Are you a fan of puzzles? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we’re going to dive into the world of puzzle games and explore the 20 best ones of all time.
From complex brain-teasers to addictive challenges, these games will surely keep you entertained for hours on end. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable gaming journey!
Tetris
Let’s kick things off with a classic. Tetris has been around for decades and it’s still as popular as ever. The goal is simple – arrange falling blocks in a way that fills up horizontal lines. Sounds easy, right? Well, don’t be fooled. As the game picks up speed, your heart will start racing and your fingers will be flying across the keyboard. It’s a true test of reflexes and strategic thinking.
Tetris is a mental workout that improves your spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. Plus, the satisfying sound of completing a line is oh so rewarding! It’s no wonder this game has stood the test of time.
Did you know that Tetris was created by a Russian software engineer named Alexey Pajitnov? Back in 1984, Pajitnov developed the game while working at the Dorodnitsyn Computing Centre of the Soviet Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Little did he know that his creation would become a worldwide phenomenon.
Initially, Tetris was only available on the Soviet Union’s Electronika 60 computer. However, it quickly spread to other platforms and gained popularity around the world. The addictive nature of the game captivated players of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tetris player or a newbie, this game offers endless hours of entertainment. It’s a timeless classic that continues to captivate players around the world.
- Release Date: June 6, 1984
- Platforms: Virtually every platform, started on the Electronika 60
- Developer: Alexey Pajitnov
- Publisher: Various (originally published in the Soviet Union)
- Genre: Puzzle
Portal
Prepare to enter a mind-bending world of portals and physics puzzles. In Portal, you find yourself trapped in a futuristic testing facility run by an artificial intelligence named GLaDOS. Armed with a portal gun, you must navigate through a series of test chambers by creating portals that transport you from one location to another.
Each test chamber presents a new set of obstacles and puzzles that will test your problem-solving skills and push the boundaries of your understanding of physics. The portal gun, a device that allows you to create two connected portals, becomes your most valuable tool. With it, you can defy gravity, manipulate momentum, and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
The game’s writing is clever and witty, filled with dark humor that adds a layer of depth to the overall experience. GLaDOS, the AI that oversees the testing facility, provides sarcastic commentary and taunts you as you progress through the chambers. Her cold, calculated voice sends chills down your spine, making you question her true intentions.
Step into the world of Portal, where portals defy the laws of physics and puzzles bend your mind. Can you escape the clutches of GLaDOS and uncover the truth behind this enigmatic testing facility?
- Release Date: October 9, 2007
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
- Developer: Valve Corporation
- Publisher: Valve Corporation
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer
Portal 2
If you thought the first Portal game was mind-bending, wait until you play Portal 2. This sequel takes everything that made the original great and cranks it up to eleven. From new gameplay elements to a captivating storyline, it’s a puzzle game that will hook you from the start.
Portal 2 introduces cooperative multiplayer mode, where you and a friend can work together to solve puzzles. It’s a fantastic addition that adds a whole new layer of fun and complexity to the game. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of solving a puzzle with a buddy.
Set in the same dystopian world as the first game, you once again assume the role of Chell, a test subject trapped in the Aperture Science facility. However, this time, you are not alone. The enigmatic and witty AI companion, GLaDOS, returns to guide you through a series of increasingly challenging tests.
As you progress through the game, you’ll encounter a wide variety of puzzles that will test your logic, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. From manipulating laser beams to utilizing propulsion and repulsion gels, each puzzle presents a unique challenge that will keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end.
Portal 2 also features a robust level editor that allows players to create and share their own puzzles. This user-generated content adds endless replayability to the game, as you can challenge yourself with new and unique puzzles created by the Portal 2 community.
- Release Date: April 18, 2011
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
- Developer: Valve Corporation
- Publisher: Valve Corporation
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer
The Witness
If you’re a fan of exploration and discovery, The Witness is the game for you. Set on a mysterious island filled with intricate puzzles, this game will challenge your patience and attention to detail. Each area of the island presents a different type of puzzle, ranging from simple line-drawing to complex logic problems.
