For those of us who struggle with Blue Prince, the popular puzzle game set in a quirky mansion, you’ll find no judgment here. Critics and enthusiasts alike hail it as one of the year’s finest games, which is quite surprising because it involves math. And not the kind of math we’re used to—this is math with its own unique twists. But let me reassure you: there’s no shame in looking up those quirky rules or seeking help when you’re stuck. It won’t spoil your gaming adventure.
When I first dove into Blue Prince, I expected something along the lines of Outer Wilds, a game where puzzles slowly reveal the storyline. Blue Prince has elements of that, but it’s also quite different. As you wander through, you’ll find scattered notes and newspapers that give some insight into the past events. But the main draw is outsmarting the tricks of this mechanical mansion. Puzzles are peppered throughout, and many are there just to help you navigate the mansion day by day.
While there’s a definite thrill in solving each puzzle independently, don’t discount the occasional need to borrow a clue or two. Blue Prince won’t lose its charm if you consult a guide. All you’re likely to glean is the logic behind a puzzle—the sequence or specific clues to watch for. Take the math puzzles, for instance; they change daily. Even after figuring out the color codes, you’re on your own to work out the solution.
Some puzzles are static, but to crack these, you need to perceive clues before realizing a puzzle even exists. Skimming a guide to grasp the basics can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck. It’s also an excellent way to get the hang of the game’s rhythm when you first begin. Around day 30, I noticed a recurring theme in each room and did a quick check online to verify if I was onto something—and indeed, I was. Rather than digging deeper, I opted to continue gaming, confident it would all click eventually (and it did).
Blue Prince can be a test of endurance when a run doesn’t seem to yield any progress. Until you master the art of strategically setting up rooms, expect to finish many days facing dead ends. This does become easier over time, but not every run will be flawless. Sometimes, those special rooms with specific puzzles won’t pop up when needed, and the right items might not be at your disposal.
In those rare moments when everything clicks and you’re eager to advance, feel free to consult a guide or ask a friend for a hint. Some players uncover new elements even after clocking over 100 hours. Keep in mind that not every puzzle aligns perfectly with every player’s thinking, and often, a little nudge is all it takes to get back on track.
