Trying a locked room challenge or escape game for the first time is exciting. It can also feel overwhelming. The door closes, the timer starts, and suddenly everyone is talking at once. For new players, small mistakes can slow progress or make the experience feel stressful instead of fun.
The good news is that these mistakes are very common. Most first-time players make at least a few of them. With a little awareness, your first escape room experience can be smoother, more enjoyable, and far more memorable.
Below are the most common mistakes new players make — and how to avoid them.
Not Communicating With the Group
One of the biggest mistakes first-time players make is staying quiet. Escape room games are built around communication. If you find a key, notice a symbol, or unlock something, say it out loud.
Many groups of people struggle because useful information stays with one person. Even if you are not sure something is important, share it anyway. Clear communication helps everyone stay aligned and improves problem solving skills.
This is also why Calgary escape rooms are often used for teambuilding activities. Communication matters in real life, and it matters even more when time runs.
Overthinking Simple Clues
New players often assume every puzzle is complex. In reality, many escape game clues are more straightforward than they seem.
Overthinking wastes time. If a solution feels obvious, it often is. Trust what you see in front of you. These games are designed to challenge you, not confuse you on purpose.
A good escape room strategy focuses on clarity, not cleverness.
Losing Track of Time
Time pressure is part of the fun, but it can also cause problems. Some teams spend 15 minutes on one puzzle without realizing it. Others panic when they notice only 30 minutes remain.
You don’t need to watch the clock constantly, but basic time awareness helps. If you are stuck too long, move on and come back later. Fresh eyes often spot details that others missed.
Managing time is one of the most important skills in any escape room experience.
Everyone Crowding One Puzzle
Another common mistake is having everyone focus on the same lock or clue. This slows progress, especially with a large group.
Locked room challenges are designed for teamwork. Split into pairs or smaller groups. Let some people search while others solve puzzles.
This approach works well for both a small team and larger groups of people playing together. Just remember to communicate what you find.
Everyone Crowding One Puzzle
Another common mistake is having everyone focus on the same lock or clue. This slows progress, especially with a large group.
Locked room challenges are designed for teamwork. Split into pairs or smaller groups. Let some people search while others solve puzzles.
This approach works well for both a small team and larger groups of people playing together. Just remember to communicate what you find.
Not Searching the Room Carefully
Some first-time players barely look around. Others are afraid to touch anything at all.
Escape room games are meant to be explored carefully. Open drawers. Check shelves. Look for patterns, numbers, and symbols. Most clues are hidden in plain sight.
This is where these games differ from a scavenger hunt. Observation matters more than speed.
Avoiding Hints
Many players think using hints means failing. It doesn’t. Hints are part of the experience.
If your team is stuck and energy drops, asking for help keeps the game moving. It protects the fun and prevents frustration, especially during a first visit.
Using a hint does not ruin the challenge. It keeps the momentum going.
Letting One Person Take Over
Sometimes one confident player tries to do everything. While leadership can help, escape games work best when everyone participates.
Different people notice different details. Encouraging input from everyone builds trust and leads to better results. This shared effort is why these experiences are often compared to team building exercises and team building games.
Panicking When Time Runs Low
As time runs down, some players rush. Panic leads to missed clues and poor decisions.
Take a breath. Focus on one task at a time. Calm thinking beats rushing every time, even near the end of the game.
Why These Mistakes Matter for Groups
Many of these mistakes become more noticeable with larger groups. Communication can break down, or people hesitate to speak up.
Learning how to work together inside a locked room challenge makes the experience better for everyone. It also explains why these games feel like real life problem-solving situations, just with better themes and fewer distractions.
This is also why escape games are sometimes used for fun team building activities, even outside a formal team building event or corporate team building setting.