At Polygon, we’re no strangers to using notebooks while gaming. Handwritten notes provide a physical guide and enhance the gaming experience. Our team has experimented with assassination bullet journals and discussed how taking notes can make gaming more enjoyable. Now, Blue Prince—the trending puzzle game of 2025—magnifies this trend significantly.
In Blue Prince, players construct a sprawling mansion, exploring room by room based on a series of randomized blueprints. The game has a roguelike element where the house’s layout resets each day or run. Players gather information and items from various rooms to solve puzzles, and notes become crucial for unraveling the manor’s mysteries. Yet, knowing how best to take notes remains a challenge.
We talked to our staff and numerous Blue Prince players to gather insights on effective note-taking for the game. These tips aim to inspire personalized note-taking strategies rather than dictate a one-size-fits-all solution.
[Editor’s Note: Some images of notes contain spoilers for Blue Prince. They’re hidden behind spoiler images, proceed at your own discretion.]
How to Determine What to Note Down
In Blue Prince, identifying what’s worth noting can be tricky. Here are useful tips for effective note-taking:
- Relevance of Information: The importance of room details can shift depending on the puzzle. Don’t stress over noting every detail initially. Be open to revisiting rooms.
- Noteworthy Observations: Ask yourself, "What stands out in this room currently?" Jot down notable elements.
- Universal Information: If in doubt, start by writing down numbers, names, towns, and events. Note any roles linked to particular characters.
- Puzzles and Confusion: Document any obstacles, mysterious machines, or questions that arise during gameplay.
Note-taking Strategies for Blue Prince
If writing helps you remember details better than typing, try these note-taking suggestions:
- Dedicated Notebook: Use a separate notebook for the game. Consider a dotted notebook for diagrams and notes, as suggested by our own Susana Polo.
- Color-coded Pen: Use multicolored pens to differentiate information types—blue for names and dates, red for puzzles and room info. The color scheme matches the game’s aesthetics.
- Organize by Room: Leave ample space for notes per room. Some players allocate an entire page for each, while others include sections for characters, puzzles, tools, and observations.
- Collaborative Play: One person plays while another takes notes, as done by Charles Harte and his partner, with color-coded sections for rooms and clues.
Digital Note-taking for Blue Prince
Although less tactile, digital notes offer organization and flexibility. Benefits include reorganization potential, space efficiency, plus incorporating screenshots and using search functions.
- Software Options: Players use various software like Notes on iOS, Freeform, Obsidian, spreadsheets, and Google Slides.
- PC Tools: Use Steam’s built-in notes app for Windows or Steam Deck. Cameron Faulkner endorses its functionality, with players using it to complete the game.
- Multi-monitor Setup: Display the game on one monitor and notes on another. Tools like OneNote allow for tables and alphabetized organization.
- Corkboard Style: Freeform, Miro, and Notion offer a corkboard-like setup. Liz England’s Miro board utilized color-coded screenshots combined with text.
No need to create elaborate digital setups; a simple document is sufficient. Google Docs is a favorite among our community, allowing for pre-so prepared lines per room and separate character headlines.
Capturing Screenshots vs. Photos
Screenshots work best on PC, but console users often prefer photos. Matthew Reynolds opts for photos to easily import images across platforms.
Ultimately, note-taking is about what enhances your gaming experience. Prioritize enjoyment and progress without obsessive organization—experiment and find what fits your style.
For Blue Prince tips, check out our beginner’s guide, darts puzzle solution, permanent additions unlock guide, and walkthrough for reaching Room 46.
