25 Best Puzzle Games of All Time

Best Puzzle Games of All Time the decades, Yet a few timeless classics stand out; Alexey Pajitnov’s “Tetris,” developed in 1984, stands out among them all as an unparalleled classic. Since 2003, players have enjoyed its simple but challenging gameplay – capturing gamers hearts in its simple yet addictively challenging gameplay.

Another standout title released in 2007 was Portal which combined mind-bending physics puzzles with an entertaining narrative to set a new standard for puzzle-platformers. “The Witness,” created by Jonathan Blow, provides an exquisite open world filled with challenging puzzles to test players’ observation and deduction skills.

And let’s not forget “Myst”, an unforgettable adventure puzzle game that immersed players into an otherworldly, surreal experience and opened up new era of interactive storytelling. These and many other titles have left an indelible mark on puzzle game history and deserve their place among the all-time best titles.

Here is List Of Best Puzzle Games of All Time

• Portal 1 + 2
• World of Goo
• Myst Series
• The Talos Principle
• Celeste
• Fez
• Braid
• Inside
• Antichamber
• The Witness
• Trine Series
• Helltaker
• Escape Simulator
• Unravel Series
• We Were Here Forever
• The Room Series
• Little Nightmares 2
• Zero Escape Trilogy
• The Swapper
• Portal Reloaded
• Poly Bridge 2
• FAR: Changing Tides
• Stray
• Hogwarts Legacy 
• HUMANITY

25 Best Puzzle Games of All Time

1. Portal 1 + 2

Portal 1 + 2 are two of the most innovative games ever produced, bar none. Their creative blend of physics and shooting made them immensely popular with gamers (as witnessed by mods).

You will be challenged in both games to outwit mechanical Glados – not an easy task – while solving puzzles will put your problem-solving and creativity to the test – so grab your portal gun and begin!

2. World of Goo (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

World of Goo takes builder games to an entirely different level. Here, you will enter an unusual world where living entities of goo and other materials must work together to solve puzzles – requiring you to be creative with what materials/beings you have available while trying to figure out what the next level requires from you.

It is easy to learn yet challenging to master; once “done”, however, you can head online and put your skills up against other players online!

3. Myst Series

Myst is one of the original puzzle game series, and has continued to create compelling gameplay situations and stories over its lengthy existence.

As you interact with this world, you’ll discover more of its mysteries, solve puzzles, and unlock more information about its inhabitants.

Since its initial release in 1981, many variations and parodies of this game have emerged; as well as games which have taken up its legacy. Recently in 2021, they remade it for VR use to give you another way of experiencing it!

Whatever series you prefer – from old classics like Mario to those which explore modern gaming technology – don’t miss out! This series is not something you want to overlook!

4. The Talos Principle (Top Puzzle Games of All Time)

The Talos Principle remains one of the best-loved puzzle games, even today. As a creature created to exist within an uneasy universe, your creator entrusts you with solving over 120 different puzzles scattered around.

As you solve puzzles, you may find yourself asking important questions – including who, where and if to listen to the creator. Your world is yours to explore and solve, and each path taken will define what this world means to you; with optional DLC content there will even more opportunities available!

5. Celeste

Celeste is a platformer created by Matt Thorson and Noel Berry, offering fast-paced action where players take control of Madeline – an adorable young girl in search of Celeste Mountain to climb to its summit.

Each level requires quick maneuvers around obstacles while collecting collectibles along the way for added difficulty and fun! Plus there is an engaging story to unfold as players discover more about Celeste and Madeline!

6. Fez (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

“Fez” stands as one of the crowning achievements in gaming since 2010, giving players an unforgettable and captivating experience. Centering around Gomez – an apparent two-dimensional character inhabiting a two-dimensional world – the game takes an extraordinary twist by adding a third dimension and unravelling his universe’s secrets. “Fez” artfully blends classic and modern puzzle elements with an engaging narrative to expand players’ understanding of its game world.

“Fez” encourages players to explore its depths from all different vantage points, both literally and metaphorically, not only helping solve intricate puzzles but also uncover hidden secrets within its unfolding narrative. With its groundbreaking perspective and gameplay innovations, “Fez” has left an indelible mark on players hearts while being widely recognized for its creativity and depth.

7. Braid

Braid” is an unparalleled puzzle game, unforgettable due to its innovative take on time manipulation. Players assume the role of Tim, an engaging protagonist on an incredible journey to rescue Princess Aurora. “Braid” stands out with its intricate use of time travel and rewind mechanics, turning each mistake into an opportunity to learn.

As players unravel its complexities, they will discover ways to manipulate time to their advantage while solving challenging puzzles. “Braid” offers not only a compelling gaming experience but an immersive journey through time and space that provides hours of both entertainment and contemplation.

