Let’s dive into a topic that’s all too familiar for many of us who find ourselves a bit challenged when tackling Blue Prince, the wildly popular puzzle game where you’re tasked with navigating a quirky mansion. It’s garnered rave reviews from critics and puzzle enthusiasts alike, even earning a spot among the top games of the year. And yes, it involves math—though not the usual kind. Instead, it throws in its own bizarre set of rules. But here’s the good news: there’s absolutely no shame in looking up those rules or consulting a guide when you’re stuck. It won’t detract from the joy of the game.
When I first approached Blue Prince, I expected it to mirror Outer Wilds, a game where solving puzzles unravels the storyline. While Blue Prince shares that trait, it also stands apart. You do encounter notes and newspapers that provide backstory, but the core of the game lies in mastering the mansion’s intricate puzzles. These brainteasers are sprinkled throughout and often feel like they’re there just to keep you moving forward each day.
Sure, there’s a particular thrill in solving every puzzle by yourself. But, let’s be honest, there are moments when sneaking a peek at a walkthrough can make the experience even more enjoyable. Blue Prince doesn’t suffer from being spoiled by a guide. More often than not, you’re just revealing the logic behind a certain challenge—the sequence or the clues to focus on. Take the math puzzles, for instance. They change daily, so listing answers is futile. Even once you decipher the purpose of each color, you still have to work out the actual equation on your own.
Some of the puzzles aren’t random, but they do require you to recognize there’s even a puzzle to begin with. Consulting a guide for just the basics can be instrumental when you’re stuck, and it helps you wrap your head around the game’s framework. Around the 30-day mark, I started noticing a pattern with the rooms. A quick Google search verified my suspicions, but rather than delving deeper, I pressed on, confident that this realization would pay off later—and indeed, it did.
Blue Prince can be quite vexing when a playthrough leaves you without any real progress. Until you learn the strategy behind drafting rooms, expect to end many days hitting dead ends. Over time, you’ll handle this more gracefully, but those frustrating runs never entirely vanish. You won’t always encounter specific, puzzle-related rooms when you need them, and often, you’ll lack the necessary items.
When you’re lucky enough to hit the right combination and are eager to make strides, don’t hesitate to check out a guide or ask a friend for pointers. Some players find hidden quirks even after logging over 100 hours. Remember, not every puzzle clicks with every mind, and sometimes, you just need a slight push in the right direction.