If you’ve ventured deep enough into Blue Prince to unlock the Precipice, then you’ve likely encountered one of the game’s most intriguing and mysterious challenges — the chess piece puzzle. Now, as someone who loves both puzzles and a good strategic twist, I have to say this puzzle perfectly captures what makes Blue Prince such a standout experience.
Let me walk you through how to solve the chess puzzle in Blue Prince, where to find each chess piece, and why this puzzle isn’t just about solving it once—it’s about unlocking lasting advantages for your journey through the manor.
Understanding the Chess Puzzle in Blue Prince
Once you’ve lit all four braziers and gained access to the Precipice, you’re greeted by a 5×9 chess board—a nod to the very blueprint of the estate itself. Nearby, you’ll notice six familiar chess pieces: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, and King. But here’s where Blue Prince does what it does best—leaves you with almost no guidance.
Randomly placing pieces on the board won’t get you far. The key is remembering where you’ve seen each chess piece during your exploration of the manor. When placed correctly, the tile beneath the piece will glow white, signaling you’ve made the right move.
The challenge? Everyone’s board is different. Your solution depends entirely on where you’ve drafted rooms containing chess pieces throughout your run.
Where to Find Chess Pieces in Blue Prince
Luckily, chess pieces always spawn in specific rooms. Here’s a quick reference to make your drafting decisions easier:
| Chess Piece | Possible Rooms |
|---|---|
| Pawn | Bedroom, Parlor, Den, Storeroom, Guest Bedroom, Dining Room, Walk-in Closet, Drawing Room, Bunk Room, Secret Passage, Dormitory, Freezer, Solarium, Lost and Found |
| Knight | Security Room, Observatory, Armory, Treasure Trove |
| Bishop | Chapel, Rumpus Room, Attic, Bookshop |
| Rook | Nook, Vault, Clock Tower, Conservatory |
| Queen | Study, Ladyship’s Chambers |
| King | Office, Throne Room |
If you draft multiple rooms linked to the same piece, you have flexibility—placing the piece on any matching room tile will work.
How to Solve the Chess Puzzle in Blue Prince
Here’s the step-by-step approach I used:
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Draft rooms where chess pieces are located.
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Memorize or note where each piece was found.
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In the Precipice, place each chess piece on the board, matching it to the corresponding grid location of the room where you found it.
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When a piece is placed correctly, the tile beneath it glows white.
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Once all six pieces are correctly placed, the puzzle is solved.
It sounds simple, but it requires careful planning, a bit of luck with your drafts, and a good memory of the manor’s layout.
Choosing Your Chess Piece Power in Blue Prince
Upon solving the puzzle, towering statues of chess pieces will appear, and you’ll be asked to choose one piece. Each offers a permanent ability that can dramatically influence future runs.
Here’s a breakdown of the powers:
| Chess Piece | Power |
|---|---|
| Pawn | Upon reaching Rank 8 daily, choose Knight, Bishop, Rook, or Queen powers until day’s end. |
| Knight | Adds the Armory to your draft pool—home of valuable items like The Axe. |
| Bishop | No longer pay tithes; instead, gain 30 gold the first time you enter the Chapel daily. |
| Rook | Draw floorplans up to 4 times when drafting corner rooms. |
| Queen | Drafting rooms on the West Wing costs 5 steps but grants 1 key. |
| King | Daily, choose a color—rooms of that color are more likely to appear in drafts. |
From my experience, the King’s power is invaluable for controlling your drafts, especially when hunting specific rooms. The Knight is another strong choice if you’re keen on collecting powerful tools from the Armory.
How to Change Your Chess Piece Power
Not happy with your initial choice? You’re not stuck forever. You can re-solve the chess puzzle to switch powers. Yes, it’s a bit of work, but it’s worth it if your strategy evolves over time.
FAQs
Where do I find the chess puzzle in Blue Prince?
It’s located in the Precipice, unlocked after lighting all four braziers.
Do chess piece locations change in Blue Prince?
No, each chess piece is tied to specific room types, but your board placement depends on which rooms you’ve drafted.
What’s the best chess piece power to choose?
Many players favor the King for better draft control, but the Knight and Bishop offer great strategic value too.
Can I change my chess piece power?
Yes, but you’ll need to solve the puzzle again to select a different piece.
What happens if I place a chess piece incorrectly?
Nothing will happen—correct tiles glow white, so trial and error is part of the process.
Is there a limit to how many times I can solve the puzzle?
No, you can revisit and re-solve the puzzle to adjust your powers as needed.
Conclusion
The chess puzzle in Blue Prince is more than just a clever nod to strategy games—it’s a gateway to unlocking powerful abilities that shape every future decision you make. It rewards not only puzzle-solving skills but also your memory, planning, and adaptability.
Whether you’re aiming for drafting dominance with the King or seeking riches through the Bishop, mastering this puzzle is a key milestone in your Blue Prince journey. And remember—if you ever regret your choice, there’s always another game of chess waiting.
Good luck, and may your next draft be ever in your favor!