If you’re one of those folks who finds themselves struggling with Blue Prince, the wildly popular puzzle game that dives into the exploration of an eccentric mansion, you’ve come to the right place. Puzzle enthusiasts and critics alike are dubbing it a standout game of the year, which is quite the feat, especially since it has you juggling math problems. And we’re not talking your everyday math; this game throws in its own set of quirky rules. But fear not—I’m here to tell you that it’s perfectly okay to search for those rules or anything else that trips you up as you navigate this game. Trust me, it won’t spoil the fun.
When I first embarked on my Blue Prince adventure, I half-expected it to mimic Outer Wilds, where puzzles weave directly into unraveling the storyline. Blue Prince does this to an extent, but not exactly as you’d think. While abandoned notes and old newspapers provide some backstory, the real focus is on figuring out the puzzles scattered throughout the clockwork mansion. Many of these conundrums are only loosely related to the narrative, existing more to help you advance through the mansion one day at a time.
Let’s be honest, while solving every puzzle on your own is immensely satisfying, sometimes a little help can make your experience more enjoyable. Blue Prince is generous enough not to lose its charm should you decide to peek at a guide. Most times, you’re merely uncovering the logical process of a puzzle rather than its entire solution. Take the math challenges, for instance—they change daily. Even if you understand the meanings behind the colors, you still need to crack the puzzle on your own.
Some puzzles remain constant, yet they require a keen eye for details before even realizing there’s a mystery to solve. Consulting a guide just enough to grasp what’s expected can be invaluable, especially when you’re stuck. It not only aids in pushing through rough patches but also offers insights into the game’s structure, particularly when you’re just finding your bearings. Around day 30, I noticed something recurring in each room. A quick check on Google confirmed I was on the right track, and without delving further, I just kept playing, knowing more would unveil itself down the road (which it did).
Blue Prince can sometimes test your patience, particularly when a day’s efforts leave you without any breakthrough. Until you grasp how to strategically piece together rooms, a lot of your sessions might end at frustrating dead-ends. Over time, this becomes easier, though unlucky streaks can still happen. Those unique puzzle-specific rooms don’t always appear when you need them, and having the necessary items with you isn’t guaranteed.
In those pivotal moments when everything aligns just right, and you’re itching to make progress, don’t hesitate to glance at a guide or ask a fellow gamer for pointers. There are players who, even after more than 100 hours in, discover fresh elements. Every puzzle doesn’t gel with everyone’s thinking, and sometimes a gentle nudge is all it takes to set you on the right path.