What sets The Witness apart is its open-world nature. You’re free to explore the island at your own pace, uncovering hidden secrets and piecing together the story behind this enigmatic place. It’s a puzzle game like no other, offering a sense of wonder and awe with every step you take.
- Release Date: January 26, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Mobile, macOS
- Developer: Jonathan Blow
- Publisher: Thekla, Inc.
- Genre: Puzzle
Braid
Braid is a puzzle platformer that will make you question the nature of time. As you guide the protagonist, Tim, through a series of beautifully designed levels, you’ll encounter unique time manipulation mechanics. You can rewind time, create clones, and even slow down the flow of time.
But Braid is more than just a game with fancy time tricks. Its thought-provoking story and poetic narration will leave you pondering the deeper meaning behind the puzzles. It’s a game that challenges not only your puzzle-solving skills but also your perception of reality.
- Release Date: August 6, 2008
- Platforms: Xbox 360, PC, macOS, PlayStation 3
- Developer: Number None, Inc.
- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios (Xbox 360), Number None, Inc. (other platforms)
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer
Lumines
Get ready to groove to the rhythm in Lumines, a mesmerizing puzzle game with a musical twist. Your goal is to clear the board by rotating and aligning blocks of the same color. But here’s the catch – as the music plays, the speed of the game increases, adding an extra layer of challenge.
Lumines is a game that engages both your auditory and visual senses, creating a truly immersive experience. With its catchy electronic soundtrack and vibrant visuals, it’s hard not to get lost in the rhythm. It’s a game that proves that puzzles can be fun and funky!
- Release Date: December 12, 2004
- Platforms: PSP, and various others
- Developer: Q Entertainment
- Publisher: Bandai (PSP)
- Genre: Puzzle
The Talos Principle
Prepare to enter a philosophical journey in The Talos Principle. Set in a world filled with ancient ruins and advanced technology, you play as an artificial intelligence solving puzzles created by an omnipotent being known as Elohim. But as you delve deeper into the game, you’ll start questioning the nature of humanity and existence.
The puzzles in The Talos Principle are both challenging and thought-provoking. They require you to think outside the box and question the very fabric of reality. With its stunning graphics and deep storyline, it’s a game that will leave you pondering the mysteries of life long after you’ve finished playing.
- Release Date: December 11, 2014
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Android
- Developer: Croteam
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Genre: Puzzle
Puyo Puyo Tetris
What happens when you combine two iconic puzzle games? You get Puyo Puyo Tetris – a delightful mashup of Tetris and Puyo Puyo. This game seamlessly blends the mechanics of both games, offering a unique and addictive puzzle experience.
In Puyo Puyo Tetris, you can challenge your friends in competitive multiplayer mode or test your skills in various single-player modes. The gameplay is fast-paced, chaotic, and oh-so-satisfying when you clear multiple lines or trigger a massive chain reaction. It’s a game that will have you on the edge of your seat, strategizing and outsmarting your opponents.
- Release Date: February 6, 2014
- Platforms: Various, started on Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 3
- Developer: Sonic Team
- Publisher: Sega
- Genre: Puzzle
Limbo
Step into the eerie and atmospheric world of Limbo, a puzzle-platformer that will send shivers down your spine. As a young boy searching for his sister, you must navigate through a black-and-white landscape filled with sinister traps and puzzles.
What sets Limbo apart is its minimalist art style and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The game creates a sense of dread and mystery with every step you take. The puzzles, although seemingly simple, require careful observation and trial-and-error. It’s a game that will keep you on your toes and make you question what lies beyond the shadows.
- Release Date: July 21, 2010
- Platforms: Xbox 360, and various others
- Developer: Playdead
- Publisher: Playdead
- Genre: Puzzle-platforme
Inside
From the creators of Limbo comes another masterpiece – Inside. If you enjoyed the atmospheric and thought-provoking nature of Limbo, you’ll be captivated by the world of Inside. Just like its predecessor, this game tells a story without any dialogue or text.
