Escape rooms are like social experiments disguised as entertainment. You lock a group of people in a room, give them a timer, some puzzles, and the vague promise of victory, and suddenly everyone’s true personality emerges. If you’ve ever done an escape room, you’ve definitely met these five types of players. (And let’s be honest, you’re probably one of them.)

1. The Overachiever

This person arrives READY. They have a notebook and pen. They’ve watched YouTube videos on “Escape Room Strategy” and are treating this experience like an Olympic sport. The Overachiever is the first to announce, “We need to divide and conquer,” and the last to admit they’re stuck. They’re great at finding clues but might occasionally try to unscrew a light fixture looking for a non-existent hidden compartment.

Catchphrase: “Guys, focus! We only have 59 minutes and 30 seconds left!”

2. The Wanderer

While everyone else is deciphering the cryptic message on the wall, the Wanderer is in the corner admiring a fake potted plant. They pick up random objects, ask irrelevant questions (“Do you think this room has Wi-Fi?”), and occasionally disappear entirely. When they do find a crucial clue, it’s by complete accident. The Wanderer’s greatest gift? Keeping things light when everyone else is spiraling.

Catchphrase: “Wait, we’re trying to open that door?”

3. The Kid

The Kid is the team’s secret weapon. While the adults are overthinking every puzzle, The Kid has an uncanny ability to spot things others miss. They’ll find the hidden key in a book spine or notice the faint clue written in the corner of a mirror. Their energy is boundless, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Without The Kid, the team would be stuck staring at the same clue for hours.

Catchphrase: “Look what I found!”

4. The Silent Genius

This person spends the first 30 minutes lurking in the background, saying almost nothing. Then, just as everyone’s about to give up, they swoop in and solve the hardest puzzle like it’s no big deal. The Silent Genius is a blessing and a curse: they’ll save the day, but they’ll also make you feel kind of dumb for missing something so obvious.

Catchphrase: “Oh, that? I just saw the pattern.”

5. The Chaos Agent

The Chaos Agent is here for a good time, not a productive time. They’re pressing random buttons, cracking jokes, and pretending to be locked in the jail cell even though the door is wide open. Their contribution to solving puzzles is minimal, but their contribution to group entertainment is priceless. Without them, escape rooms would just be…rooms.

Catchphrase: “What happens if I pull this?”

Bonus: Which One Are You?

Let’s face it—you’re probably not just one of these types. Maybe you’re an Overachiever with Chaos Agent tendencies, or a Silent Genius who occasionally wanders off to admire fake props. The beauty of escape rooms is that they turn a mix of personalities into a team. Each person brings their own quirks, skills, and comic relief to the table, making every experience a little unpredictable and a lot of fun.

So, next time you’re locked in a room with your friends, embrace the chaos, celebrate the genius, and thank The Kid for spotting that key you completely missed. After all, escaping isn’t just about solving puzzles—it’s about creating stories you’ll laugh about long after the clock runs out.