What are the best puzzle games to play right now? Check out our list for the best puzzle games to play in 2024!
Return of the Obra Dinn
Embark on a voyage unlike any other with Return of the Obra Dinn. Set on a ghostly ship that has mysteriously reappeared after being lost at sea, you're tasked with figuring out the fate of its crew. With a unique 1-bit monochromatic art style that feels like a nod to the earlier days of computing, it's visually striking and instantly captivating. Created by Lucas Pope, the genius behind Papers, Please, this game doesn't hold your hand. Armed with a pocket watch that allows you to witness the final moments of the ship's inhabitants, you'll piece together stories, relationships, and events. The narrative is intricately woven, demanding keen attention to detail. The auditory experience is equally important, with snippets of conversations guiding your deductions. Return of the Obra Dinn is not just a game; it's a painstakingly crafted work of art that combines storytelling, mystery, and deduction into a gripping maritime adventure.
Outer Wilds
Outer Wilds is an exploration-based puzzle set in an ever-evolving solar system. At its core, it's a story about a civilization looking to the stars, filled with lore, myths, and celestial secrets. Every 22 minutes, the sun goes supernova and resets your progress, but with each iteration, you learn more about this universe, inching closer to the overarching mystery. It's a game that rewards curiosity. There are no set objectives, waypoints, or markers. Instead, it's up to the player to decide where to go, which riddles to unravel first, and how to interpret the myriad of clues scattered across planets. With its breathtaking visuals, atmospheric music, and intricate puzzles that blend science with fiction, Outer Wilds offers a unique and deeply satisfying space-faring experience.
Portal 2
Few games have captured the hearts and minds of players like Portal 2. Expanding on the innovative mechanics of its predecessor, it introduces a range of new challenges, characters, and a gripping narrative. Armed with the iconic portal gun, players navigate through a series of test chambers, using portals to manipulate space and traverse the environment. However, it's not just about spatial awareness. The game's true charm lies in its wit, humor, and character development. Whether it's GLaDOS's passive-aggressive remarks or Wheatley's bumbling assistance, Portal 2 never misses a beat. And then there are the gel puzzles, which add an entirely new layer to the gameplay, requiring players to think in entirely new dimensions. It's a masterclass in game design and storytelling, cementing itself as an all-time favorite.
The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzler that combines intricate challenges with deep philosophical questions. Set in a world that's a fusion of ancient ruins and advanced technology, players assume the role of a robot with a seemingly simple task: solve puzzles scattered across various landscapes. But as you delve deeper, the game becomes much more than just solving challenges. It's about self-awareness, existentialism, and the quest for purpose. Voice recordings pose questions about humanity, consciousness, and morality, pushing players to reflect on their choices and actions. With over 120 puzzles, ranging from manipulating light beams to using drones, it's not only mentally stimulating but also deeply introspective.
INSIDE
From the creators of LIMBO, INSIDE is a side-scrolling puzzle platformer that is hauntingly beautiful. Set in a dark, dystopian world, players control a young boy on the run from mysterious pursuers. Every frame of the game is meticulously crafted, with stunning visuals, ambient sounds, and a chilling atmosphere that grips you from the get-go. The puzzles in INSIDE are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. They're not just challenges to be solved; they're part of the story, pushing the narrative forward. Whether you're evading guards, manipulating the environment, or controlling mindless drones, each puzzle feels organic and crucial to the journey. With its minimalistic design, lack of dialogue, and open-ended conclusion, INSIDE leaves a lasting impact, pushing the boundaries of what a puzzle game can achieve.
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