In the captivating world of Blue Prince, players will encounter three primary currency collectibles: Gems, Keys, and Gold. Among these, Keys are the most commonly found, while Gold is also relatively easy to collect in comparison to Gems. Gems stand out as the rarest of these resources, making strategies for obtaining them essential for success. By mastering a few key techniques, you can enhance your Gem collection and enjoy the game even more.
Keeping track of your Gem inventory is critical as you navigate through Blue Prince. This guide is designed to outline the various methods for acquiring more Gems, explain their purpose in the game, and provide a comprehensive reference to all major Gem sources.
Rest assured, this guide to Gems in Blue Prince is free of spoilers, though it does allude to certain advanced rooms, items, and features that may not be accessible in initial gameplay sessions.
The Purpose of Gems in Blue Prince
In Blue Prince, Gems serve as a crucial currency needed for drafting specific special Rooms. Although most rooms can be accessed without a Gem, unique areas that confer special abilities—such as the Laboratory—or those tied to specific mechanics—like the Boiler Room—often require at least one Gem for placement. Even rooms offering advantages like extra Doors, exemplified by the Grand Hall, will demand Gems as part of their requirements.
Early in your adventure, many Gem-requiring rooms may only ask for a single Gem to draft; however, as you progress deeper into the mansion and increase your rank, you’ll find that more Gems will be necessary for higher-tier rooms. For instance, the Vault, prominent for its advantages, can only be accessed at more advanced ranks and demands a significant 3 Gems to draft.
Strategies for Accumulating Gems in Blue Prince
Draft Rooms Containing Gems
Some rooms in Blue Prince inherently contain Gems, identifiable through their drafting tiles. During the early game, consider these four rooms as reliable sources, each guaranteed to yield at least one Gem:
- Storeroom: 1 Gem
- Den: 1 Gem
- Courtyard (Upgrade): 2 Gems
- Patio: Disperses Gems across all Green Rooms
The Patio deserves special mention because, while it does not start with a Gem, entering it causes Gems to spawn in all adjacent Green Rooms, including its own. Explore thoroughly after entering to maximize your Gem haul.
Furthermore, it’s possible to find Gems in various other rooms that may not explicitly advertise a Gem reward. There’s a chance of discovering a Gem in locations such as the Guest Bedroom, Security Room, Boudoir, among others. Vigilant exploration is key; search every nook and cranny for these elusive treasures.
Solve the Parlor Game: Three Boxes Puzzle
A reliable early-game source of Gems comes from completing the Parlor Game puzzle. By correctly identifying the box containing the Gems among three options, you’ll be rewarded with two Gems. Keep in mind that the statements atop each box hold clues, with at least one being true and one false.
Careful analysis and a bit of lateral thinking will help you crack the Parlor Game puzzle, allowing you to earn your rewards effectively.
Purchase Gems from the Commissary and Other Vendors
Gems are sometimes available for purchase through select vendors in Blue Prince, predominantly at the Cafeteria and outdoor Trader shops. Typically, they are offered one at a time or in packs. However, unlike Keys, there is no dedicated Locksmith-like vendor just for Gems. Because shop inventories are randomized for each game session, be prepared that Gems might not always be available.
Discover Gems in Special Item Rooms
Several unique rooms will contain two to four items, drawn from a pool that includes Gems. If you encounter a Closet, Walk-In Closet, or Toolshed, anticipate Gems being part of the loot. When designing special item rooms, exercise caution; they are classified as Dead Ends and cannot connect to other rooms.
Utilize the Watering Can and Enter Green Rooms
The Watering Can is a distinctive item granting three charges. Each time you enter a Green Room while spending a charge, you’ll receive one Gem. This effect is available only on your first entry into a Green Room, and thus far, the Watering Can has been discovered in the Toolshed and outdoor Grounds room, accessible following the unlocking of the West Gate.
Access Locked Trunks and Containers for Extra Gems
Locked trunks can be found in many rooms throughout Blue Prince, requiring either a Key or a Sledgehammer to unlock. These containers yield various items, including Gems, which can be desirable. While locked trunks act similarly to special item rooms, they draw from a more limited item set. Gems, Keys, and Gold stand as rewards that are often found inside.
If your Gem stockpile is dwindling but you possess ample Keys (or a Sledgehammer), seek out these trunks. Exercise caution when using Keys, as conserving them is essential for unlocking more frequently locked doors at higher ranks.
Gems Can Also Be Rewarded by Constellations
Drafting the Observatory room incrementally raises your Star count. Viewing constellations through the central telescope will eventually yield rewards, including Gems. After drafting the room four times, you will discover the Diamondus Minor constellation, rewarding you with an additional Gem. A further eleven drafts will grant you five Gems in a single stroke—a tremendous boost.
As your Star count grows and you draft the Observatory more frequently, keep an eye out for concurrent constellation discoveries, including Diamondus Minor or Major alongside other beneficial bonuses.