Escape rooms started as a fun new idea, but today, they’re everywhere. From small local shops to big franchises, these puzzle adventures draw people of all ages. Over the past few years, they’ve grown into a favourite way to spend free time. Even during tough times like the pandemic, escape rooms adapted and proved their staying power. So, why are escape rooms here to stay? Let’s find out.
Escape rooms are becoming one of the most popular ways to have fun with friends, family, or coworkers. They’re like real-life video games that challenge your brain and teamwork. But to keep the experience exciting for everyone, it’s important to follow some simple rules. Good etiquette makes sure everyone enjoys the game, stays safe, and respects the staff and venue. This guide will cover the key do’s and don’ts, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid in escape rooms.
Following proper etiquette is not just about being polite. It helps the team work better, keeps everyone safe, and makes the game more fun. When players are respectful, puzzles get solved faster and frustrations stay low. Poor manners, like ignoring safety parameters or damaging property, can lead to extra charges or even getting banned from future visits. Respectful behaviour creates a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Always listen carefully to the instructions from your game master before starting. They will take you through a safety brief which will include information like what not to touch in the room, height and strength restrictions and general venue information. Following these rules helps prevent accidents and confusion during the game. If you’d like to come a little extra prepared, you can have a read of our FAQ page!
Share your ideas openly and listen to others. Good communication speeds up puzzle solving and prevents misunderstandings. Everyone’s opinion matters—dismissing others might block progress or create disagreements.
Arrive on time so the team can start without delays. We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your booking to get your things away, pop to the loo if you need and allow enough time for us to brief you before your booking time starts. You won't need to bring anything extra for your experience, other than yourself, your team and perhaps some spectacles if you so require them. Wear comfortable clothes that you can easily move in. Being prepared shows respect for your teammates and the staff.
Make sure everyone gets a chance to contribute. Some players might be shy, so encourage them to speak up. Divide tasks based on strengths—someone good at puzzles, another at riddles. Including all boosts team spirit. Tip: If it’s a non- linear room like Secret Agent Man or HackSaw, dividing and solving puzzles concurrently will give you a nice head start!
Handle all props gently, and follow guides regarding the puzzles. Don’t force locks or break items; damage can result in charges and ruins the fun. Our games are designed to be played with no more than a pinkies worth of force. Treat the space as if it’s your own, be comfortable but tender.
Keep a friendly, encouraging vibe. Celebrate small wins and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Though it may be a competitive, sometimes stressful environment, remember you’re there to be around loved ones and challenge yourself. A good mood makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
A snapshot of Secret Agent Man
Avoid sharing clues or solutions unless asked. Spoilers ruin the challenge for others and can spoil the surprise. Guessing locks is a big one here. Guessing the combination to locks, while it can seem like an accomplishment and save you some time, ruins the flow of the game and can spoil certain aspects of the story. Respect the game’s difficulty and the effort it takes.
Never try to break puzzles or lock mechanisms. This can cause expensive damage and add stress to a game master's day. Keep in mind, someone might be booked in for the next session and staff will have a very small amount of time to make the room playable again. Remember, puzzles are meant to be solved, not broken.
Give everyone a chance to speak. Dominating discussions can frustrate teammates and slow progress. Good teams listen and build on each other’s ideas. I have often seen teams fail when someone takes charge for the duration of the game. Puzzles are best solved when utilising multiple people’s experience and knowledge.
Ignore posted signs or staff warnings at your own risk. Climbing on furniture or tampering with monitors can lead to injuries and breakages. Keep safety common sense in mind.
We will provide you with absolutely everything you will need in order to complete the room. You will not need to bring any additional items into the room with you. Leave outside items like food, drinks and any personal belongings in the lockers provided. We do allow phones, and you are able to take photos and videos inside the room, just not of any of the clues or their solutions.
You are always welcome to stay back and have a yap with the game master on shift. In fact, it’s encouraged! However, it’s good to keep in mind that they have other customers to serve and games to reset. Also, be mindful that there may be other games running nearby, so keeping chatter to a reasonable volume is greatly appreciated. Good manners extend beyond the game, into the exit.
Some common errors include arriving late or ignoring staff instructions. To avoid these, plan your trip early, listen carefully, and respect the staff’s authority. Booking in advance is always encouraged. You will have contact to your game master via a walkie talkie at all times during your game. If you’re stuck, ask politely for help instead of breaking puzzles or losing patience.
Staff make sure everyone follows the rules and stays safe. They help create a friendly, fun environment. Players should be respectful and cooperative with staff, following their lead. Good relationships make the game smoother and more enjoyable for all.