The puzzles in Inside are cleverly integrated into the environment, forcing you to think creatively and pay attention to subtle details. As you guide the protagonist through a dystopian world, you’ll unravel the chilling truth behind the mysterious experiments taking place. It’s a game that will leave you with more questions than answers, but in the best possible way.
- Release Date: June 29, 2016
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS
- Developer: Playdead
- Publisher: Playdead
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer
Fez
Fez is a unique journey that takes players on a quest through a 2D world that can be manipulated in 3D. With its charming pixel art style and clever puzzles, Fez showcases the creativity and innovation of indie game development.
The pixel art style of Fez is a visual treat, reminiscent of classic video games from the 8-bit era. Every character and environment is meticulously crafted with vibrant colors and intricate details, bringing the world of Fez to life.
The puzzles in Fez are cleverly designed, requiring you to think outside the box and manipulate the environment to progress. You’ll need to rotate the world, change perspectives, and uncover hidden symbols to unlock new areas and secrets.
One of the most impressive aspects of Fez is its seamless blending of 2D and 3D gameplay. The transition between the two dimensions is smooth and intuitive, allowing you to navigate the world with ease.
Fez is a shining example of the creativity and innovation that can be found in the world of indie game development. It’s a game that not only captivates you with its charming visuals but also challenges you with its mind-bending puzzles.
- Release Date: April 13, 2012
- Platforms: Xbox 360, and various others
- Developer: Polytron Corporation
- Publisher: Polytron Corporation, Trapdoor
- Genre: Puzzle-platformer
World of Goo
In World of Goo, players are transported into a whimsical and enchanting world, where they embark on a thrilling adventure filled with adorable and squishy goo balls. These goo balls, with their vibrant colors and playful expressions, are the heart and soul of the game.
The game’s physics-based puzzles provide a unique and immersive experience for players. As they progress through the game, they must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to build structures using the goo balls. These structures are not just ordinary constructions; they are intricate and ingenious designs that defy gravity and logic.
Each level in World of Goo presents players with new challenges and obstacles to overcome. From treacherous gaps to towering cliffs, players must carefully strategize and plan their moves to successfully navigate through the world.
World of Goo is an adventure that captivates players from start to finish. With its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and mesmerizing music, it is a puzzle game that stands out from the rest.
- Release Date: October 13, 2008
- Platforms: PC, Wii, iOS, and various others
- Developer: 2D Boy
- Publisher: 2D Boy, Nintendo (Wii version)
- Genre: Puzzle
Return of the Obra Dinn
Step into the shoes of an insurance adjuster in Return of the Obra Dinn and unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of a 19th-century merchant ship. With its unique monochromatic art style and complex deduction puzzles, this game will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
As you embark on your journey aboard the Obra Dinn, you’ll find yourself transported back in time to the year 1802. The ship, once filled with a bustling crew and valuable cargo, now lies abandoned and eerily silent. Your task is to piece together the events that led to its demise and determine the fate of each crew member.
The monochromatic art style of Return of the Obra Dinn adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to the game. The black and white visuals, reminiscent of old engravings, create a haunting atmosphere that perfectly complements the eerie setting of the abandoned ship.
The complex deduction puzzles will truly put your investigative skills to the test. As you explore the various scenes on the ship, you’ll come across a multitude of clues, ranging from personal belongings to cryptic notes. It’s up to you to analyze these clues, connect the dots, and uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the crew.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a journey filled with mystery, suspense, and mind-bending puzzles, Return of the Obra Dinn is the game for you.
- Release Date: October 18, 2018
- Platforms: PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Lucas Pope
- Publisher: 3909 LLC
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is an extraordinary mobile game that transports players into a stunning and surreal world inspired by the works of the renowned artist, M.C. Escher. With its mesmerizing visuals and mind-bending optical illusions, this game offers a unique and immersive experience like no other.
The game’s ethereal soundtrack and stunning visuals create a sense of wonder and awe, drawing players deeper into its mesmerizing world. Each level is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, making every corner of the game a visual treat.
