So, you’ve booked your first escape room in Singapore—exciting! You’re about to dive into a world of puzzles, hidden clues, and thrilling challenges. But let’s be real—stepping into your first game can feel a bit intimidating.
The good news? With the right approach, you can turn even the trickiest room into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or colleagues, we’ve got you covered with the best tips to help you make the most of your first experience.
1. Embrace the Adventure
First things first—have fun! Puzzle adventures are designed to challenge you, but they’re also meant to be enjoyable. Don’t stress about “winning” or proving how smart you are. The best players aren’t necessarily the ones who solve puzzles the fastest—they’re the ones who stay calm, communicate well, and enjoy the process.
Mindset tip: Treat the experience like an adventure rather than a test. There’s no such thing as failure—just fun twists and turns along the way!
2. Talk. A Lot.
Mystery challenges are all about teamwork, and the biggest mistake first-timers make is keeping discoveries to themselves. Found a key? Say it out loud. Spotted a weird symbol? Let your team know. Someone else might have the missing piece to the puzzle you’re stuck on.
Strategy tip: Share everything, no matter how small it seems. A random number or shape might be exactly what someone else is looking for.
3. Check Everything
Clues can be hidden anywhere—inside drawers, behind books, under rugs. A lot of beginners assume things are just “decorations,” but if it looks like it could be part of the game, it probably is!
Strategy tip: Split up and search the room systematically. Assign different areas to different teammates so nothing gets missed.
4. Don’t Overcomplicate Things
One of the easiest ways to get stuck is by overthinking. If a puzzle seems too difficult, take a step back—sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. If a four-digit lock needs a code, chances are you’ll find four numbers in the room, not some elaborate mathematical formula hidden in the wallpaper design.
Mindset tip: If you feel like you’re spiraling into overanalysis, pause, take a deep breath, and try a more straightforward approach.
5. Use Your Hints
Immersive games usually offer hints if you’re struggling. Some players see this as “cheating,” but hints are there to keep the game fun and engaging. There’s no shame in getting a little nudge to keep things moving!
Strategy tip: If you’ve been stuck on a puzzle for too long, don’t wait until the last five minutes—ask for help so you can experience more of the game.
6. Stay Organised
Adventure games can get chaotic fast, with objects and clues scattered everywhere. Keeping things organised will help you keep track of what’s been solved and what still needs attention.
Strategy tip: Designate a “used” pile for solved clues and a “pending” area for things you haven’t figured out yet. This helps everyone stay on the same page.
7. Be Open to Different Ideas
Sometimes puzzles require you to think outside the box. If something isn’t working, try a different approach. The worst thing you can do is get stuck in one way of thinking and refuse to consider other possibilities.
Mindset tip: Don’t be afraid to experiment! Even a “wrong” idea might lead you to the right answer.
8. Keep an Eye on the Clock
Time flies when you’re deep in puzzle-solving mode. It’s easy to get fixated on one challenge and forget about the bigger picture, so be mindful of how much time you have left.
Strategy tip: If a puzzle is taking too long, move on and come back to it later. You don’t want to spend 20 minutes stuck on one thing when there’s still more to explore.
9. Work Together, Not Separately
Many beginners try to solve everything on their own, but immersive challenges are designed for teamwork. If you’re stuck, ask for help or swap tasks with a teammate.
Mindset tip: Trust your team. Everyone has different strengths—use them to your advantage!
10. Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small!)
Not every team escapes on their first try, and that’s totally fine! The goal is to enjoy the challenge, celebrate small victories, and have fun along the way.
Mindset tip: Take a moment to appreciate how far you got, what you learned, and the laughs you shared. Every game makes you better for the next one!
11. Stay Calm Under Pressure
It’s easy to get flustered when the clock is ticking, but panicking won’t help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and refocus.
Mindset tip: A clear head leads to better problem-solving. Don’t let the pressure get to you!
12. Use Your Senses
Not all puzzles are visual—some may require you to listen carefully, feel for hidden compartments, or even notice scents. Locked-room challenges engage all your senses, so stay aware of your surroundings.
Strategy tip: If a puzzle doesn’t seem solvable with what you can see, try engaging other senses. You might find a clue in an unexpected place!
Conclusion
Your first break-out game should be a fun, exciting adventure—not a stress-inducing puzzle marathon. By approaching it with the right mindset and using smart strategies, you’ll have a fantastic experience no matter what. Whether you escape or not, what matters most is the thrill of the challenge, the teamwork, and the great story you’ll have to tell afterward.
So, if you’re gearing up for your first break-out game in Singapore, keep these tips in mind, embrace the adventure, and most importantly—enjoy the ride!