8. Inside (Top Puzzle Games of All Time)

“Inside”, from Playdead – the same visionary minds behind critically acclaimed game “Limbo” – exudes an eerie and allusive atmosphere similar to that found in Limbo. Players step into the shoes of young boy as he navigates a perilous dystopian world with many gameplay mechanics.

From Limbo seamlessly integrated into this new offering, fulfilling expectations of an emotionally charged yet dark artistic experience through “Inside’s” unsettling landscapes and disturbing encounters, leaving an indelible mark long after the final credits have rolled.

9. Antichamber

“Antichamber” stands as a testament to the genre of puzzle games where the environment is as vital as the puzzles themselves. Within its mesmerizing, non-Euclidean world, players encounter mind-bending optical illusions, Escher-like architecture, and reality-warping phenomena that challenge their perception and problem-solving abilities.

Rather than relying solely on traditional puzzle mechanics, “Antichamber” immerses players in an ever-shifting, surreal landscape where exploring and reevaluating one’s assumptions about reality are essential components of the gameplay. It is a testament to the power of interactive art, where the setting is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the intricate puzzle experience.

10. The Witness (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

No one likes a good puzzle! The Witness is nothing but an addictive puzzle game where players find themselves on an island full of increasingly complex and vague puzzles to solve. The experience can be very relaxing and visually pleasing – perfect for when you need a breather from reality!

No doubt a more challenging title might make life simpler if played alongside another person, yet this game can only be experienced as single player video gaming experience – however due to its focus on looking at puzzles from various perspectives it makes an excellent candidate for passing back the controller back and forth!

11. Trine Series

Believe it or not, Trine contains four games and you can get them all from Steam at an attractive price. Each of the four titles combines action with puzzle gameplay as you use both brains and muscle to solve physics-based puzzles.

Furthermore, there’s not just “you” who has to complete these tasks-you have a team you can choose to help with based on individual capabilities.

12. Helltaker

Sometimes it can be hard to imagine the mind of game devs when designing their games, especially Helltaker where your goal is romance with demon ladies in the underworld.

Fight and solve puzzles to win their hearts before doing battle in Hell itself to capture one. Just be wary: these girls could kill you at any moment!

13. Escape Simulator (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

With this exciting puzzle game, players have the option of embarking on an exhilarating escape room adventure either alone or together with friends, making teamwork and cooperation an added challenge for those seeking an additional test. With 20 individual rooms to navigate and each offering a different series of perplexing puzzles and mystifying riddles, there is plenty of brain-teasing fun waiting.

If you want an additional challenge and competition, community-created escape rooms provide plenty of opportunities to put your cognitive abilities through their paces in an attempt to break free in time! Success in these escape rooms will not only give a sense of accomplishment and pride among friends and fellow players but will also earn you bragging rights among peers!

14. Unravel Series

Unravel from Coldwood Interactive is an elegant narrative game about a small figure constructed out of red yarn. Players explore an elaborate world and search for memories while unravelling themselves to reach new areas – this makes this puzzle game as much a platformer! As our protagonist loses more yarn each day, gamers must figure out ways to claim more thread or use what’s available to reach new areas.

Unravel Two was an unexpected release at E3 2018; its main novelty being two-player local multiplayer co-op mode. Similar to its predecessor, players will control two yarn creatures that must navigate increasingly challenging levels with limited amounts of yarn attached to their bodies and encounter new hostile enemies and locations along the way requiring some form of puzzle-solving in order to advance in this sequel. For best results it’s recommended playing Unravel Two co-op alongside one friend or partner!

15. We Were Here Forever (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

Being trapped in Castle Rock rarely turns out well for anyone involved, but since you and your partner are both trapped together, working together towards escape will likely be essential to survival.

Teamwork will be key as you face puzzles in this game which require team effort for their resolution, so communicate effectively with your partner so as to reach the next step more easily.

As well as working together to get through Castle Rock itself and uncover all its terrible secrets, you must also collaborate in order to escape! Use everything at your disposal as one and escape!

16. The Room Series

The Room series of games presents you with a challenge as your character descends into madness. In these titles, you play as someone trapped inside an insidious house (then dimension and other places), trying to solve clues in order to discover what is going on around them.

If it takes too long for you to unravel its secrets, your mind may start playing tricks on you until eventually it becomes uncontrollable – this darker title is recommended for older audiences only.

17. Little Nightmares 2

Tarsier Studios was inspired to make a sequel following the success of Little Nightmares, so a sequel was inevitable. Like its predecessor, Little Nightmares 2 follows Six as she flees Maw. Rather than controlling Six, players take control of Mono.

Expect another horror treat as Mono and Six attempt to escape more hostile enemies on their journey towards sanctuary; similarly like in its predecessor, players must use stealth tactics to stay hidden from enemies around the map.

