Your First Escape Room: 7 Tips to Have the Best Experience

So you've signed up for your first escape room. Maybe your friends talked you into it. Maybe you saw it on TikTok. Either way, you're about to have one of the most fun hours of your life — if you go in prepared.

Here are seven tips from our game masters who've watched thousands of teams play.

1. You Don't Need to Be a Genius

Escape rooms aren't IQ tests. They're about observation, communication, and teamwork. The best teams aren't the smartest — they're the ones who talk to each other. If you find something, say it out loud. The person across the room might have the piece that connects to yours.

2. Arrive 15 Minutes Early

This isn't just a suggestion — it's how you get the full experience. Your game master will brief your team, explain the rules, and set the scene. If you're late, you lose game time. Nobody wants that.

3. Wear Comfortable Clothes

You'll be standing, crouching, and moving around for an hour. Leave the heels and tight jeans at home. Think casual — sneakers, comfortable pants, and layers in case the room runs warm or cool.

4. Use Your Hints

Every team at Escape Experience gets unlimited hints. Seriously — unlimited. There's no penalty, no judgment, and no score. If you're stuck for more than a few minutes, ask for a nudge. Your game master is watching and ready to help. The goal is to have fun, not suffer in silence.

5. Search Everything (But Don't Force Anything)

Look under things, behind things, inside things. Escape rooms hide clues in clever places. But here's the rule: if something doesn't open easily, don't force it. If it feels like it might break, it's not part of the game. When in doubt, ask your game master.

6. Organize What You Find

Designate a spot in the room for clues and items you've found. Keep used keys and solved puzzles separate from unsolved ones. This sounds basic, but it prevents the number one time-waster: re-solving something that's already been done.

7. Bring the Right Group Size

Most rooms work best with 4–6 people. Too few and you might not have enough eyes on the puzzles. Too many and people end up standing around. If it's just two of you, that's totally fine too — some of our most intense games have been duos who crushed it.

Ready to Try It?

Book your first escape room at Escape Experience. We have locations in Chattanooga and Nashville, with rooms ranging from beginner-friendly (try Search for the Cure) to expert-level. Our game masters are the best in Tennessee — they'll make sure you have an amazing time whether you escape or not.

No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity.