For those who find themselves struggling with Blue Prince, the acclaimed puzzle game set in a bizarre mansion, rest assured—this is a safe space. Puzzle enthusiasts and critics alike rave about it, dubbing it one of the year’s standout games, and yet it’s not your typical puzzle game. It’s packed with math challenges that are anything but straightforward, requiring you to adapt to a set of fictional rules. But let’s clear something up: you shouldn’t feel bad about consulting a guide for help when you’re stuck. It won’t detract from your overall experience.
When I first picked up Blue Prince, I expected it to echo the style of Outer Wilds, where puzzles are deeply entwined with the storyline. While Blue Prince shares some similarities, it veers off in its own direction. The scattered notes and newspapers provide background, but the real crux of the game lies in conquering the intricately designed mansion. The storyline is secondary to the myriad of puzzles that are scattered about, some of which are simply there to help you advance through the mansion’s curiously timed progression.
It’s true, solving each puzzle unaided can be incredibly satisfying. However, sometimes a little ‘cheat’ by way of a walkthrough can enhance your enjoyment rather than diminish it. Digging into a guide won’t spoil the game, as what you’re usually getting is a logic cue—like the sequence or what to look out for. With the math challenges, for instance, the puzzle shifts daily. Even if you decipher what each color represents, the equation itself remains for you to crack.
Other puzzles stay the same, but you won’t even realize there’s a puzzle until you grasp what to watch for. Peeking at just enough of a guide to get an idea of what you’re up against can be a lifesaver when you’re stuck. It also helps you appreciate how the game is structured, especially when you’re just getting started. By the time I reached day 30, I spotted a recurring theme in each room. A quick search confirmed my hunch, but I avoided delving any deeper, trusting that the game would naturally unfold—and it did.
Admittedly, the game can be frustrating when some of your attempts fail to yield any progress. Until you master the art of strategically organizing your rooms, you’ll often face dead ends, feeling like you’ve hit a wall. With practice, you’ll find it gets easier to manage, although an unlucky run is always possible. Plus, specific puzzle-related rooms might not always appear when needed, and sometimes you simply won’t have the right tools for the job.
In those moments when everything seems to align but you’re still stumped on how to move forward, don’t hesitate to seek out a guide or ask a friend for a hint. There are players who uncover new secrets even after dedicating over 100 hours to the game. Not every puzzle clicks for everyone, and a gentle push in the right direction can make all the difference.
