These tips arent going to ruin escape rooms by making them too easy.

But they might back up your next team-building activity from becoming an hour of futility and failure.

You cant make escape rooms boring by getting very good at them.

But even after playing over 200 escape rooms around the world, they still love playing new ones.

Heres what they doand dont dowhen they play a room.

Youll also get a gut feeling about whether the room feels fun.

The pictures help you rule out some games, says Mark.

Theres a big variation in the investment of time and care, he says.

Look for rooms with a clear theme or storyline.

Those might be more idealized, but theyll keep the rooms secrets secret.

So dont worry that youll pick a room that requires specialized knowledge.

Still, you should look for rooms with themes that excite you and a difficulty level that feels appropriate.

Double-check difficulties on the enthusiast sites.)

Come again

Most brands are consistent in quality, whether that quality is high or low.

Its rare that you go and find a really amazing game and a really poor game, says Ben.

So if you liked your first trip to a specific brand of game, youll probably like your second.

They all revolve around teamworkbecause no ones going to solve an escape room themselves in one hour.

Talk talk talk

Teams that communicate will generally succeed, says Ben.

Talk in terms of what you have and what you think it might do.

Ive got an X that needs Y.

But be ready for alternate ideas.

Play to your strengths

Escape rooms are built to reward different problem-solving abilities.

And trust but verify, the designers say.

You may think you went through every pocket of that coat, but let someone else double-check.

Mark recommends a pep talk.

Take inventory out loud, discuss everyones status, get them talking again.

This is a good time to suggest a team reorg.

And know when to take a hint.

Literally: most escape rooms let you ask the room attendant for specific hints.

Theyre watching you complete the room, so theyll know the next step you oughta take.