If you struggle with Blue Prince, the wildly popular puzzle game set in a quirky mansion, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Both critics and fans are calling it one of the top games of the year, which is surprising because it involves math, but not your run-of-the-mill kind—this game has its own set of mathematical rules. So, don’t feel bad about consulting some guides if the game’s challenges get you stuck. Doing so won’t lessen the sheer enjoyment it brings.
When I first tried Blue Prince, I expected something along the lines of Outer Wilds, where each puzzle helped piece together an overarching narrative. While Blue Prince does share that storytelling element to some extent, it diverges by engaging players in maneuvering through its complex clockwork mansion. You’ll come across scattered notes and newspapers hinting at past events, yet the main focus is on solving the mansion’s intricate puzzles, many of which are there just to move you ahead each day.
Sure, there’s a real thrill in solving everything independently, but sometimes a little help can enhance the enjoyment. Blue Prince is one of those games where a glimpse at a guide won’t spoil the fun. You’ll often only uncover the logical sequence or key details rather than full solutions. For instance, the math puzzle changes every day; once you decode the color meanings, solving the equation is still up to you.
Some puzzles aren’t randomized but require you to spot something before realizing there’s even a puzzle involved. Sometimes, consulting a guide can lead you past those frustrating dead ends, especially as you’re just learning the game’s framework. Around day 30, I began noticing a pattern in the rooms. Curious, I searched online, found lots of information on that exact aspect, and played on with newfound confidence, knowing it’d make sense eventually—and it did.
Admittedly, Blue Prince can be exasperating when you finish a run with no progress to show for it. Learning to draft the rooms strategically will take time, and you’ll encounter more than a few days ending in dead ends. While it becomes more manageable, unlucky runs will still crop up. Sometimes unique rooms don’t appear when needed, or you’re missing essential items to tackle specific tasks.
When those rare moments of alignment occur and you’re eager for progress, don’t hesitate to consult a guide or a friend for hints. Some players are still uncovering new elements after over 100 hours of gameplay. Not every puzzle clicks with everyone, and occasionally, you just need a slight nudge to move forward.
