Alongside reading informative articles and learning a musical instrument, many people who want to put their brains through their paces turn to challenging puzzle games. Be it through a smartphone device or on a PC, there is an extensive selection of puzzle products that can really put your brainpower to the test.
Of course, there are a number of alternative categories of gaming that can also give your brain the workout it requires, with many gamers also playing live casino games and strategic products. And while they’re also worth sampling, we’re focusing on puzzle products here. With that in mind, below is a brief look at 10 testing puzzle games to play in 2025.
Baba Is You
Baba Is You offers gamers a unique sense of freedom that many other puzzle games simply don’t. In this one, given the game’s rules, which can be rewritten by players, there are so many tough puzzles to solve and new ways of thinking to go through.
Portal
Whether you opt for the first instalment or the second game in the series, Portal is a first-person puzzle-platform video game worth immersing yourself in. Set in the Aperture Science Laboratories, there are endless possibilities in this top puzzle release.
Tetris
Sometimes, it’s best to stick with the classics. Tetris has been given numerous facelifts, but this iconic puzzle game, where you have to put falling tetromino shapes in the right places, is always challenging. For many gamers, Tetris is the best puzzle game ever.
The Zero Escape trilogy
There are a number of Zero Escape games to get through, but the best options are probably Zero Escape 999 and Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward. These mysterious releases are filled with twists and turns, all while players tackle a plethora of puzzles.
Gems of War
Another somewhat unique inclusion on the list, Gems of War isn’t your typical puzzle game. This Match-3 RPG has a strong battling aspect, as players embark on quests, build up their troops, and go to war in a puzzle-filled favorite.
Catherine
Offering a combination of storytelling and puzzle gameplay where the pressure is on, Catherine is an alluring puzzle release many gamers adore. A tale of love and betrayal all in one, this action-adventure gem has entertained millions of passionate puzzle players. In fact, Catherine has a dedicated and loyal community of gamers behind it who adore its more mature aspect.
Projected Dreams
Playable on gaming service Steam, Projected Dreams is a soothing puzzle release where everyday objects are used alongside a hard-hitting story about a father and daughter dealing with loss. With players having to experiment and imagine, this eye-catching puzzle title is unique.
Puzzle Pirates
A pirate-themed puzzler, Puzzle Pirates is a charming challenge where sailing, gunning down your rivals, and locating treasure are at the forefront, all after you smash your way through a series of enthralling puzzles.
Rusty Lake
If you’re after a darker storyline to explore while you’re solving puzzles, then Rusty Lake is a game you should definitely explore. Taking place in a surreal world, almost anything is possible in this one. With players having to think creatively to get through a massive selection of puzzles, Rusty Lake is definitely one of the best options on the list.
The Witness
Taking place on a mysterious island, The Witness is another excellent puzzle game with plenty to offer. Featuring line-drawing puzzles and brain-testing challenges to smash your way through, there is also plenty of exploration to undertake in this eye-catching puzzle masterpiece. Released in 2016 on prominent gaming platforms like console and PC, The Witness is worth checking out.