Following basic etiquette in escape rooms ensures everyone has a great time. Respect the rules, communicate well, and treat property and staff with kindness. This way, your team can enjoy the puzzles without stress or conflict. Remember, a little courtesy goes a long way in making the adventure memorable. So, step into the escape room prepared to have fun, work together, and play fair. Your next great puzzle awaits!
A snapshot of HackSaw
A first date always comes with some nerves. You want it to be fun but also comfortable. In recent years, escape rooms have become popular for couples seeking a unique adventure. These immersive experiences promise excitement and teamwork. But are they the right choice for a first date? Let’s look at the advantages and potential pitfalls.
Creating an escape room is like telling a story. The key to making that story exciting? Puzzle flow. When puzzles follow a natural path, players stay engaged and eager to find the next clue. A well-designed puzzle flow turns a simple activity into a memorable experience. It keeps players immersed and makes them want to come back for more.
Escape rooms are a brilliant way to test your wits, teamwork, and problem-solving skills under pressure. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, cracking the code and escaping before time runs out is always a thrilling challenge. Melbourne has some of the best escape games around, with immersive themes and mind-bending puzzles that will push you to the limit.
Want to boost your chances of victory? Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you and your team escape like pros.
Your team can make or break your escape room experience. The best groups are balanced, with players who bring different skills to the table. A mix of logical thinkers, detail-oriented observers, and strong communicators will give you the edge. Keep your team size optimal—too many players can lead to chaos, while too few might leave you short on ideas. Play with people you communicate well with because clear instructions and quick updates can save precious time.
Good communication is the key to success in any escape room. Share every clue you find and speak up if you have an idea. Call out discoveries so everyone is on the same page, and if a puzzle isn’t making sense, let someone else take a crack at it. Listening carefully is just as important—sometimes, clues are hidden in plain sight or within the game’s audio.
Escape rooms are full of hidden surprises. Be thorough and check everything, but remember that not everything is a clue. Look under tables, inside drawers, behind books—you never know where an important object might be. Spreading out to cover more ground can be helpful, but make sure to regroup quickly to share findings.
With so many clues and puzzles to solve, things can get messy fast. Keep everything in one spot and avoid rechecking solved puzzles. Place used keys or objects in a designated area, keep track of locks and combinations you’ve already tried, and revisit unsolved clues if you’re stuck—sometimes, a second look helps.
Time flies in an escape game, so make every second count. Prioritise easy wins by solving the simplest puzzles first to build momentum. Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself. If you’re stuck for too long, don’t be afraid to ask for hints—it’s better than running out of time with unfinished puzzles.
Escape rooms are designed to challenge conventional thinking. Be creative and open-minded when tackling puzzles. Look for patterns, connections, and hidden meanings. Sometimes, objects have more than one use, so don’t dismiss something too quickly. If something seems impossible, take a step back and reassess.
Immersing yourself in the storyline can make the experience even more fun. Melbourne escape rooms are known for their strong narratives and attention to detail. Pay attention to the backstory—it might contain useful hints. Thinking like the characters in the game can also help you see things differently and find solutions faster.
If you’re looking for the best escape games in Melbourne, pick one that matches your skill level and interests. Whether you prefer a spooky thriller or a high-tech heist, there’s a room for you. First-timers should go for a medium-difficulty room to ease into the experience, while those who love a challenge can take on one of Melbourne’s more complex escape rooms with multiple layers of puzzles.
Looking for an exciting escape room experience? Check out Rush Escape Game for some of the most immersive and challenging escape rooms Melbourne has to offer.
Escape games are all about teamwork, strategy, and thinking on your feet. Whether you're solving puzzles with friends, family, or colleagues, following these tips will help you conquer Melbourne’s best escape games with confidence.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Book your next escape adventure at Rush Escape Game and put your skills to the test!
The Conjoining - St Kilda
For fans of horror, the thrill of stepping into a world filled with eerie atmospheres, spine-chilling soundtracks, and unsettling mysteries is irresistible. Horror escape rooms provide the perfect blend of adrenaline and intellectual challenge. But with so many options available, how do you choose the one that will truly send shivers down your spine? How do you even know you’ll get the scare you want? Here are some tips for finding the perfect horror escape room experience.
Before booking your escape room, consider the preferences and limits of your group. While some people thrive on terrifying scenarios with jump scares and gory imagery, others might prefer a more psychological approach to horror.
Scare Level: Now all escape games are created equal, this is doubly so for horror rooms. Some horror escape rooms are designed only for the ‘fear factor’, to frighten participants with actors, loud noises, and sudden surprises. Others focus on creating an eerie atmosphere without being overly scary allowing you to focus on the story and puzzles. Make sure the scare level matches your group’s comfort zone.
