For those of us who maybe aren’t the best at tackling Blue Prince, the wildly popular puzzle game set in a mysterious mansion, there’s no judgment here. Critics and puzzle enthusiasts alike are hailing it as a standout game this year, which might seem surprising since it involves math—though not the typical kind. We’re talking math with rules that are entirely of the game’s own design. I want to assure you, however, that there’s absolutely no shame in turning to some outside help when the going gets tough. It won’t take away from your enjoyment.
When I first started playing Blue Prince, I expected it might be similar to Outer Wilds, where puzzles seamlessly unravel the narrative. Blue Prince is a bit like that, yet also not quite. While discarded notes and newspaper clippings do piece together bits of the backstory, the heart of the game lies in outwitting its intricate clockwork mansion. The puzzles scattered throughout are mostly there to keep you moving through the mansion’s daily challenges, not necessarily to deepen the story.
Sure, there’s a real thrill to solving each puzzle purely on your own, but sometimes it’s just as enjoyable to sneak a peek at a solution. Blue Prince doesn’t lose its charm with a little guidance; more often than not, you’re only uncovering the logic behind a problem—understanding its sequence or knowing what elements to keep an eye out for. Take the math puzzle, for instance. It changes daily, making it impossible to keep a cheat sheet. Once you grasp the meaning behind each color, you still have to work through the actual equation on your own.
Some puzzles remain constant, yet they often require you to realize they exist before you can attempt to solve them. Sometimes, skimming a guide to grasp what you need to uncover can really help when you’re feeling stuck. This approach also aids in figuring out the game’s layout as you begin. Around day 30, I noticed a recurring theme with the rooms and decided to consult Google to see if I was on the right track. The results confirmed my suspicions, and rather than delve deeper, I kept playing, curious to see where this pattern would lead (spoiler: it was worth it).
Progress in Blue Prince can be elusive when a particular run doesn’t yield noticeable results. Until you master the art of strategically designing rooms, expect many days to end in frustrating dead ends. Although this becomes easier with time, bad luck never fully disappears. You won’t always encounter the necessary unique rooms or have the correct items when you need them most.
During those rare moments when it seems like everything might align and you’re itching to make headway, don’t hesitate to consult a guide or ask a friend for advice. Players have discovered new elements 100 hours into the game. Not every puzzle is intuitive for everyone, and sometimes a gentle push in the right direction is just what you need.
