There are over 2,000 escape rooms nationwide (and two in monterey county!). it is quickly becoming popular with families, friends, co-workers, and for company team building exercises. Even if you’ve never been to one, you’ve probably heard of them or one of your friends talking about them.
If you’re considering doing your first escape room, there are a few things you should know before embarking on an escape room adventure.
what is an escape room?
an escape room is an exciting and adventurous game in which participants are “locked” in a themed room with their team (usually 8-10 people) and must solve puzzles, riddles and clues to find their way. out of the room before the time runs out. once it starts, your team has one hour to try to collect the code or key that solves the mystery/puzzle that opens the door, ending the game. some facilities have three or four different games for teams to try out.
Do I have to be an expert at solving puzzles?
no, but it helps. The nice thing about escape rooms is that if you don’t have a certain skill (or skills), one of your team members probably does. It helps to have a team that has multiple skills or one where each member is particularly skilled at something.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
no, not really, but a hint: go to the bathroom before entering the room. nothing like being in a “locked” room for an hour with your team counting on you and you squirming because you forgot to go to the bathroom! and wear comfortable clothes. no need to dress up, unless you want to!
Are escape rooms scary?
Escape rooms can be intense, exciting, mysterious, and even chaotic, but because they are for a wide range of people and ages, including entire families, escape rooms are not scary or disturbing. but since some are based on horror movie themes, images, and characters, they can scare young children. and some people can become claustrophobic in small spaces with multiple people. but keep in mind that you are never really stuck in a room. you will be let out anytime you want. escape rooms are meant to be fun, so no one will make you stay if you feel uncomfortable.
will I be locked up?
Yes, some escape rooms are closed for the sake of excitement and adventure, but most rooms have security features, including camera surveillance systems and hidden secondary doors. but many escape room doors are simply closed, not locked to allow participants to exit for a variety of reasons. just call and ask what features your local escape rooms have!
How are escape rooms different from other group activities?
In escape rooms, unlike, say, an amusement park, a team must work together to solve a puzzle or mystery, so there is a collaborative effort where members must communicate each. some members of your team, for example, may be good at puzzles, some may be genius at solving clues, and some are good at communicating with other team members. escape rooms only work if everyone works as a team and communicates.
who are escape rooms good for?
well, almost everyone. even people who don’t like solving puzzles will get sucked into a puzzle and try to crack the code. the spirit and fun of an escape room is contagious. It’s perfect for just about any group, from birthdays and graduation parties to corporate team building exercises or just a night out for family or a group of friends.
how do I choose an escape room?
“The most important thing to consider is what topic you and your friends will be most excited about and easiest to immerse yourself in,” says escapegate.com. “Do you like horror movies and are you excited by the idea of being held hostage by a fugitive killer? Or have you always liked being a pirate who must explore an island in search of clues that will lead you to buried treasure? Most escape rooms have websites with descriptions and photos of their rooms. but it’s so much more fun to try them all!
monterey has two escape rooms to choose from: escape room 831 on lighthouse avenue in new monterey and exodus escape room on cannery row, founded by monterey entrepreneurs christina and barrie riddoch.
We have great escape games in both locations, including Alice’s Dream based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland”; haunted centered on a hut and a curse;; Sherlock’s Study with a Sherlock Holmes Mystery; masquerade: jewelry heist, with a stolen diamond and a masquerade ball; and just opened: rababank and time machine.
Call 831-241-6616 or go to https://escaperoom831.com. To reserve a room at escape room 831, email sixt@escaperoom831.com.
exodus escape room is at 765 wave st., suite a2, it has three rooms. call 831-324-0513 or go to https://exodusescaperoom.com/monterey.
