Escape rooms are a test of wit, observation & teamwork. When the clock is ticking, every second counts and finding the right clues is the key to winning. Being good at finding these clues can turn an average experience into a winning one. So how can you get better at finding and solving clues? Let’s get into the best ways to find and solve clues.
Pay Attention to the Room’s Layout
As soon as you get in the escape room, take a few seconds to look around. Look at the layout – what jumps out at you? What looks out of place, weirdly placed furniture or gaps.
Sometimes the walls hold secrets. Look for patterns, textures or markings. A painting that’s slightly askew or a bookcase with one book out of line could be hiding something. Remember the designers put thought into these details so nothing is random.
Don’t start random searching. Start with a mental map of the room and focus on areas that feel different or staged.
Search Methodically, Not Randomly
It’s tempting to run around the room in a panic but working methodically makes all the difference. Divide the room into sections and search each one thoroughly. Open drawers, look behind objects and lift items (without breaking anything of course).
Work from left to right or top to bottom so you don’t miss anything. A missed clue could be the difference between escaping and getting stuck. Communicate with your teammates and call out what you’ve already checked so you don’t waste time.
Consistency is key – half arsed searching won’t cut it. Think like a detective where every detail matters.
Pay Attention to Numbers, Words, and Symbols
Escape rooms often involve puzzles with numbers, words and symbols. Spotting patterns in these will give you vital clues.
Numbers might be dates, combinations or sequences. They might be on clocks, books or notes. Words might be in riddles, on labels or hidden in plain sight on posters or artwork.
Symbols might be harder to find. Look for unusual shapes, repeated icons or symbols on objects like locks, furniture or tools. They often connect to a bigger puzzle so write them down or memorise them if needed.
Keep a sharp eye for connections between numbers, words, and symbols across the room. They rarely exist on their own.
Don’t Overlook Light and Sound
Escape room designers love to use light and sound to guide you. If the room is dark or has spotlights, focus on what those lights are pointing to.
Sound can also provide subtle clues. A ticking clock might mean time related puzzles. A faint sound in the background, like a creak or hum, might mean a hidden mechanism. Sometimes pressing buttons or interacting with objects will trigger audio clues.
These sensory elements are easy to overlook when you’re in the heat of the moment so take a second to take it all in before you leap to conclusions.
Clues Can Be Hidden in Everyday Objects
Look closely at the ordinary items – books, clocks, drawers, ornaments. Escape room designers love to modify everyday objects to hide clues.
For example books might have secret compartments or pages with highlighted words. Clocks might have non functional hands pointing to specific times. Drawers might require specific movements to open hidden compartments.
Interact with objects carefully but think outside the box. Turn them over, shake them gently or check inside. A small detail might be waiting to reveal itself when you take a closer look.
Work Together & Share Information
The best escape room players don’t play alone. Solving clues quickly comes from teamwork. Share your finds with your team immediately. A clue that makes no sense to you might be the missing piece for someone else.
Divide tasks wisely. While one team member is searching for clues, another can work on a puzzle. Keep talking so nothing gets missed.
If a puzzle seems impossible, step back and let someone else have a go with a fresh perspective. Escape rooms reward collaboration and creativity so don’t be afraid to swap roles or share your thoughts.
Look for Hidden Compartments and Mechanisms
Escape rooms have sneaky compartments or clever mechanisms. A loose panel, a hollow sound when you tap a surface or a drawer that doesn’t open fully might mean something is hidden.
Feel around surfaces for small latches or buttons. Some items might need to be pressed, turned or pushed in a specific order. Don’t dismiss something just because it’s subtle or looks insignificant.
For mechanical puzzles try gently experimenting – but don’t force anything. Escape rooms rarely require brute strength.
Use Hints Wisely
Most escape rooms offer hints when you’re stuck. Use them wisely. It’s easy to get caught up in your ego but there’s no shame in asking for a little direction.
If you’re totally stuck and time is running out, taking a hint will get you back on track. It’s better to use help and keep moving than waste time going round in circles.
Treat hints as part of the experience, not a failure.
Don’t Overthink It
While escape rooms are all about mystery, the answers are rarely complicated. Sometimes players get stuck because they look for answers that are too clever. Clues are meant to be solvable, so think logically not abstractly.
For example if you see numbers think of the simplest use first (e.g. a combination for a lock). If a clue feels too obvious it probably is the right answer.
Trust your gut, stick to the clues & don’t get sucked into unnecessary guesswork.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, spotting clues gets better with practice. The more escape rooms you do the better your observation, problem solving and teamwork will become.
Each room you do teaches you something new – how to spot hidden patterns, connect abstract ideas or stay calm under pressure. Don’t be afraid to try different themes or difficulty levels to challenge yourself more.
Over time you’ll develop an instinct for spotting the trickiest clues.
Final Thoughts
Escape rooms test your ability to observe, think creatively and work together. Spotting clues like a pro requires focus, patience and a methodical approach. Pay attention to the details, trust your gut and communicate with your team.
First time or record breaker, either way these will help you. Now get in, look hard and get cracking. Time’s running out but you’re ready.
