If you’ve played any number of escape rooms chances are that you’ve found yourself scratching your head, wondering what to do next. Escape rooms are all about puzzles and challenges, but if you have no guidance on what to do or where to look, the game can be very frustrating, especially for new players. The difference between an okay escape room and a fantastic one often lies in something called “signposting.”
What is Signposting?
According to the ERban Dictionary on the Room Escape Artist website, the definition is as follows:
Signpost – (verb) to direct players to what they’re meant to be working on through subtle in-game cluing
Imagine you’re on a treasure hunt without a map. Sounds tough, right? Signposting in an escape room is like that treasure map. It doesn’t give away the treasure’s location but guides you in the right direction. It’s the subtle art of giving players hints and clues, steering them toward the right path without spoiling the fun of discovery.
Why Signposting is so Important
Keeps the Flow Going
Have you ever been stuck on a puzzle for what feels like an eternity? A well-signposted escape room prevents this by providing gentle nudges. For instance, a series of footprints leading to a hidden compartment can be just the hint needed to help players discover what they never would have on their own.
Enhances the Storytelling
A great escape room tells a story, and signposting can be part of the narrative. For example, you’re in a pirate-themed room, and a parrot squawks a cryptic message about the captain’s cabin. That’s signposting doubling as a part of the story!
Balances Challenge and Fun
Too easy, and it’s boring. Too hard, and it’s frustrating. Signposting helps strike that perfect balance, ensuring the game is challenging but doable.
Examples of Signposting Done Right
The Checklist
In a spacecraft filled with buttons, knobs, and all sorts of doohickies, your team is tasked with getting the power back on. A checklist is found that lets you know what needs to be done and in what order. Each task is a puzzle for you to figure out, but at least now you know what to focus on.
The Highlighted Book
In a detective-themed room, you find a shelf full of books. But one has its spine highlighted in red. You pull it, and voila! A secret drawer pops open. Simple, yet effective.
The Echoing Whispers
In a ghost-themed room, whispers play intermittently from a corner, drawing players to a nearly invisible switch on the wall. Spooky and intriguing!
Match Them Up
A small figurine of an owl is found in a locked box, but where does it go? A spot on a mantle has a drawing of an owl on it. You place the figurine on the mantle and a door pops open.
The Magic Touch of Signposting
Good signposting transforms an escape room from a mere puzzle-solving exercise to an adventure. It’s the magic touch that keeps players engaged, guides them through the story, and leaves them with those “Aha!” moments of triumph. So when designing your next escape room, make sure your future players aren’t going to be standing around frustrated wondering what to do next. Pay close attention to signposts – they’re the unsung heroes of a great game!
