The Top Scary Escape Room Guide (2024 Updated)

So, you’ve decided to challenge yourself and try your first scary escape room in Melbourne. You’ve put your comfy shoes on, your team is ready and your mind is racing. So, what do you have to look out for in Australia’s top horror escape rooms, and what can you look forward to?

In this blog, we’ve got the ultimate scary escape room guide to make sure you make it out in record time, with our insider tips and knowhow… whilst having the best experience possible!

If you’re interested in the best scary escape room in Melbourne, book Kellar’s Magic Emporium in South Melbourne today. And if you’re looking for the scariest escape rooms in Melbourne, our new breakout room ‘Fractured’ is reserved for only the bravest.

Read on for our scary escape room Melbourne tips.

 

Scary Escape Room Tips & Tricks

 

1. Make Sure To Warm Up

2. Don’t Overanalyse

3. Buy Into The Story

4. Have A Supportive Team

5. Get The Lowdown On The Escape Room

6. Have A Chat With The Game Master

7.. Adopt A Fear Management Strategy

8. Dress Comfortably

9. Talk It Out With Your Team

 

1. Make Sure to Warm Up

 

And no, we don’t mean your muscles. Your ego might tempt you to go for the scariest escape room experience first, but it’s generally a better idea to opt for a more laid-back set-up while learning the ropes.

Although the scary option will get your heart and mind racing, starting with something slightly calmer will help you to understand the fundamentals of the game, such as our Original Escape Room. Work on your problem solving skills and critical thinking beforehand so when it comes time to up the ante with a spooky escape room, you’ll be ready.

Scary Escape Room: Original Escape Room

2. Don’t Overanalyse

 

When stuck inside an escape room, it’s easy to read into every little detail. Is the clock pointing to 3 o’clock because that’s the time, or are the arrows pointing at something? Remember that these rooms, although challenging, are not designed to keep you in there forever.

So, pay attention to the little details but don’t let your mind play tricks on you! When in doubt, return to the last thing that you unlocked, you may have simply overlooked a clue in a panic!

Scary Escape Room: Don't Overanalyse

3. Buy Into The Story

 

If you’re a horror movie buff like we are, one of the best parts of a scary escape room is the Halloween-style storyline. Perhaps you enjoy the thrill of being trapped in a haunted mansion, or being spooked by ghosts? Regardless, it’s time to buy into the narrative and follow escape room etiquette by playing along, to enjoy all the scares that come with the horror-themed fun of the best scary escape rooms.

Also, ensure you’re prepared for a few good-natured spooks: it could be in the form of an undead actor, some ghoulish imagery or simply some flickering lights. No matter what it is, expect to get a fright!

But remember, you can still leave at any time if you feel you need to. The best part of scary escape rooms is they get the blood pumping in a super safe, controlled environment. In saying that, maybe skip the caffeine beforehand.

Scary Escape Room: Buy Into The Story

4. Have A Supportive Team

 

The ultimate tip for beating a scary escape room is to go with a supportive team. Whilst you might have friends who are strategic professionals and great at working alone, maybe it’s better to leave them behind.

Working with a group that will listen to and support each other will ensure you have the most fun (and up your chances of getting out!). A switched-on, collaborative team will encourage you to speak up if you see something, no matter how silly it may seem. Escape rooms are meant to be tricky, so you may have just found the next clue.

Scary Escape Room: Have A Supportive Team

5. Get The Lowdown On The Escape Room

 

Before booking, take a moment to check the escape room’s website for game descriptions, themes, FAQs, and customer reviews. This will help you gauge the level of scariness, the presence of live actors, and the types of puzzles you might encounter.

Understanding the room’s difficulty level can ensure you pick an experience that matches your group’s skill set. Having a clear idea of what to expect can make your adventure more enjoyable and less daunting. Plus, a bit of research adds to the excitement!

 

6. Have A Chat With The Game Master

 

Don’t hesitate to chat with the game master about any concerns you have. They can give you insights on what to expect, adjust the intensity level if needed, and explain the safety measures in place. Remember, you can leave at any time if it becomes too much.

Open communication can also lead to personalised tips that enhance your overall experience. Plus, they can offer reassurances that make you feel more at ease before the game starts. It’s all about having a great time!

group of players chatting with the escape room game master

7. Adopt a Fear Management Strategy

 

Identify your triggers, such as darkness or loud noises, and prepare coping techniques like deep breathing. Remind yourself that it’s just a game, and nothing inside is real. Stick with your teammates during high-tension moments, as this can provide comfort and help diffuse anxiety.

Keeping a positive mindset can also help in managing fear effectively. Remember, staying calm can make it easier to solve puzzles and enjoy the experience.

Also check out this quick massage tip in the video video below that can help you drop your heart rate back to normal, this will surely come in handy!

8. Dress Comfortably

 

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as you may need to crawl or move quickly. Consider wearing clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as some rooms may use props like fake blood. If you’re prone to anxiety, it might be best to skip caffeine before the experience, as it can heighten your nervousness.

Ensuring you’re physically comfortable can significantly enhance your focus and performance. Being well-prepared will help you fully immerse yourself in the adventure. Dress smart, play smart!

dress comfortably for escape room

9. Talk It Out With Your Team

 

Clear communication is key to solving puzzles efficiently. Make sure everyone shares their observations and theories. Assign roles based on each team member’s strengths. For example, one person could focus on finding hidden objects while another works on deciphering codes.

This collaborative approach will help in tackling complex challenges more systematically. Effective teamwork is essential for making it out in record time. Teamwork makes the dream work!

talk it out with your team in escape room

So Who Should I Go To A Top Horror Escape Room With?

 

It’s also worth noting strength in numbers. Going with just your best friend might be fun, but extra eyes will help you to share the load, and gives you a higher chance of getting out in one piece. Plus, there’s nothing like a little bit of fear to bring your team closer together, which is why we recommend scary escape rooms in Melbourne as bonding activities for corporate groups too.

The scariest escape rooms can make for a fabulous buck’s night, feather ruffling hen’s party or even a family activity for brave little ones. But, if you find yourself in a situation where things need to be toned down, the room’s supervisor has the ability to pull things back. Always communicate, they are there to make sure you succeed, all in one piece!

The Final Word: Conquering The Scariest Escape Rooms In Melbourne

 

A scary escape room is sure to be the perfect experience for you and your friends, family or coworkers. Being both an adrenaline rush and a problem-solving puzzle where you have to work together to get out in time, scary escape rooms really are the best of both worlds. No matter what happens, you’re sure to have a spook-tacular time.

A scary escape room in Melbourne feeling a bit too intense for you?

Check out our other guides to ensure you have the best time on any occasion, without the fear factor:

Owen Spear
In addition to a passion for board games, Owen holds a PhD in psychology and is a practicing clinical psychologist, bringing a unique dimension to our escape rooms and experiences. Owen, together with co-founder Ali, have designed and built over 8 exceptional and innovative escape rooms that have been licenced in over six countries worldwide. In addition, Owen was commissioned to create a learning-based installation for Melbourne University (in a thief’s hideout van!), demonstrating his ability to cater to diverse audiences and create engaging experiences in various settings. In 2021, Owen led a successful application for the State Library’s Alchemy program, where ERM was among 14 applicants chosen from over 300 to help support the recovery of Melbourne’s creative industry and breathe new life into Australia’s oldest public library.