Puzzle games remain one of the most popular types of video games. They don’t just provide hours of entertainment, but can also help to exercise our brain and improve our critical thinking skills. Such games come in many different styles from word puzzle games to physics-based mechanics games. For those that love playing such games on a PC, here are 7 examples of fantastic puzzle games worth playing.
Portal 2
This iconic game from Valve is a first-person platformer that requires you to solve a range of physics-based mechanics puzzles using a portal gun. It combines storytelling, humor and cutting-edge gameplay to create a game that’s both challenging and thoroughly entertaining. While the first Portal is worth playing two, Portal 2 is definitely the better of the two – expanding upon the concept of the original and making it both more funnier and more difficult.
The Witness
The Witness is set on a beautiful and mystical island. To unlock the secrets of the island, you must explore it and solve an array of grid-based puzzles. Each puzzle relies on you using knowledge from previous puzzles, and over time you learn more about the island and why you are on it. Some of the puzzles can be tricky, but the game is very rewarding overall.
Monument Valley
Looking for a puzzle game that helps you relax? Monument Valley is a meditative puzzle game with an mesmerising art style and soothing music. It’s made up of optical illusion puzzles that challenge your perception of space and logic. Although originally a mobile game, it is also available to PC users on Steam.
Fireboy and Watergirl
Fireboy and Watergirl is a series of co-operative puzzle games. Players must navigate two characters – Fireboy and Watergirl – through a series of temples full of puzzles, obstacles and traps. The game allows two players to play together on one keyboard – each controlling a different character. Together, both players must work together to solve the puzzles.
Wordle
Wordle is an online word puzzle game that took off during lockdown and has continued to remain hugely popular. It requires players to solve a word in six guesses. After each guess, the game tells you whether you have got any of the letters right and whether they are in the right position. Unlike some games that try to keep you hooked for hours, Wordle presents you with only one word to solve per day – you then have to wait until the next day to get a new word.
Tetris Effect
Arguably the most famous puzzle game of all time is Tetris. Combining captivating music and improved visuals, Tetris Effect enhances this game to make it all the more enjoyable. You can play the game on mobile or on PC.
Baba Is You
This puzzle game takes the idea of ‘rules were made to be broken’ and turns it into a strategy. By changing blocks that represent words, you’re able to manipulate the rules of the game in order to solve each puzzle. It’s a game that forces you to think outside of the box.