Adventure games are an absolute blast, but they can also be frustrating when you hit a dead end or overlook an obvious clue. If you’re taking on an escape room in Singapore, where some of the most creative and mind-bending challenges exist, knowing what not to do can make all the difference. The last thing you want is to waste half your time staring at the same riddle while the clock ticks down.
To help you crack codes like a pro and avoid those “how did we miss that?” moments, we’ve rounded up the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them!
1. Overthinking Everything
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking every tiny detail is part of a complicated puzzle. But sometimes, the answer is way simpler than you expect. Not every scratch on the wall is a clue, and not every book on the shelf hides a secret compartment.
How to avoid it: Start with the obvious! If you’re stuck, take a step back and think logically. Most mystery games follow a clear pattern—look for numbers, colours, shapes, or patterns that stand out.
2. Ignoring Your Team
Puzzle adventures are all about teamwork, yet it’s surprisingly common for people to go solo, ignoring what their teammates are doing. You might spend 10 minutes trying to crack a code when someone else already found the answer!
How to avoid it: Communicate! Shout out what you find, share your ideas, and listen to your teammates. The more you work together, the faster you’ll solve the puzzles.
3. Hoarding Clues Instead of Sharing
Imagine this: You find a key and keep it in your pocket, thinking you’ll need it later. Meanwhile, your teammate is struggling with a locked drawer, completely unaware that you’ve got the solution in your hands. Sound familiar?
How to avoid it: Put everything you find in a central spot where the whole team can see it. Immersive games are about collective problem-solving, so don’t be a clue hoarder!
4. Forgetting to Check Everything (But Not Breaking Things!)
On the flip side, some people don’t search thoroughly enough. Clues can be hiding in plain sight—inside drawers, under objects, or even written on the walls. But there’s a fine line between checking properly and turning the room upside down like a tornado.
How to avoid it: Look everywhere, but don’t force anything. If something doesn’t open easily, it’s probably not meant to. Adventure games don’t require brute force—just a keen eye for details.
5. Ignoring the Game Master’s Hints
Most live-action puzzles allow a set number of hints, but some teams are too stubborn to use them. If you’re 20 minutes deep into a puzzle with zero progress, maybe it’s time to swallow your pride and ask for a nudge.
How to avoid it: Hints are there to help, not to make you feel bad. If you’re completely stuck, don’t be afraid to use them—it’s better than wasting all your time on one puzzle.
6. Solving Puzzles That Don’t Exist
Sometimes, teams get so caught up in “finding hidden meanings” that they start creating puzzles out of thin air. If you’re trying to decipher a random stain on the carpet or decode the Morse code pattern of a flickering lightbulb, you might be overcomplicating things.
How to avoid it: If something seems too random to be a clue, it probably is. Focus on the actual puzzles given to you.
7. Panicking Under Pressure
The moment you hear the clock ticking down to the last few minutes, panic can set in. Suddenly, you’re running around in circles, second-guessing everything, and forgetting what you’ve already solved.
How to avoid it: Take a deep breath and stay calm. Focus on what still needs solving and trust your team. Panic won’t help—clear thinking will.
8. Splitting Up Too Much (or Not Enough)
Some teams divide and conquer, spreading out too much and missing out on key discoveries. Others stick together so closely that they end up working on the same puzzle while other clues go unnoticed.
How to avoid it: Find a balance. Split up to search for clues but regroup often to share what you’ve found. That way, you won’t miss anything important.
9. Not Keeping Track of What’s Been Used
Ever found a key, unlocked a box, then held onto that key thinking it might be needed again? Many adventure games have single-use clues, so once you’ve used something, it’s usually no longer relevant.
How to avoid it: Create a “used” pile for items that have already served their purpose. It helps avoid confusion and stops you from trying the same key in every lock!
10. Forgetting to Have Fun
At the end of the day, immersive challenges are meant to be fun! But some people get so caught up in winning that they forget to enjoy the experience. Whether you escape or not, the goal is to have a great time with friends or family.
How to avoid it: Don’t take it too seriously! Laugh at the ridiculous mistakes, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy the challenge. Win or lose, it’s all about the adventure.
Conclusion
Locked-room challenges are a mix of logic, teamwork, and creativity. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll have a much better shot at making a successful escape. But more importantly, remember to have fun! Because at the end of the day, that’s what interactive experiences are all about—solving puzzles, working together, and creating great memories.
Now, go out there and escape like a pro! Or at least, try not to get locked in forever. No pressure.
