10 Escape Room Tips to Beat the Clock and Escape in Time
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned escape room player, one thing is always true: the clock is your biggest enemy. You’ve got 60 minutes to solve puzzles, crack codes, and make your way out—and time flies once you’re locked in.
These 10 tried-and-tested tips will help you and your team escape faster, communicate better, and keep your cool under pressure—no matter which venue in Swansea you choose, from The Escape Game to Breakout Live, Houdini’s, or Kings Swansea.
1. Communicate Constantly
Don’t work in silence. Share everything you find, even if it seems irrelevant. Someone else might have the missing piece. Good escape room teams talk almost nonstop—announcing what they see, what they’re trying, and what’s been ruled out.
2. Search Thoroughly—Everywhere
Look under furniture, behind objects, in books, and even inside things you don’t think are openable. At The Escape Game Swansea, we hide clues in clever places—but never in anything that says “do not touch.”
Make sure each team member checks a different area, and then rotate to cover ground twice. You’ll be surprised what the first person missed.
3. Assign Roles Early
If you’re in a group of 4–7 players, it helps to split up. Have a searcher, a puzzle-solver, a communicator, and someone keeping track of clues and progress. In fast-paced rooms like our Zombie Prison Van, teamwork like this is critical.
4. Don’t Hoard Clues
If you find something, lay it out in a central area where everyone can see it. Hoarding information slows the whole team down. Use a “clue table” to organise your finds and reduce confusion.
5. Use the Clue System Wisely
At The Escape Game, we offer subtle hints through screens or sound cues. If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes stuck on one thing, it’s time to use a hint. Other venues like Breakout Live and Houdini’s also offer clues—but make sure you know how to request them.
6. Look for Patterns and Connections
If you see numbers, colours, or symbols repeating, they probably matter. Many puzzles rely on spotting a pattern and applying it to a code or lock. Don’t assume anything is random—if it’s there, it’s likely part of the game.
7. Don’t Get Fixated on One Puzzle
Spending too long on a single lock or riddle drains time. If you’re stuck, pass it to another team member or move on and come back later. Fresh eyes often see what others don’t.
8. Stay Calm and Keep Moving
Panic is the real trap. Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t let it dominate your thinking. The best teams stay focused, support each other, and keep energy up even when things get tough.
9. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Escape rooms like ours are immersive for a reason—clues are often embedded in the environment. A picture on the wall, the way music changes, or even the lighting can give you a hint.
Venues like Houdini’s are known for theatrical effects, while Kings Swansea mixes puzzles into multi-activity rooms. No matter the venue, don’t overlook your environment.
10. Celebrate the Experience
Whether you escape or not, you’ve had an adrenaline-fueled, brain-boosting hour with your team. Win or lose, take the group photo, laugh at your mistakes, and talk about what you’d do differently next time.
And if you’re playing at The Escape Game Swansea—good luck. You’ll need it.
Book Your Escape Room Now
Ready to put these tips to the test? Choose from five unique, story-driven games designed in-house by our team. Whether it’s your first escape room or your fiftieth, we promise an unforgettable experience.