Escape Room Tips: Red Herrings in Escape Rooms

Red herrings are the tricksters of escape rooms: clever distractions designed to throw you off track. They blend into the environment so well that even seasoned players can get caught chasing the wrong clue. Learning how to spot (and outsmart) red herrings can be the key to escaping faster.

If you want to sharpen your focus and improve your chances of escaping, these expert tips will help you dodge the traps and stay on the path to victory!

Tip #1: Understand What a Red Herring Is

Before you can beat them, you need to know what you’re looking for.

What Are Red Herrings?

• Red herrings are objects, clues, or puzzles that look important but lead nowhere.
• They’re designed to test your attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Common Red Herring Examples:

• Random numbers that don’t match any lock.
• Extra puzzle pieces with no real use.
• Objects that seem significant but don’t connect to anything else.

Pro Tips:

• Always check if a clue ties into the story of other puzzles.
• If something feels out of place or overly complicated, question it!

Tip #2: Stay Organized

Red herrings thrive on confusion because they blend in just enough to distract you from what really matters. Staying organized helps you spot when something doesn’t belong.

Smart Organizing Strategies:

• Create a “used” pile for clues you’ve already solved.
• Keep track of clues and keys as you use them.
• Label questionable items mentally: “maybe important” versus “suspicious”.

Common Pitfalls:

• Holding on to every single object as if it’s vital.
• Forgetting what has already been solved and wasting time.

Tip #3: Trust the Room’s Logic

Escape rooms are built with a purpose. If a clue doesn’t seem to connect logically, it might be a dead end.

Follow the Story:

• Good escape rooms make sure every real clue fits the theme.
• If an item feels random or unrelated, it could be a red herring.
• Ask yourself, “Does this make sense in the context of the room?”

Common Pitfalls:

• Forcing random objects into solutions.
• Creating complicated theories around simple puzzles.

Tip #4: Communicate with Your Team

When it comes to spotting red herrings, two (or more) heads are better than one.

Winning Team Communication Strategies:

• Share doubts about clues openly: someone else might agree it’s a dead end.
• Don’t hesitate to call out objects that seem suspicious.
• Double-check each other’s discoveries for real connections.

Common Pitfalls:

• Wasting time arguing about a single, meaningless clue.
• Ignoring a teammate’s hunch that something feels “off”.

Tip #5: Use Hints Wisely

If you’re stuck chasing what might be a red herring, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Hint Hacks:

• If you’ve been stuck on the same thing for more than 5–10 minutes, it’s hint time.
• When asking for a hint, be specific: mention the object or clue you’re questioning.
• Trust the game master’s nudge: they won't waste your time.

Common Pitfalls:

• Ignoring hints out of pride and wasting precious minutes.
• Asking too many hints too soon without trying first.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Get Frustrated… Get Focused!

Red herrings are just the game messing with you…so don’t take the bait! Laugh it off, stay sharp, and keep your eyes on the real prize.

Stay Cool to Outsmart the Game:

• If something doesn’t add up, move on: you can always circle back.
• Keep morale high and the mood light.
• Remember: escaping is about solving smart, not chasing everything that looks shiny!

Common Pitfalls:

• Getting stuck on one wrong clue for too long.
• Letting frustration cloud your teamwork and creativity.

Outsmart Red Herrings Like a Pro!

Ready to test your skills against cleverly hidden clues… and maybe some red herrings? Book an escape room at 60out and put your problem-solving abilities to the test! Every room is packed with exciting puzzles: some real, some designed to challenge your instincts… Can you tell the difference before time runs out?

Read More

• Escape Room Tips: Solving Puzzles in Escape Rooms — Boost your puzzle-solving skills! Learn how to recognize different puzzle types, tackle tricky challenges, and work as a team to escape like a pro.
• Escape Room Tips: How to Find Clues in Escape Rooms — Sharpen your search skills! Discover smart strategies for spotting hidden clues, uncovering secrets, and piecing together your escape plan.
• Escape Room Tips: How to Handle Locks & Keys in Escape Rooms — Master the secrets of locks and keys! Learn how to tackle common lock types, avoid mistakes, and unlock your path to escape room victory.