The chessboard puzzle featured in Blue Prince involves strategically placing six unique pieces on a chessboard. Although this task might appear straightforward at first glance, it presents a significant challenge, particularly in locating all the pieces scattered throughout the Mt. Holly manor. Additionally, you must navigate towards the manor’s underground section, which requires specific actions to access.
Successfully resolving the chessboard puzzle not only progresses your adventure but also grants you a powerful choice among six distinct abilities, enhancing your gameplay experience.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on solving the chessboard puzzle in Blue Prince.
Locating the Six Pieces for the Chessboard Puzzle
Each chess piece is hidden in various rooms within the manor. Below is a breakdown of where to find each piece:
- King: Found in the Study and Throne Room
- Queen: Located in the Office and Her Ladyship’s Chamber
- Rook: Available in the Nook, Conservatory, Vault, and Clock Tower
- Knight: Resides in the Security Room, Observatory, and Treasure Trove
- Bishop: Hidden in the Chapel, Bookshop, and Attic
- Pawn: Scattered across multiple locations including the Bedroom, Storeroom, Den, Dining Room, Drawing Room, Secret Passage, Freezer, Solarium, Lost and Found, and Walk-In Closet.
Navigating to the Underground Area: The Precipice
The underground area of the manor, known as The Precipice, can be accessed by igniting four blue flames situated on the ground. Activating these flames prompts an elevator to appear, which will transport you below. Each flame is powered by gas pipes that you must find and activate throughout the manor.
The search for the gas pipes begins in the Apple Garden. You will find the gate locked at first; enter the passcode 1128 to gain access and activate the first pipe.
The second gas pipe is located within the Gemstone Cavern, where you’ll need to solve the Breaker Box Vac Indicator puzzle to unlock it permanently.
Locating the third gas pipe requires going through a drafting process. Head to the utility closet where you previously solved the Vac indicator puzzle and switch on the “Garage switch.” Then, proceed to the garage and engage the wall switch to unlock the pathway leading to the West Path. Continue along this path until you reach a gate that unlocks the West Gate permanently.
Utilizing the West Gate will allow you to enter an Outer Room in future runs. Onward along the West Path, you will encounter a gate that provides three drafting options: Shelter, Root Cellar, and Hovel. Select Hovel and ensure you turn on the gas pipe inside after drafting.
Finally, the fourth gas pipe can be found in the Schoolhouse, which you will also need to draft. Travel through the West Gate and select the Schoolhouse among the drafting options. As there may be other selections listed, be prepared to repeat the process until you see Schoolhouse. Once drafted, locate and activate the gas pipe inside.
How to Solve the Chessboard Puzzle in Blue Prince
Once you access the underground area via the elevator, you will find a chessboard prominently displayed, accompanied by the six pieces. Solving the puzzle entails positioning the chess pieces on the respective squares corresponding to their locations in the manor as indicated on your Blueprint.
For instance, if you obtained the Rook from the Nook room, place it on the bottom-left corner of the chessboard, mirroring its location on the blueprint. After accurately positioning all pieces, you will be presented with a choice of one of six powers to aid you in your adventures.