Age Restrictions: Horror escape rooms often have age restrictions due to their intense themes. Check the rules to ensure everyone in your group meets the minimum age requirement.
Experience Levels: As the title of this post states, if your group includes beginners, opt for a room with a moderate difficulty level. Veteran escape room enthusiasts might prefer more complex puzzles paired with a horror theme. Remember, you’re meant to enjoy the experience, not just scare your friends or be ‘that person’ who wants to beat records when no one else does. Make sure you’re all in alignment on what you want out of the experience.
Horror escape rooms come in many different flavours, from haunted houses and abandoned asylums to cursed tombs and supernatural encounters. Choosing a theme that resonates with your group can elevate the entire experience. Here are some popular horror themes to consider:
Supernatural Thrills: Ghosts, poltergeists, and haunted houses - like our Conjoining and Its Nightmare rooms
Gory Adventures: Blood-soaked traps and survival like our Hacksaw and Hacksaw 2 rooms.
Psychological Horror: Mind-bending stories that play on paranoia and suspense like our Alice into Darkness room.
Classic Horror: Inspired by iconic horror movies or legends such as our cult favourite The Last of Them room, a zombie thriller!
Read the storyline provided by the escape room venue to ensure it aligns with your horror cravings. A well-crafted narrative can immerse you further into the chilling experience.
One of the best ways to choose the right horror escape room is by reading reviews from other players. Websites like Google, TripAdvisor, and escape room-specific directories often have detailed feedback.
Atmosphere: Look for comments about the design, sound effects, and overall ambiance.
Puzzle Quality: The puzzles should be challenging but fair, and they should tie into the horror theme seamlessly.
Scare Factor: Pay attention to how other players describe the fear elements—this will give you an idea of what to expect, focus on what the majority say, not the guy who needed to tell the world he didn’t find it as scary as everyone was saying. Ps. don’t be that guy.
Customer Service: A professional and accommodating staff can make or break your experience, especially if you have questions or concerns.
Hacksaw - Hawthorn
Many horror escape rooms elevate the fear factor by including live actors or advanced special effects. Decide if this element appeals to your group:
Live Actors: Actors can make the experience more interactive and intense, but they’re not for everyone. If you love being chased or interacting with “characters,” this might be the perfect choice. At Rush Escape Game, we don’t use actors in the rooms, we let the rooms do the talking for us.
Special Effects: Advanced technology, such as fog machines, animatronics, and lighting effects, can enhance the immersion without requiring human actors.
If you’re unsure, check the escape room’s website or call ahead to ask about these elements.
Escape rooms at chains typically last 45 minutes, however, Melbourne is host to dozens of bespoke independent operators much like us here at Rush Escape Game, who provide a minimum of 60 minutes of playtime. Make sure the time commitment aligns with your group’s preferences. Additionally, check the recommended group size for the room:
Smaller Groups: For intimate, creepy settings with minimal distractions.
Larger Groups: For high-energy experiences with more puzzles to solve.
Overcrowding can diminish the experience, so avoid booking beyond the recommended capacity.
Sometimes, the best horror escape rooms are hidden gems run by local businesses. These venues often put extra care into creating unique, handcrafted experiences. If you’re in Victoria, Australia, for example, you might find our handcrafted rooms provide that authenticity you’re after. Ps, did you know that most of our props for our Conjoining room were upcycled from deceased estates? Probably why sometimes things move without us knowing…
Also, our Game Masters love the industry and are enthusiastic about sharing our other favourites!
Once you’ve chosen the perfect horror escape room, take some steps to prepare for the adventure:
Dress Comfortably: Wear clothes and shoes that allow you to move freely.
Arrive Early: Give yourself time to get acquainted with the rules and storyline.
Bring the Right Mindset: Embrace the fear and have fun! Remember, it’s all part of the game.
Choosing the right horror escape room is all about balancing your group’s preferences with the unique elements each room offers. Whether you’re chasing jump scares or diving into a psychologically intense narrative, the perfect room is out there waiting to thrill and terrify you. Take the time to research, and you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable experience that will have your heart racing long after the final puzzle is solved.
Are you ready to face your fears and escape the nightmare? Start planning your horror escape room adventure today!
Check out our favourites:
The Conjoining (St Kilda), Its Nightmare (South Yarra), The Last of Them (St Kilda), Alice into Darkness (St Kilda), Hacksaw (Hawthorn), Hacksaw Chapter 2 (St Kilda)
Its Nightmare - South Yarra
