How to Beat the Clock: Top Strategy Escape Room Tips

Javi
Oct 13
3 min read

You’re locked in. The clock is ticking. The clues are there... somewhere. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned escape room player, everyone wants the same thing: to escape before time runs out.

After running thousands of games here at Portsmouth Escape Room, our Game Masters have seen every kind of team: the overthinkers, the natural leaders, the silent geniuses, and the group chat debaters. The good news? Winning an escape room isn’t about luck: it’s about teamwork, awareness, and a few simple habits that can make all the difference.

Here are our best insider tips to help you escape like a pro!

Start With a Game Plan

Before you even step inside, agree on a few quick ground rules:

Talk out loud, even if you’re unsure. Your random observation might spark someone else’s “aha!” moment.
Don’t crowd over one clue or puzzle. Spread out and explore the room methodically.
Keep clues organized. Designate one area for “used” (solved) vs. “unused” items.
Your first few minutes set the tone. Think of it like a team huddle before kickoff!

Communicate, Don’t Complicate

We see it all the time... teams whispering or holding information until it’s “confirmed.” Big mistake! Escape rooms are built around shared discovery, not solo detective work.

Call out numbers, symbols, names, or anything that stands out.
Repeat key information and findings so everyone hears it.
Listen when someone else calls something out. Half of the clues players miss are because no one heard what others found.

Organize Your Clues

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by props and puzzles. The most sucessful teams have a plan on how to manage new clues and solved puzzles:

Put solved clues / puzzles in one spot (you won’t need them again!).
Keep unused clues near the puzzles you think they belong to, or in one designated centralized section for easy access.
If you solve a puzzle or open a new box or compartment, announce it and show everyone what’s inside.

Don’t Fear the Hint Button

Requesting a hint isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s part of the experience! At Portsmouth Escape Room, our Game Masters want you to succeed. They’ll nudge you just enough to keep momentum without spoiling the challenge, so don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.

If you’ve been stuck for more than 5 minutes, team has gone silent or frustrated, that’s your sign to ask. It keeps the game fun and flowing and makes you more likely to escape successfully!

Think Simple First

Sometimes the answer is right in front of you. Don’t overthink it. Try the most obvious connections and solutions first before assuming it’s something complex. If a puzzle feels “too easy,” it probably is. Remember: escape rooms are designed to be solvable without external knowledge or PhDs.

Also, keep in mind: if something doesn't seem solvable, perhaps you don't have everything you need yet! Our multi-path rooms always have multiple puzzles to solve at once, don't be afraid to move onto a different puzzle or let someone else try.

Assign Roles (and Play to Strengths)

Strong teams naturally divide tasks and split roles:

The Explorer: checks every drawer, shelf, and corner.
The Note-Taker: keeps track of numbers, letters, or patterns.
The Connector: sees relationships between clues.
The Locksmith: tries combinations and keeps track of lock types.

Knowing who’s doing what avoids duplicated effort and saves precious seconds.

Enjoy the Ride

Don’t forget why you’re there: to have fun. Celebrate the small victories, opening a lock, discovering a hidden compartment, discovering a whole new room... high-fiving and cheering encouraged!.

Some of our most memorable teams didn’t escape on time but they laughed, communicated, and played like pros. Winning is great, but a whole hour of teamwork, excitement, and mystery is even better.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Now that you’re armed with pro-level strategy, it’s time to put it into action. Gather your team, pick your room, and see if you can beat the clock at Portsmouth Escape Room.

Click here to book now!