How to Conquer the Best Escape Game in Melbourne: Tips and Tricks

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.

Assemble a Strong Team

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.

Communicate Effectively

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.

Search Everywhere

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.

Stay Organised

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.

Manage Your Time Wisely

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.

Think Outside the Box

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.

Embrace the Theme

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.

Choose the Right Escape Room

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.

Ready to Put Your Skills to the Test?

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!


How to Choose the Perfect Horror Room for new players to escape games

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.

1. Understand Your Group’s Preferences

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.

2. Check the Theme and Storyline

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.

3. Research Reviews and Ratings

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

4. Consider the Use of Actors and Special Effects

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.

5. Evaluate the Duration and Group Size

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.

6. Look for Local Gems

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!

7. Prepare for the Experience

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.

Final Thoughts

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)

Nightmare horror south yarra fear of escape games melbourne best

Its Nightmare - South Yarra