
The indie game Blue Prince stands out in the gaming landscape for its unique approach to puzzle-solving and exploration. This game takes a distinct path by entrusting players with the responsibility of gathering information through observation and note-taking, rather than spoon-feeding hints along the way.
All of the game’s puzzles center around the concept of environmental storytelling, making each challenge an engaging test of your reasoning skills. While this design element adds depth to the gameplay, the randomized layouts can sometimes feel daunting to navigate.
To help you master these challenges, I have compiled a variety of examples and tips that illustrate how to tackle the puzzles effectively. Just keep in mind that the inherent randomness in Blue Prince means that players may encounter differing clues during each playthrough.
Understanding the Three-Box Puzzle

The Three-Box Puzzle makes its appearance in the Parlor room, consistently presented in a standard setup. You’ll find the instructions on a desk located on the west side, while the boxes are displayed on small podiums on the east side.
The mechanics of this puzzle can be likened to the classic game of “two truths and a lie, ”with an added complexity: it could also present two lies and one truth. Comprehensive rules are laid out within the documents on the desk, alongside the key needed to unlock one of the boxes.
Rules |
---|
One box will always contain only true statements. |
At least one box will contain only false statements. |
Only one box contains a prize; the others are empty. |
Typically, two boxes will present clearly discernible truths or lies, while the third box complicates matters. Remember, identifying the truth among the boxes is crucial, as it simplifies the process of solving the puzzle.
Strategies for Solving the Three-Box Puzzle

With an understanding of the rules in place, you can delve into various examples from the game that showcase how this puzzle operates.
It’s important to note that each encounter with this puzzle increases in difficulty. Players will face boxes that offer the same clues or provide limited information, which can significantly challenge your problem-solving skills.
Eventually, you may encounter boxes with elongated statements or even some that are entirely blank, signifying that one box is truthful and one is false, while the blank does not contribute to either classification.
Take heart, as there are strategies to make this puzzle manageable.Throughout the manor, you’ll discover Upgrade Disks that alter how a room operates. Each room allows for a singular upgrade, so choose wisely when you unlock the Parlor room enhancements. You will have three options, but one will likely be more advantageous for the puzzle at hand.
Upgrade |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Gems |
Receive an additional gem as a reward. |
Does not aid in solving the puzzle. |
Wind-up Keys |
Gains you an extra Wind-up Key. |
No additional loot provided. |
Funeral Parlor |
The gem prize increases with the number of active red rooms in the manor. |
If you open an empty box, you incur a -30 step penalty. |
Keep in mind, this is just one of the diverse puzzles that Blue Prince has to offer. Don’t feel pressured to solve everything in one go; it may take several experiences through the mansion to collect all necessary information.
Blue Prince merges traditional puzzle elements with rogue-like gameplay, emphasizing room selection and dynamic puzzles that provide constant stimulation. If this concept intrigues you, I highly recommend giving this game a try.
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