For those of us who might not excel at Blue Prince, the popular puzzle game set in a peculiar mansion, rest assured that you’re not alone. Puzzle aficionados and critics alike are heralding it as one of the standout games of the year—quite astounding given its focus on math with bizarre, invented rules. But don’t worry, turning to a guide for help when you’re stuck doesn’t spoil the game at all.
I initially thought Blue Prince would echo the experience of playing Outer Wilds, where solving puzzles unravels the storyline. While Blue Prince shares this characteristic to some extent, it diverges quite a bit too. The storyline is revealed through discarded notes and old newspapers, but the main focus is navigating the intricate puzzles that fill the mansion. Many of these puzzles are only loosely connected to the story and primarily serve to help you progress through the mansion each day.
While it’s satisfying to solve puzzles independently, sometimes a little assistance can enhance the fun. With Blue Prince, peeking at a guide won’t break the experience—it often just clarifies a puzzle’s logic or highlights what you need to search for. For instance, the math puzzles change daily, meaning solutions aren’t easily listed. Even with a grasp of what each color signifies, you still have to work through the equations yourself.
Some puzzles aren’t randomized, but they require awareness of what to search for, sometimes before you’re even looking. Consulting a guide can help break the deadlock when progression stalls and also familiarize you with the game’s structure, especially in the early stages. Around day 30, I noticed a distinct pattern in each room. A quick Google confirmed my suspicions, but I refrained from digging deeper, knowing it would eventually become clear—and it certainly did.
At times, Blue Prince can be a bit vexing when your efforts don’t immediately pay off. Until you master the art of room drafting, many days might end without obvious breakthroughs. Although this becomes more manageable over time, the occasional unfruitful run is inevitable. Special rooms linked to specific puzzles might not appear when needed, and sometimes, you simply lack the necessary items to proceed.
When your plans align and you’re eager to make headway, don’t hesitate to look at a guide or ask a friend for hints. There are players who discovered new elements even after 100 hours. Every puzzle doesn’t naturally resonate with every person, and a slight nudge in the right direction can be just what’s needed.
