One of the best things that can happen in gaming is when, right in the middle of all the big-name blockbusters, a quiet little title suddenly appears and completely takes you by surprise. It’s a special kind of joy to discover a game that shows up with little hype or attention—and ends up being better than many of the heavily marketed releases.
That’s what happened with Blue Prince. I hadn’t even heard of it until just two months ago. And now, after playing it for hours, I can confidently say it’s one of the most interesting and rewarding puzzle games in recent years.
A Love Letter to First-Person Puzzle Games
First-person puzzle games have always had a loyal, if niche, following. They may not top the charts, but they’ve left a lasting impact on the history of gaming. Classics like Myst and Riven in the ’90s showed us how powerful puzzles and atmosphere could be. Later, Valve changed the game with Portal, blending puzzle-solving with platforming and sharp writing.
Indie developers picked up the torch with innovative hits like The Witness, Return of the Obra Dinn, and Viewfinder. Each brought its own twist to the genre, and now, Blue Prince enters the scene as a fresh new take—blending exploration, mystery, and strategy in a way that’s both unique and addictive.
A Strange Inheritance: The Story Behind Mt. Holly
You play as Simon P. Jones, a teenage boy who inherits an old family mansion after the death of his uncle, Herbert S. Sinclair. But there’s a catch. According to the will, Simon only gets full ownership of the mansion—called Mt. Holly—if he can reach Room 46.
At first, it sounds simple. How hard could it be to find one room in a house? But Mt. Holly is no ordinary home. Its layout is constantly shifting, and its rooms are filled with puzzles, surprises, and secrets.
Simple Controls, Deep Gameplay
Right from the start, the game drops you in the Entrance Hall, where you’re free to explore. The controls are simple: walk, interact, and choose. But don’t be fooled—the simplicity of the controls hides a deep and clever design.
You’ll find letters that give you hints, and doors that lead to other rooms. But the real twist? The rooms behind each door are randomly selected from a pool of options—and they change every day. The mansion is always different.
Strategic Room Choices and a Changing Mansion
Each time you enter a door, you’re presented with three options for the next room. You choose one and continue your journey. The mansion is laid out on a 5×9 grid, meaning there are 45 rooms in total. Only two are fixed: the Entrance Hall and the Antechamber, which lies just before the legendary Room 46.
To win, you need to create a path through the mansion by picking the right rooms in the right order. But it’s not just about walking forward—it’s about planning, calculating, and guessing what lies ahead.
Puzzles, Items, and Secrets in Every Room
Each room in Blue Prince offers something different. Some challenge you with clever puzzles. Others hold important items, like keys, coins, or rare gems. And some rooms give you special abilities or upgrades that make future runs easier.
This keeps the gameplay loop exciting. You’re not just walking through doors—you’re constantly solving problems, discovering secrets, and making tough decisions about where to go next.
Step Management: A Game of Limited Moves
One of the most important mechanics is step management. Each day, Simon has 50 steps to explore the mansion. Moving to a new room takes one step. If you run out of steps, you’ll have to start again the next day.
This adds tension and pressure to every decision. Should you go back to that locked chest? Or save your steps for moving forward? Do you use a key now—or risk needing it later? You’re always balancing risk and reward, and that’s what makes the game feel so strategic.
Permanent Upgrades and a Sense of Progress
Luckily, the game includes permanent upgrades that carry over between days. You might gain more steps, unlock new abilities, or improve your chances of finding rare rooms. These upgrades reward your patience and help you get closer to Room 46 each time you play.
And even if you don’t make it all the way, every run gives you new information, better tools, and a deeper understanding of the mansion.
A Living Mansion Full of Secrets
The deeper you go, the more connected everything becomes. A note in one room might solve a puzzle in another. Some rooms are secretly linked to each other, and discovering how they work together is part of the fun.
You’ll also discover hidden areas beyond the regular rooms—places that reveal more about Herbert S. Sinclair, the family’s past, and the dark secrets of Mt. Holly. This storytelling is done through exploration, not cutscenes, which keeps the mystery alive.
Visual and Audio Design That Sets the Mood
The art direction in Blue Prince is top-notch. Every room has a unique look and feel, with rich details that bring the mansion to life. Even the paintings on the walls change daily, reinforcing the idea that Mt. Holly is a living, breathing place.
The music is just as impressive. Each situation has its own unique soundtrack, and nothing ever feels repetitive. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into every detail—from visuals to sound.
The Only Real Flaw: Too Much RNG
If there’s one downside, it’s the game’s heavy reliance on randomness (RNG). Sometimes, despite playing carefully, luck just isn’t on your side. You might be one room away from victory, only to hit a dead end. Or find the key you needed—just one day too late.
Depending on your patience, this can be frustrating. Reaching Room 46 usually takes 10 to 15 hours, but if you’re unlucky, it could take over 20. That said, if your goal is to explore every mystery, you could easily spend 100 hours or more uncovering everything the game has to offer.
Final Verdict: The Most Addictive Calm Game of the Year
Despite a few issues, Blue Prince is a brilliant, deeply satisfying puzzle experience. It respects the player’s intelligence, rewards curiosity, and creates a world that feels alive with secrets.
Last year, Balatro grabbed my attention with its calm yet addictive formula. This year, Blue Prince has done the same—and maybe even better. It’s the kind of game you think about even when you’re not playing, wondering what you’ll find next time you step into the mansion.
If You Liked The Witness, You’ll Love This
The last time I felt this way was with The Witness. That game gave me a constant sense of wonder with every new area I discovered. Blue Prince has brought that same feeling back after years, and that alone makes it worth playing.
Should You Play Blue Prince? Absolutely.
If you’re looking for a unique, thoughtful, and mysterious puzzle adventure—look no further. Blue Prince is easily one of the most engaging puzzle games of the year, and maybe even the most memorable indie title I’ve played in a long time.
