both speak up, those two items might get united within seconds, not thirty minutes later after a desperate retrace of your steps.
It can sound like chaos, and that’s okay. It’s organized chaos. As you and your team call out clues, items and locks, everyone is building a mental map of what’s in the room and what’s needed.
Pro tip: If your group is large or communication gets messy, nominate someone as a scribe. Have them take notes on an erasable board or scrap paper provided by the room. Writing down what’s found and what’s been solved can make even the loudest group more efficient.
Create a “Discard” and “To-Do” Pile
One of the biggest time-wasters in escape rooms is re-examining clues or tools that have already been used. You don’t want to be the person picking up the same clock for the sixth time, hoping something has changed.
Designate a specific table, chair, or corner as your organization station. Put loose items you find there, such as keys, scraps of paper, oddly shaped tools, and puzzle pieces. If you find a key, notate it. This way, if someone finds another blue lock later, you already know what you’ve tried.
Once a key unlocks a lock or a code opens a box, that item is usually “dead,” meaning it won’t be used again. Escape rooms generally follow the rule of one time used items – when an item is used for a puzzle, it won’t be needed for other puzzles. Only a few escape rooms do re-use items, but most don’t. Start a separate pile or clear area for these used items. This simple system can save you many minutes and a lot of frustration.
If someone seems confused, gently remind them about the “used” pile. Resetting and staying organized are a team effort and make a significant difference as the puzzles stack up.
Look for Patterns Immediately
As you’re exploring, keep your eyes peeled for high-level patterns. Ask yourself: Does every lock in the room require four digits? Are there color-coded puzzles, directional locks, or word clues? Understanding the types of locks and codes you’re up against helps you filter the information you uncover.
Take a mental (or written) note: “We’ve got two four-digit locks, one word lock, and a bunch of colored padlocks.” This will help you channel clues to the right puzzles instead of trying to fit every clue into every lock. For example, if you see a directional lock (up, down, left, right), start hunting for arrow patterns, map routes, or even dance steps hidden in the decor.
Encourage your group to identify the types of locks they see. Someone might catch an odd symbol or a strange sequence that the rest of you missed. It’s all about piecing together the big picture early.
Noticing patterns isn’t just about locks—it also means observing recurring symbols, unusual shapes, repeating numbers, or even background music. Did you find three objects shaped like stars? There’s probably a reason for that.
Don’t Bunch Up
It’s tempting to rush over when someone yells, “I found something weird!” or “This must be important!” Resist the swarm. If five people are staring at one puzzle, four people are doing nothing.
In the first 20 minutes, you need maximum coverage. Trust your teammates to work on their discovery, or at least call for help if they genuinely need it. Keep searching and leave the micro-managing for later. If you all gather around one clue, more important information might go unnoticed while the clock continues to tick down.
If you’re struggling not to cluster, agree in advance: “Let’s shout out, but only ask for help if we’re actually stuck.” This not only accelerates the search process but also ensures everyone’s talents and curiosity are put to good use.
Take a Deep Breath
Finally, take a moment to breathe. The ticking of the clock can make everything feel urgent, but panicking will only make things more difficult. When you rush, it’s easy to miss something obvious because you’re too focused on a single clue.
If you feel stuck, step back for a few seconds to reset or switch areas with a teammate. A fresh set of eyes can make all the difference and often spot what you missed the first time around.
And don’t forget to keep it light. A quick laugh or a simple “we’ve got this” can ease the pressure and keep the experience fun for everyone.
Set the Stage for Success
The first 20 minutes of an escape room can set the tone for the whole experience. If you take little time at the beginning to get organized, pull together what you’ve found, and communicate clearly, the rest of the hour tends to go much more smoothly.
At the end of the day, escape rooms are meant to be about teamwork, curiosity, and having fun together. Celebrate every tiny win, lean into the adventure, and don’t take things too seriously. Solve puzzles, enjoy the story, and most importantly, make memories with your team.
Looking for challenging escape rooms to tackle in Seattle? Book a room today at Fox in a Box Seattle!