7 Escape Room Myths, Debunked

Escape room myths keep a lot of first-timers from ever booking – the fear of being trapped, horror themes, needing to be a genius. Below, we’re setting the record straight on the seven most common misconceptions, one by one.

If you’re new to the world of escape rooms, chances are that you’re approaching your first game with some misconceptions. But don’t worry! We’re here to help! We listen to our customers every day and what they have to say can sometimes surprise us.

We want to make sure that you have the most fun possible when you come to play, but there are some beliefs circulating that make escape rooms seem intimidating or impossible. Let us set the record straight and debunk these huge escape room myths. (Many newcomers even mention hearing about experiences like The Ark escape room and even the Mindshaft escape room.)

1. You’re Locked In – Here’s the Truth

No, you’re never trapped. Every emergency exit is required by fire code to stay unlocked for immediate access, and a Game Master monitors your session in real time (usually by camera and intercom) so someone can let you out early if you ever need to leave. For the full picture on how we keep every session safe, check out our complete guide to escape room safety.

2. Escape Rooms Are Scary – True or False?

Mostly false. Only rooms explicitly marketed as horror experiences involve jump scares or intense themes. A room’s theme determines its scariness level, so you can pick a spook-free session just by checking the game description before booking.

3. Asking for Hints Is Considered Cheating

Hints are a built-in part of the design, not a penalty and not considered cheating. Game Masters expect players to request a clue when they’re stuck, so asking for help is standard play, not failure.

4. The Staff Are Watching and Laughing at You – Not Quite

Most, if not all, escape room facilities have security cameras in their games. Customers often ask if we spent the hour laughing at them. Sorry guys, but there are security cameras. What you see and experience in the game is reduced to a tiny black and white view of the back of your head for us. So that time you screamed, or that funny joke your friend made, we’re sadly not in on any of that. We’re watching everything just to make sure you’re safe and having fun.

5. An Escape Game Puzzle Can Be Unsolvable

Sure, this is technically true, but that would be lousy game design. Every puzzle is solvable, the trick is to collect all relevant information, and figure out the logic behind it before trying to solve it. At Escape Games Canada, we don’t believe in using red herrings, or in making puzzles impossible to solve. All the information you need to solve any of our missions is contained within the game, you don’t need any other resources with you.

6. All Escape Rooms Are Created Equal

There are hundreds of companies with thousands of escape rooms and themes. Different companies even have different philosophies about how to build their games. Naturally, with so many people generating so many ideas and building so many different ways, escape rooms differ wildly from one another. Even games that may seem similar because of a common theme, a prison for example, are usually completely different from one facility to another.

7. You’re Dumb If You Fail – Actually, It’s a Learned Skill!

Time and time again we hear people telling us how dumb they are because they didn’t complete the game, but it’s just not true! Escape rooms are a learned skill. Just like learning anything else, there’s a curve and practice makes perfect. The more escape rooms you play, the easier they’ll get. Those people who squash all-time escape room records? They’re probably enthusiasts who’ve played over a hundred games! So you should never feel disheartened for not escaping. Keep practicing. You’ll get better!

Debunk These Common Misconceptions About Escape Rooms for Yourself!

Now that you know the truth behind these escape room myths and misconceptions, the best way to debunk them for yourself is to play one. Escape Games Canada’s rooms are designed for players of every experience level. No prior escape room experience required, just a willingness to communicate and have fun.