Welcome to Your First Escape Room Adventure

If you are feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves about trying an escape room, you are in the right place. This guide is designed for anyone new to the world of immersive puzzles and collaborative adventures. An escape room is more than just a game; it is an opportunity to step into a new story, challenge your mind, and work together with your friends, family, or colleagues in a completely unique way.

At Palace Games, located within San Francisco’s historic Palace of Fine Arts, we create world-class adventures that are perfect for both beginners and seasoned experts. The true goal is not just to ‘escape’ but to collaborate, communicate, and have an unforgettable experience. The most successful teams are those that embrace a spirit of cooperation, where every member’s contribution is valued. In fact, studies show that using inclusive language and focusing on a sense of “we” can strengthen connection and teamwork, which is the very heart of an escape room [1].

What to Expect at a Palace Games Escape Room

Your first visit to an escape room can feel mysterious, but we are here to make it as clear and enjoyable as possible. When you book with Palace Games, your adventure is completely private. You will never be paired with strangers, so the experience is exclusively for you and your chosen teammates.

One of the features that sets Palace Games apart is that each private room has a dedicated personal Game Guide. Think of them as your dedicated personal hosts. They are not there to watch you struggle, but to provide hints and help whenever you need it, ensuring your experience remains fun, not frustrating. This in-room support system is a core part of how our games work and a big reason why beginners have such a great time.

The experience may involve some mild physical activity. You can expect to be on your feet, and you might find yourself walking, climbing a step or two, or even crawling through a short passage. Because of this, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing that allows for easy movement. You only need to bring your energy and enthusiasm. For your convenience and to maintain the immersive experience, we provide a basket inside your room to safely store any personal items, as detailed in our arrival information.

Beginner’s Q&A: Your First-Timer Questions Answered

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from first-time players.

Which Palace Games experience is best for beginners?

For a fantastic introduction to the classic escape room format, we highly recommend The Roosevelt Room. It is one of our original and most beloved games, requiring no prior escape room experience to enjoy.

Are Palace Games escape rooms scary?

No, our games are not horror-themed. We focus on adventures rooted in history, innovation, and wonder. You will not find jump scares or frightening elements in our rooms. Our goal is to challenge and delight you, not to scare you. You can read more about our philosophy on this topic in our post, Are Escape Rooms Scary?. Please be aware that some thematic elements in The Roosevelt Room may not be appropriate for very young children, and we encourage you to review our policies for players under 18.

What if our group gets stuck and can’t solve a puzzle?

This is a very common fear for beginners, and it is exactly why your personal Game Guide is there! They are experts at observing your team’s progress and providing just the right hint at the right time. Their goal is to keep the game moving and ensure your team is having a great time, so you never have to worry about being hopelessly stuck, which is a key part of how our games work.

What should we wear?

Comfort is key. We suggest dressing in layers, as the historic Palace of Fine Arts can be cool, but the rooms can get warm with all the excitement and brainpower. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must. We advise against wearing dresses or skirts due to the mild physical activity involved in some of our games, a tip you can also find in our arrival information.

Are there age restrictions for families?

We welcome families and younger players! For any group that includes players under the age of 18, an adult chaperone who is an active participant is required to be in the room. The recommended minimum age is 16. Younger players are welcome to join a group of adults and contribute to the fun; you can read more about our policies for players under 18.

Top Tips for a Successful First Escape Room

Want to make your first escape room a smashing success? Keep these four principles in mind.

Communicate Everything

If you see something, say something. No detail is too small or too obvious to share with your team. Effective communication is the single most important factor in group problem-solving, as it allows the team to connect disparate clues and build on each other’s ideas [2].

Work Together

Escape rooms are a prime example of cooperative play, where a group works toward a shared goal [3]. Sometimes it makes sense to divide and conquer different puzzles, but always make sure to share discoveries with the entire team. The best moments happen when the group comes together to solve a major challenge.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Hint

Using a hint is not a sign of failure; it is a sign that you are focused on the fun. Your Game Guide is a resource, and using their expertise is a smart strategy to ensure you get to experience as much of the game as possible. The goal is to keep the momentum and enjoyment high.

Have Fun

Above all, remember that this is a game. Immerse yourself in the story, celebrate the small victories, and laugh at the occasional misstep. Engaging with puzzles is not only fun but also a great way to exercise your brain and improve cognitive function [4]. Make some great memories with your team.

Ready to Play? How to Book Your Adventure

Booking your first adventure is simple. The process is similar to buying tickets for a concert or movie, where you select your experience and pay in full at the time of booking. All of our games are private, so the room and time slot will be reserved exclusively for your team.

To get started, head to our booking page to select your desired game, date, and time. Please be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled start time. Just like a show, our games start promptly, and we cannot accommodate late arrivals, as explained in our booking policies.

We cannot wait to host you for your first escape room adventure