The Parlor puzzle in Blue Prince presents an early test of logic and deduction, offering a reward of two gems upon successful completion. This puzzle area appears at random during your explorations of the manor and cleverly pairs insightful clues with elements of misdirection, increasing the challenge if you’re not attentive.
To help you navigate this challenge, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to solving the Parlor puzzle in Blue Prince.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Parlor Puzzle
Upon entering the Parlor puzzle, you’ll immediately notice three boxes in distinct colors—blue, white, and black—aligned next to each other. Each box has a line of text displayed atop it. It’s crucial to understand that only one of these boxes contains the prized gems; the remaining boxes serve as decoys, and randomly opening them won’t yield results. Also, take note of a Wind-Up Key placed neatly on a nearby desk.
Accompanying the key, a note outlines the core rules of the room:
- At least one statement is true.
- At least one statement is false.
- Only one box contains a reward.
This may seem straightforward at first, but the catch is that the statements on each box change with each visit to the room.
Understanding a Sample Puzzle Configuration
Let’s explore a potential scenario to illustrate the logic required:
- Blue Box: “The black box contains gems.”
- White Box: “This box and the blue box are empty.”
- Black Box: “All three boxes are empty.”
The assertion from the black box claiming everything is empty contradicts the rule from the note, which states that at least one box holds a reward; thus, this statement is false. If we consider the white box to be dishonest, it implies that either the white or blue boxes may contain items, aligning with the assertion from the blue box about the black box. However, if we dismiss the black box’s claim, then the blue box must be lying too, which is impossible since we know one statement must hold true.
Thus, the only configuration that satisfies all conditions (one truth, one lie, and one reward) leads us to conclude that the black box is the correct choice. Therefore, the blue statement is true, the white statement is false, and the black statement is, again, unreliable.
Use the Wind-Up Key on the black box to successfully claim two gems from the Parlor puzzle.
Important Considerations
It’s essential to remember that this is primarily a logic puzzle. Just because a box states something true does not necessarily mean it’s the one with the gems. This is the crucial twist: “truth” does not always equal “reward.”
As you progress in the game, you’ll encounter variations of the Parlor puzzle that may include boxes without inscriptions or involve even more ambiguous clues. If you acquire the Parlor Room Upgrade, you will be provided with an additional Wind-Up Key, allowing for two guesses instead of one. This enhancement is particularly beneficial, especially when aiming to complete this room 40 times to unlock the associated trophy.
For further insights, check out: Blue Prince: How to Solve the Trading Post Puzzle