You walk into the room. The lights flicker, the door shuts, and suddenly you’re part of the story. The countdown starts ticking down from 60:00, and everyone scatters like there’s treasure buried somewhere in the corner. There probably is.
Someone’s calling out random numbers. Another person is shaking a lock like it owes them answers. The room gets loud, confusing, and before long, you can’t tell if you’re solving puzzles or starring in a comedy sketch.
We’ve all been there. Escape rooms can be ridiculously fun, but they also bring out the kind of chaos that makes you laugh and groan at the same time. If you want your next game at INMERS to go a little smoother (and maybe even end in victory), here are 12 mistakes to steer clear of and how to keep your cool when the timer’s breathing down your neck.
1. Jumping In Too Fast
Most teams rush the second the game begins. You hear the click of the lock, and it’s like a starting gun. People everywhere, hands flying, brains not quite switched on yet.
Fix: Slow down. Take a beat to look around before touching anything. Notice what stands out. The story always leaves small clues right from the start. At INMERS, everything from lighting to props is placed with purpose. If you rush, you’ll miss what sets the stage.
2. Everyone Talking, No One Listening
It’s exciting, sure. But when six people shout at once, the room becomes noise instead of teamwork.
Fix: Pick someone to be the “voice”. One person can keep track of what’s been said and share updates clearly. It’s not about control. It’s about keeping the energy focused.
3. Dismissing Ideas Too Quickly
It’s easy to laugh off a weird theory. But the “nonsense” clue often turns out to be the missing piece later on.
Fix: Keep an open mind. Escape rooms reward curiosity, not ego. The best wins come from combining everyone’s little discoveries.
4. Thinking Every Puzzle Is Deep and Complicated
Sometimes the code really is “1234”. Players tend to overthink things, looking for invisible ink or Morse code when the answer’s right there.
Fix: Start simple. If something looks obvious, try it first. At INMERS, puzzles are logical. You just need to connect what’s in front of you instead of searching for hidden meaning.
5. Missing What’s Right Under Your Nose
You’d be amazed at how many clues hide in plain sight. Players check the same drawer 10 times but miss the writing on the wall. Literally.
Fix: Divide and conquer. Check every corner methodically, but gently—props aren’t meant to be taken apart. Look at things from different angles. Sometimes stepping back reveals what you couldn’t see up close.
6. Keeping Clues to Yourself
One person finds a key, tucks it away, and forgets about it until the end. Meanwhile, the rest of the team spends 15 minutes searching for that same key.
Fix: Make a “clue station”. Drop everything you find in one spot. That way, everyone can see what’s available and connect pieces faster.
7. Avoiding Hints Out of Pride
A lot of players treat asking for help like it’s cheating. It’s not. It’s strategy.
Fix: If you’ve tried everything and the group’s circling the same problem for too long, get a hint. The game masters at INMERS are pros; we know how to guide you just enough without spoiling the fun.
8. Ignoring the Story
Every escape room has a story. At INMERS, it’s not just decoration; it’s in fact your biggest clue. The sound effects, the background, even the little details in the dialogue… they’re there for a reason.
Fix: Listen to the briefing. Take note of character names or details that sound out of place. That “throwaway” line might make sense later when you’re stumped.
9. Losing Track of Time
The timer looks generous at first. Then you blink, and half an hour’s gone. You’re knee-deep in puzzles, your hands full of clues, and suddenly the buzzer’s counting down the last five minutes.
Fix: Assign a timekeeper. Keep an eye on the clock without panicking. If a puzzle takes too much time, leave it and move on. You’ll probably solve it faster once other pieces fall into place.
10. Splitting Up Too Much
Teamwork doesn’t mean total separation. When everyone goes off solo, important details get lost.
Fix: Stick in pairs. That way, you’ve got someone to bounce ideas off and double-check logic. INMERS’s rooms are interactive, with multiple layers. This means having a partner keeps you connected to the bigger picture.
11. Not Listening to the Game Master
Game masters are your allies. When they tell you what not to touch or how the tech works, it contains logic that goes beyond safety. Ignoring them can cost you valuable time (and sometimes, an intact prop).
Fix: Pay attention before the game begins. Those quick rules can save you from wasting 10 minutes fiddling with something that isn’t even part of the puzzle.
12. Forgetting It’s Supposed to Be Fun
Some groups get so serious that they forget to laugh. You can practically see the stress on their faces as they argue over numbers. But escape rooms are meant to be thrilling, not tense.
Fix: Enjoy the chaos. Celebrate every small breakthrough. Crack a joke when something goes sideways. The best moments are often the ridiculous ones you’ll laugh about after.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be the “I Know Everything” Guy
Every team has one. They take charge, correct everyone, and act like they’ve solved it all before. The mood dips fast.
Fix: Be curious, not controlling. Ask questions. Let others lead sometimes. You’ll get more out of the experience when everyone’s voice matters.
Why Mistakes Happen (and Why It’s Okay)
Most slip-ups happen because everyone’s hyped up. The lights, sound effects, and countdown mess with your sense of calm. Suddenly, your brain’s on overdrive and simple puzzles start to look like rocket science.
The trick is remembering that escape rooms aren’t tests, but experiences. At INMERS, the environment reacts to how you play. The sounds, movements, and even NPCs are designed to guide you if you slow down enough to notice.
How INMERS Makes Teamwork Click
What makes INMERS stand out is how real everything feels. The cinematic effects, the story-driven design, and the human interaction all work together to pull you in. Within our walls, you’re living out a story with your friends.
That kind of setup changes how teams play. You’re not racing against the game; you’re moving with it. And that’s what makes every victory so satisfying.
Quick Pre-Game Checklist
Before your next attempt, remember:
- Pause before you touch anything.
- Listen more than you speak.
- Keep all clues in one shared spot.
- Don’t waste pride on avoiding hints.
- Watch the clock but don’t obsess over it.
- Remember, the story’s part of the puzzle.
- Laugh through the chaos.
Follow these and you’ll play smarter, and have more fun doing it.
Final Thoughts
Escape rooms bring out the best (and worst) in teams. They test patience, spark laughter, and remind you how communication makes or breaks an experience.
At INMERS, everything, from lighting to sound design, is built to make you feel like you’re in a story, not a set. It’s immersive, unpredictable, and full of surprises. Whether you win or lose, you’ll walk out with memories that stick.
So grab your friends or colleagues, stay curious, and jump in with an open mind. The timer may be ticking, but that’s part of the thrill, and at INMERS, it’s one ride you won’t forget.
Reserve your session here. Corporate teams, reach out for details.