Each level presents a unique challenge, requiring you to think outside the box and find creative solutions to progress. The puzzles seamlessly blend into the game’s narrative, enhancing the overall experience and making it a true masterpiece of mobile gaming.
Monument Valley has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals. It has won numerous awards, including the Apple Design Award and the BAFTA Games Award for Best British Game. The game’s success has also led to the release of a sequel, Monument Valley 2, which further expands upon the enchanting world of the original.
- Release Date: April 3, 2014
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
- Developer: Ustwo Games
- Publisher: Ustwo Games
- Genre: Puzzle
Baba Is You
Baba Is You is a critically acclaimed puzzle game that takes a unique approach to gameplay mechanics. In this game, the rules of the game itself become the puzzle-solving mechanics, creating a truly immersive and mind-bending experience for players.
The main objective of Baba Is You is to navigate through a series of challenging levels by manipulating the rules of the game. Unlike traditional puzzle games where players are given a set of predefined actions, Baba Is You allows players to rearrange words and symbols within the game to alter the logic and rules.
As you progress through the game, the challenges become increasingly complex, requiring you to think outside the box and experiment with different combinations of words and symbols. This innovative concept sets Baba Is You apart from other puzzle games, as it encourages players to approach each level with a fresh perspective and explore creative solutions.
With its innovative concept, mind-bending puzzles, and engaging gameplay, Baba Is You has received widespread acclaim from both critics and players alike. It has been praised for its unique approach to puzzle-solving and its ability to challenge players in unexpected ways.
- Release Date: March 13, 2019
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Hempuli Oy
- Publisher: Hempuli Oy
- Genre: Puzzle
Picross 3D
Picross 3D combines the addictive nature of Sudoku with spatial reasoning puzzles. Players must strategically chip away blocks to reveal hidden objects within a three-dimensional grid. With hundreds of puzzles to solve, this game offers endless hours of brain-teasing fun.
- Release Date: March 12, 2009
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Developer: HAL Laboratory
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Genre: Puzzle
Professor Layton series
Join the gentleman puzzle-solver, Professor Layton, and his trusty assistant, Luke, in a series of thrilling adventures. Solve intricate puzzles, unravel perplexing mysteries, and uncover the truth behind each captivating case. The Professor Layton series is a true gem for puzzle enthusiasts.
- Release Date: February 15, 2007
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
- Developer: Level-5
- Publisher: Level-5, Nintendo
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
Myst
Myst is a timeless classic that pioneered the first-person point-and-click adventure genre. Immerse yourself in a visually stunning island world filled with intricate puzzles and enigmatic storytelling. Its atmospheric ambiance and challenging puzzles have made it an unforgettable experience.
- Release Date: September 24, 1993
- Platforms: PC, Mac, and various others
- Developer: Cyan
- Publisher: Brøderbund
- Genre: Graphic Adventure, Puzzle
Riven
Riven, the highly anticipated sequel to Myst, takes players on another mystifying journey through a visually breathtaking landscape. Solve intricate puzzles, explore hauntingly beautiful environments, and uncover the dark secrets of the mysterious island. Riven is a true masterpiece in puzzle game design.
- Release Date: October 31, 1997
- Platforms: PC, Mac, and various others
- Developer: Cyan
- Publisher: Brøderbund, Red Orb Entertainment
- Genre: Graphic Adventure, Puzzle
The Room series
The Room series offers a unique and immersive puzzle-solving experience as players delve into a series of enigmatic puzzle boxes. Explore intricate mechanisms, unlock hidden compartments, and unravel the secrets within. With its atmospheric design and captivating puzzles, The Room series is a must-play for puzzle enthusiasts.
- Release Date: September 12, 2012
- Platforms: iOS, Android, PC, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Fireproof Games
- Publisher: Fireproof Games
- Genre: Puzzle
Conclusion
These 20 puzzle games have truly left their mark in the gaming industry. Whether you are a puzzle aficionado or simply looking for a new challenge, these games will undoubtedly provide you with hours of delight and intellectual stimulation.
