Seeking Blue Prince solutions won’t diminish the game’s enjoyment

For those of us who might not be puzzle whizzes, there’s no need to worry about enjoying Blue Prince, this year’s surprise hit game centered around exploring a quirky mansion. Surprisingly, this game has been dubbed one of the year’s best by puzzle enthusiasts and critics alike, even though it challenges players with some unconventional math. It’s not your typical math either; it’s math with a twist of imaginary rules. But if you’re finding yourself a bit stumped, don’t hesitate to look up the rules or anything else that’s perplexing you. It won’t take away from your enjoyment of the game.

When I first dived into Blue Prince, I expected something akin to Outer Wilds, where unraveling story mysteries through puzzles was key. Blue Prince does sprinkle in a bit of that flavor with scattered notes and newspapers hinting at past events, but the game really shines in its elaborate mansion full of brain-teasers. These puzzles don’t always directly tie into the narrative but are essential for navigating the mansion each day.

Sure, cracking puzzles by yourself is incredibly satisfying. However, there are times when consulting a guide can actually enhance your enjoyment rather than spoil it. Blue Prince isn’t a game you ruin by seeking a little help—most of the time, you’ll just uncover the logical steps behind solving it, like the sequence or what to pay attention to. Take the ever-changing math puzzles, for instance. While the meaning behind each color stays constant, you’ll still be tasked with solving the equation on your own each day.

Some puzzles, on the other hand, aren’t randomly generated, but they require you to notice and understand the puzzle elements even before you’re aware of their existence. A little guidance can be just what you need to get past those moments where progress stalls. Plus, it can offer a deeper glimpse into the game’s overall design at the start of your adventure. I remember hitting a point around day 30 where I sensed a pattern in each room. After a quick online search confirmed my suspicion, I stopped delving further and continued playing, knowing it would all make sense eventually—and sure enough, it did.

At times, Blue Prince can be a bit taxing when your efforts seem fruitless. You might find yourself ending a day without making much headway, especially in the early stages when you’re still figuring out how to efficiently draft rooms. While this becomes more manageable with experience, some runs will inevitably feel like they lead nowhere. Adding to the challenge, specific puzzle-related rooms might not appear when you need them, and you might not always have the necessary items on hand to proceed.

During those rare moments when everything seems to align and you’re eager to advance, don’t shy away from consulting a guide or friends for advice. There are players who are still discovering new facets of the game after over 100 hours of play. Not every puzzle will click with everyone’s way of thinking, and sometimes a gentle hint can make all the difference in guiding you back on track.