Is it worth using hints when completing quests?

Have you ever heard of finding clues games? We won’t be surprised if the answer is “no”, as the proper title would rather be “escape room games”. Still, finding clues is extremely important to win the most escape rooms. They’re also essential for the flawless escaping experience – and today we’re going to find out why.

When The Finding Clues Mechanics are The Most Important

Experienced players may argue that the puzzles are the core of the escape games, and the clues are just there to help the escapers who got themselves in trouble and can’t find the way to get out by themselves. That’s definitely not true, as a good escape room puzzle doesn’t only contain the puzzle element itself, but also the clue to finding it. Also, when you’re solving a puzzle, the reward is ever a key or… right, a clue to the next puzzle.

Here are the genres where this mechanic works the best:

  • Classic escape rooms. You know, the ones with a minimal storyline – and sometimes there’s no story at all. Why would anyone want a backstory in a room filled of awesome, original puzzles anyway? Finding clues games are common here, as some of the rooms may have so much elements it may be difficult to understand what to pay attention to at first. They act as guidelines, help to make things done in time and turn in a successful escape quest.
  • Exploration stories. If you’re searching for something in a mad scientist’s lab, or making your way through an ancient alchemist’s hideout, it won’t be that unexpected to find some notes left by the said unnamed genius for himself. Looking through the papers really helps to connect with the story, feel the atmosphere of the environment better, and understand the person whose home or secret place you’re currently invading.
  • Challenges / Competitions Escape Rooms. This motive becomes more popular nowadays: you’re trapped in an escape room not because you’re an unlucky victim, but because you wanted to be locked there in the first place (ironically, that’s exactly what’s happening regardless of the scenario). You need to get out in order to show your opponent that your escape skills, intellect and intuition are superior to his. What makes the genre blend with finding clues games so well is that it just feels right to discover small notes from the “room maker” from time to time. Even if lots of those clues are snarky, they’re still very useful.

Want to play some finding clues games? Come visit any of our escape room locations: we’re always ready to welcome the new escape!