New to escape rooms? You do not need specialist knowledge or previous experience. Your job is to explore the story, share what you find and work with the rest of the team while the clock counts down.
This guide focuses on the practical first visit: what to check before you arrive, what happens in the briefing, how hints work and how to choose a suitable first game. For a broader explanation of the format, read What Is an Escape Room?.
Before your game
Read the booking email
Use the arrival time and venue instructions in your confirmation rather than guessing. Share them with every guest, check the correct Enigma location and allow time for travel, parking or finding the entrance.
Wear comfortable clothing
Choose clothing and footwear that let you move comfortably. Some individual room pages mention steps, crouching, crawling or other physical elements, so read the chosen game page before the day.
Confirm the group and age guidance
Enigma escape rooms are generally for two to six guests. Age recommendations and restrictions vary by room, and under-16s may need an adult. Use the current room page and FAQ as the source of truth.
Ask about accessibility in advance
Access varies by building and experience. Read the accessibility guide and contact Enigma before booking if anyone has mobility, sensory or other requirements.
What happens in the briefing?
A member of staff explains the story, the rules, safety information and how to request help. Listen carefully even if someone in the group has played elsewhere; rooms and clue systems are not identical.
You are not expected to be literally locked in with no way out. Guests can leave when necessary. Ask any safety or access question before the timer begins.
During the escape room
Say discoveries out loud. A clue that looks unimportant to one person may complete someone else’s puzzle.
Keep used and unused items organised. This reduces repeated work.
Search carefully, not forcefully. Follow the briefing and do not dismantle the room.
Share the space. If one puzzle stalls, another guest may see it differently.
Use hints. A clue keeps the story moving; it is not a failure.
Watch the time without panicking. Clear communication is more useful than everyone rushing separately.
For more practical puzzle habits, read the separate escape-room tips article.
What happens after the game?
Staff bring the experience to a close whether the team escapes or the timer expires. You may be able to discuss the game and take a team photo, subject to the venue’s current process. Avoid posting puzzle solutions publicly; spoilers can damage the experience for future players.
How to choose a first room
Start with a theme the whole group enjoys, then check intensity, age and access guidance. The room-choice guide includes a five-venue comparison and current first-timer picks:
