Escape Room Checklist: What do you need to know before you book?
Good preparation makes the difference between a fun day out and an unforgettable experience, which is why an escape room checklist is essential. Whether you're booking an escape room for the first time or have played plenty before, there are a few things you can sort out in advance to get the most out of it. At DarkPark we see all kinds of groups come through every day, and there's a clear pattern. Groups that have done a bit of reading beforehand walk into the escape room with more confidence. In this article we take you through everything you need to know before you book an escape room.
Choose an escape room that suits your group
The most important step comes before you even book. Not every escape room is the same, and not every room suits every group. Some escape rooms are nice and light, perfect for a fun night out. Others are intense, cinematic and challenge you to step well outside your comfort zone.
Think beforehand about what your group enjoys. Are you looking for thrills and adventure? Or do you mostly want to have a good time puzzling together? On the DarkPark website you can read exactly what kind of atmosphere to expect from every escape room. That way you pick an experience that matches the mood of the group and avoid surprises not everyone wants.
Going with people who have never done an escape room? Then pick a room that's accessible and pulls you right into the story. Experienced players may be looking to push their limits instead. The beauty of it is that there's something for every kind of adventurer.
What do you wear to an escape room?
It may not be the first thing you think of, but the clothes you wear in an escape room matter more than you'd expect. You'll be moving, bending, searching and sometimes even crawling or climbing. So wear clothes you can move around in comfortably and shoes you stand firmly in. Heels, tight skirts and smart suits are not recommended in an escape room.
Keep in mind too that some escape rooms can be a bit colder or warmer than you expect. A layer you can easily take off is always a good idea. Got long hair? Bring a hair tie. You don't want to be brushing hair out of your face halfway through a tense moment while your team waits for you.
What do you bring (and what do you leave at home)?
Really, there's only one thing you need to think about: yourself. Everything you need to play the escape room is already waiting for you. You don't need to bring anything and you don't need to prepare anything.
Feel free to leave your phone and other personal belongings in the lockers we offer you. That's not us being difficult, it's to make sure you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. Nothing pulls you out of a story faster than a buzzing phone at the most exciting moment.
Wearing a watch? You can usually keep it on, but be aware that your sense of time is sometimes part of the game. At DarkPark we make sure you get exactly the information you need, at the moment you need it. A watch that lights up, like a smartwatch, usually isn't allowed into the escape room, by the way.
How do you prepare mentally?
The best preparation for an escape room is actually very simple: go in with an open mind. Let go of expectations and step into the adventure without wanting to plan too much. The best moments happen when you surrender to the story and are willing to be surprised.
"What if we don't make it?" is a question we hear regularly. The honest answer is that it doesn't matter. An escape room isn't about winning or losing. It's about the experience, the teamwork and the memories you make together. Teams that laugh, communicate and have fun experience the escape room most intensely. Whether or not they make it to the finish.
A little nervous about a scary escape room? That's a good thing. That adrenaline only makes the experience more intense. Trust that everything is safe and that you can say so at any moment if it gets too much. Game hosts are always watching, and actors adjust their performance to your reactions.
Going for the first time? Here's what to expect
Your first escape room is always special. You don't know exactly what's coming, and that's actually the best part. A game host takes you into the story and prepares you for what lies ahead. From that moment on, it's up to you.
Don't expect everything to make sense at the start. That's part of it. The first minutes often feel a bit overwhelming, but that feeling quickly gives way to curiosity. Just start looking around, touching everything and saying out loud what you find. The answers are always in the room, you just have to discover them.
Don't worry if you get stuck, either. Game hosts are watching the whole time and can give you a nudge in the right direction when you need it. If you're completely stuck you're welcome to ask for a hint, but in most cases you can trust the game host to give you one at the moment you need it. After all, the game host knows the game like no one else and knows what's still to come. You don't, so above all surrender to the game host, the game and the unknown.
Tips for better teamwork
An escape room is a team sport, and the way you work together largely determines how you experience it. A few simple agreements beforehand can make a world of difference.
Communicate out loud. Everything you find, see or think, you share with the group. The clue that means nothing to you might be the missing piece of the puzzle for someone else. Teams that work in silence almost always miss connections they would have made together.
Spread out across the room. There's no point in everyone staring at the same object. Spread out, investigate different corners and bring your findings together. That way you work efficiently and discover more in less time.
Listen to everyone. Sometimes the best idea comes from the person who's usually the quietest. An escape room is the perfect place to let everyone take part as equals, without the hierarchy of everyday life. And maybe the most important tip of all: have fun. It's an adventure, not an exam. Laugh at your own mistakes, enjoy the aha moments and allow yourself to get completely lost in another story for a while.
After the escape room
The adventure doesn't stop once you've escaped. In fact, for many teams the talk afterwards is a highlight. The stories about who got scared where, who had that one stroke of genius and who accidentally did exactly the wrong thing. Those moments are worth their weight in gold and make an escape room more than just an activity.
Afterwards, at DarkPark we take the time to look back. Your game host tells you what happened behind the scenes and answers all the questions you had during the game. It's a lovely moment to let the experience sink in and savor it together.
Leave some room in your schedule after your escape room, too. Don't jump straight into the car, but take the time for a drink and a good conversation. The best memories of an escape room are often made in the moments right after, when the adrenaline is still racing through your body and everyone is talking over each other about what they've just been through.
Ready to book?
Now that you know what to expect, only one thing remains: choose an escape room and take on the adventure. DarkPark is ready to give you an experience that stays with you for a long time. Whether it's your first time or your fifteenth visit, every experience is different and every time you discover something new about yourself and the people around you.
Curious which escape room suits your group?
