If you’ve never played an escape room before, it can be tough to know what you’re getting into. Most escape room companies have multiple options to choose from; games with different themes and difficulties can be confusing to the uninitiated. Don’t worry, if you’re reading this, we’ll help you navigate all those choices and pick the best game for you!

Don’t worry about the success rate

The success rate of a game doesn’t always indicate how difficult it is; in fact, we wrote a whole blog about it that you can find here. While a high success rate is a statistical indicator that you’re more likely to escape, you don’t know how that high success rate was set. Who’s been playing that game? Is it experienced players or first-time players like you? The reality is that everyone has a tough time when they play their first escape room. There’s a challenge in learning how to play, so don’t worry too much the statistics of the game you’re trying to escape.

Pick something that sounds fun

So, if you’re not worried about the likelihood of succeeding, how should you choose your first escape room? We think you should focus on the theme. If you’re invested in the story, you’re more likely to have a good time. Similar to going to see a movie, you want to choose something that appeals to you, something that piques your interest. If you end up booking a game that you don’t find very compelling, then you’re less likely to be invested. Half the fun of an escape room is suspending disbelief and getting wrapped up in the story, so make sure you pick a game that’s going to captivate you!

When in doubt, ask the experts

The game masters are escape room experts. They know the games in the facility where they work better than anyone. They can tell you which puzzles people struggle with and what people find the most exciting. Naturally, game masters are the best people to ask about an escape room. If you find it really challenging to choose a game, then give the facility a call and ask a couple of questions. The representative who answers is sure to lend you their expertise and help you pick your first escape room.