18. Zero Escape Trilogy

The Zero Escape Trilogy puts you and nine strangers in an enclosed room for one purpose only: to escape! Working together, you must uncover not only who “Zero” really is but also solve puzzles before losing people from your team.

There will be fun twists along the way that can test whether someone is telling the truth – make sure that you keep an open mind, use logic to your advantage, and elude death!

19. The Swapper (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

Trapped inside an abandoned and decaying space station, my isolation becomes unbearable. Relying solely on my clone gun for survival becomes an intricate dance of strategy and innovation. They can use this device to clone myself up to four times, providing me with an amazing ability to navigate labyrinthine corridors and unlock doors while uncovering all its mysterious mysteries.

Each clone represents my hopes and fears as they must shift between them to overcome obstacles and move closer towards freedom. But beneath its surface lies a more sinister reality; my choices may not always be straightforward or advisable as confront both physical challenges of the damaged station as well as moral dilemmas associated with uncovering its dark secrets hidden within metallic walls – all while contemplating whether escape is truly possible.

20. Portal Reloaded

Portal, the award-winning puzzle game beloved for its innovative mechanics and darkly comedic narrative will receive its due recognition later on this list. But before diving in to its original release, we must first honor an impressive community effort known as “Portal Reloaded.”

This ambitious mod expands upon portal-based gameplay by enabling players to manipulate time and explore four-dimensional puzzles using three portals instead of the usual two; with an added 25 puzzles it offers fans of Portal Reloaded an unparalleled portal experience with fresh twist on classic game that shows creativity and dedication of our gaming community!

21. Poly Bridge 2

Puzzle games don’t simply involve placing pieces together – sometimes, they involve making sure your work stands up against scrutiny. Poly Bridge 2 is the sequel to a popular bridge simulator, challenging you to construct a bridge and see whether or not it stands the test of time.

A poor job could see an assortment of vehicles fall from it into the ocean below; there are various materials you can use in its construction; maybe this bridge goes too far? Jump right in and find out!

22. FAR: Changing Tides (Top Puzzle Games of All Time)

Far Changing Tides, the sequel to Far Lone Sails, presents you with an entirely new experience and environment. Play as a boy alone who must use his ship to navigate across a barren land in search of new living quarters;

Uncover more mysteries of your ship while learning more about this part of the world and discover its mysteries while avoiding dangers and solving puzzles for an exciting yet immersive gaming experience. For something unique try this game out today.

23. Stray

Stray is an extraordinary science-fiction game you may have never known you were missing out on until now – perhaps one of the most unusual. Set in a futuristic secret city hidden beneath ruins, an adventurous stray cat finds themselves trapped.

In this strange and foreign world influenced by Kowloon Walled City (an uncontrolled Chinese enclave located within British-ruled Hong Kong) which features dense population density while maintaining modern elements such as dirty roads.

Not only is the setting completely futuristic yet still harboring familiar city elements from Earth – calling this perfect for an adventurous stray cat would be an understatement!

24. Hogwarts Legacy 

Magic itself is an intricate puzzle waiting to be unraveled; therefore having a game with magical puzzles such as Hogwarts Legacy which lets players enter this magical realm is essential! Enter Hogwarts legacy’s world but now be your own witch/wizard!

You will choose your house, receive your wand, and explore the castle grounds to uncover new magics, passageways and possibly even reveal information about Dark Arts! Solving puzzles along the way may reveal more secrets!

25. HUMANITY (Best Puzzle Games of All Time)

What would it take for humanity to find safety? You might expect it to be handled by other humans, but humanity has now placed their hope in a dog that you control – this dog must instruct people what actions to take so that they may overcome challenges ahead.

This title goes beyond being just another puzzle game that requires precision: your followers will help protect you against bosses who wish to stop the group in its tracks. After you complete a game, put your creativity to the test by designing custom puzzles and uploading them online!

Best Puzzle Games of All Time Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of puzzle games is a diverse and ever-evolving realm, offering a plethora of experiences that challenge our intellect, creativity, and problem-solving skills. From classics like “Tetris” and “Myst” that laid the foundation for the genre, to modern marvels like “Portal” and “The Witness” that push the boundaries of what puzzles can be, these games have left an indelible mark on the industry. “Braid” and “Fez” showcased innovation in gameplay and storytelling, while “Antichamber” dared to redefine reality itself.

Whether you’re navigating the enigmatic world of “Inside,” exploring the time-bending mysteries of “Braid,” or embracing the surreal landscapes of “Fez,” the best puzzle games of all time have one thing in common: they invite us to think, explore, and immerse ourselves in their intricately crafted worlds. These games have not only challenged our minds but have also enriched our appreciation for the art of gaming, and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate players for generations to come.

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