TL;DR
- Access the Underground zone and solve the Rotating Gear puzzle to discover water level clues
- Understand the mathematical approach: Reservoir starts at +14, requires +13 (Dock) then +6 (Entry)
- Configure Pump Room with Tank 2 empty and Kitchen filled for proper water level manipulation
- Plan multiple visits as configurations persist across game sessions until manually changed
- Avoid rushing the process – methodical planning prevents wasted steps and backtracking
GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.
Planning to navigate the Reservoir vessel in Blue Prince? What appears as a simple scenic excursion actually involves an intricate sequence of environmental manipulations across multiple map areas. This comprehensive walkthrough provides the complete methodology, though be aware it contains significant spoilers regarding puzzle solutions.
The Reservoir stands as a pivotal environmental puzzle within the Underground zone. Successful boat operation demands precise water level adjustments through the Pump Room controls. The complexity arises from two primary challenges: initially determining the correct water level targets, then executing the mechanical configurations to achieve them.
Our approach first presents the discoverable clues for players preferring independent problem-solving, followed by detailed implementation instructions. This structure respects both exploration and efficiency playstyles.
Important Note: This multi-stage procedure typically requires several separate excursions to the Pump Room. Don’t stress if your action points don’t permit completing the Reservoir-to-Pump Room round trip in a single attempt. The control settings you establish remain persistent across subsequent gaming sessions until deliberately modified.
To successfully operate the Reservoir boat in Blue Prince, you’ll need to locate the informational clue specifying the target water levels. This critical information resides in the Underground area, accessible after unlocking the Red Door (activated through Boiler Room mechanisms).
Within the Rotating Gear sector, manipulate the control interface to bridge the upper section gap. Once crossed, examine the window display to reveal the water level specifications. The essential targets are:
Conceptualize the Reservoir’s water management as a mathematical equation. When completely filled, the Reservoir registers at 14 incremental markers (+14). Your objective involves first reducing it to Dock Level (+13), then further decreasing to Entry Level (+6).


While conceptually straightforward, this task necessitates Pump Room access. The process shares similarities with the Fountain drainage sequence, though here you only need to reduce one water level from the Reservoir assuming maximum capacity (+14):
- Approach the Pump Room control interface as solving an algebraic equation. Primary requirements include (a) ensuring Tank 2 contains no water, and (b) having the Kitchen area completely flooded.
Pro Tip: Before visiting the Pump Room, ensure you have sufficient movement points to reach both the control room and Reservoir in your planned sequence. Advanced players recommend mapping your route backward from the boat to avoid getting stranded mid-process.
The water management system operates on hydraulic principles where specific room fill levels create pressure differentials. Understanding this underlying mechanic helps troubleshoot when configurations don’t produce expected results.


Execution Sequence:
- Verify Reservoir is at maximum capacity (+14) by examining the water gauge markers
- Navigate to Pump Room and confirm Tank 2 is completely empty (0 level)
- Ensure Kitchen area shows full water saturation (visual confirmation required)
- Adjust control levers to transfer one unit from Reservoir to appropriate drainage channel
- Return to Reservoir to confirm successful reduction to Dock Level (+13)
- Repeat Pump Room visit for secondary adjustment to achieve Entry Level (+6)
- Board the now-accessible boat for navigation
Common Mistake: Players often attempt both water level adjustments in a single Pump Room visit, which typically fails due to the hydraulic system’s sequential processing limitations.
The boat becomes operational only at precise water elevations. Attempting boarding at intermediate levels wastes valuable action points and may require complete reset of the water management system.

Optimization Strategy: Expert players recommend combining the Reservoir boat objective with other Underground zone tasks. Since the configuration persists, you can interweave this puzzle with exploration of adjacent areas like the ancient catacombs or machinery halls.
Time Investment: First-time completion typically requires 3-4 separate excursions totaling approximately 15-20 action points. With experience, this can be optimized to 2-3 visits using 12-15 points.
Mechanics Insight: The water system operates on fixed ratios – transferring one unit from the Reservoir requires specific complementary tank states. This explains why random lever pulling rarely produces desired outcomes.
For players struggling with similar environmental puzzles, our Complete Guide provides foundational principles applicable across multiple game scenarios.
Understanding weapon mechanics can also enhance your exploration efficiency – check our Weapons Unlock guide for tactical advantages. Additionally, proper Class Guide selection can provide movement or puzzle-solving bonuses relevant to this challenge.
Final Recommendation: Document your Pump Room configurations. The visual indicators can be subtle, and maintaining notes prevents repetition of unsuccessful attempts.
Action Checklist
- Activate Red Door via Boiler Room mechanism
- Solve Rotating Gear puzzle and record water level clues
- Verify Reservoir at +14 and plan multi-visit route
- Configure Pump Room: Tank 2 empty, Kitchen full
- Achieve Dock Level (+13) and confirm boat position change
- Complete Entry Level (+6) configuration and board boat
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » How To Ride The Reservoir Boat In Blue Prince Master the Reservoir boat mechanics in Blue Prince with this comprehensive water level manipulation guide
