In the wide world of video games, there's something for everybody and for every mood. Puzzle games are always nice to sit down with and play, whether it's for a few minutes or a few hours. They come in a variety of flavors, with some being more simplistic in design and function, and others being fully fleshed out and engrossing experiences.
Puzzle games also help players use their brain more than other video game genres might, causing players to mull over a particular level or portion of the game longer than others if they get stumped. These sorts of games can be good for your problem-solving skills, spatial sense, and language sense, among other things. Plus, it doesn't hurt that they're addictive and fun to play.
10 The Professor Layton Series
Level-5's iconic, top hat wearing gentleman has been the star of a slew of charming and curious puzzle solving games for years now. Professor Layton, alongside his apprentice, Luke, have gone on adventures in all sorts of places and put themselves in all sorts of situations as they uncover mysteries.
However, one thing remains the same throughout the games. Each adventure is loaded with an endless variety of puzzles, from spatial puzzles to word based ones. Players can enjoy these games on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS, as well as on mobile, making them perfect puzzlers for quick bursts of play and commutes.
9 Gorogoa
Gorogoa is the sort of game that simply looks so stunning, you can't help but stare and attempt to soak in its beauty. Gorogoa is a unique and imaginative puzzle game with hand drawn visuals that breathe life into every moment of gameplay and pull the player right in.
This game involves a series of puzzles where players have to connect pictures to succeed. The detail in each illustration is incredible and is part of what makes Gorogoa tick; by zooming in and out, and moving the images around, players work to solve the game's puzzles and unravel the mystery in its narrative.
8 Baikoh
A mobile game that plays like a cross between Tetris and Scrabble but with a sassy AI, Baikoh is all about word puzzles. The screen begins to fill with randomly generated letters, and players must use quick thinking and their vocabulary skills to create word combinations before the screen fills up, otherwise it's game over.
A lot of Baikoh's charm comes from the beautiful presentation and personality. The game's narrator taunts the player, and the entire user interface and experience is built on a slick and modern palette of colors and button shapes.
7 Baba Is You
Baba Is You is an indie game that will charm players instantly with its adorable art style, great music, and groundbreaking gameplay. Players control a small sheep like animal and manipulate objects across a variety of levels to complete the goal.
In every level, there are some key arrangements of pieces that form a statement, and pushing those around is essential to winning. For example, if a portion of the level says "flag is win" then players know that in order to win, they must reach the flag item however they can. Baba Is You is a beautifully simple yet ingenious puzzle game that forces you to think outside the box and experiment, turning grass into fire or turning Baba into a rock by interacting with objects in the environment.
6 The Picross Series
The Picross series is an enduring and much loved puzzle series known for being relaxing and soothing while also forcing players to put their logic to work. Picross games involve puzzles called nonograms, where squares on a grid are either filled or left empty based on the numbers listed outside the grid. By filling in the correct squares, players can unveil an image that looks like pixel art.
Many of the Picross games are available on the Nintendo Switch , and they include a set of tutorials with tips about the game. The game's music is also soothing and enjoyable, making the game relaxing and a pleasure to play.
5 The Ace Attorney Trilogy
Though there are many games in the Ace Attorney series, perhaps the most accessible is the trilogy collection, available on various consoles and mobile devices as well. The main character, Phoenix Wright, and the game's wacky cast of characters are loved by many, but not everyone may know about this series.
In Ace Attorney, players watch courtroom drama unfold and play as defense attorney Phoenix Wright, cross examining witness testimonies and comparing evidence to find contradictions and clear the suspect's name. There's a lot of logical puzzling involved, with exciting stories woven right in. The game is on sale often and is available on PC and consoles, including the Switch, making them a great value for fans.
4 Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
If you're a fan of either the Professor Layton games or the Ace Attorney ones and want to try something different, or you're just a puzzle game lover who's new to both, then this excellent crossover game may be worth a shot.
This game combines the varied and charming puzzles of the Professor Layton games with the riveting courtroom drama of the Ace Attorney series, all woven together with a captivating plot and characters that will keep players on the edge of their seat. This game is a bit on the older side, but is on the Nintendo 3DS in physical format but also as a digital download.
3 Linelight
Linelight is a puzzle game that is minimalist and beautiful. Players direct a small rod of light through paths and past obstacles, heading to the goal across different stages. The game is relaxing and can be played both in short bursts or for hours at a time, making it ideal for anyone.
The game's mechanics are incredibly straightforward, and the puzzles are satisfying to complete. Whether players sit down with Linelight for a few minutes or a few hours, there's no question that they'll feel satisfied when they're done.
2 The Portal Series
The Portal games, two of the best games you can play on PC, are critically acclaimed classics involving innovative puzzles set in a unique environment. These games involve players opening and manipulating portals throughout a mysterious science laboratory.
The first Portal game is rather short, and the second one takes what the first game had and adds so much more, but both are worth playing for any puzzle fan who wants to put their spatial thinking to the test. Both games frequently go on sale, making them easily accessible for any puzzle and platforming fan.
1 Helltaker
Helltaker is a free, indie puzzle game where players must go through stage after stage of Hell to speak with demon girls. The presentation of this game is excellent, and the crisp art really helps the game elements and characters pop.
In each stage, players must reach the goal within a limited number of moves, and each move results in shifts in the stage, making every movement matter. At the goal, they meet one of many demon girls, each designed distinctively. The character interactions are also are written in a way that keeps the game fresh and funny. It's a short, free game for PC gamers and puzzle fans.