A puzzle game is generally a problem whose solution is required to be derived with the help of the facts or the clues that are provided along with the game. The solution of most puzzle games is usually present within the problem statement itself. The process of solving a puzzle is not just entertaining, but it also helps a person improve his/her mental calibre in various aspects. Solving puzzles can help a person significantly improve his/her problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Such games are also helpful in enhancing the player’s observation, attention to detail, and information processing speed.
Examples of Puzzle Games For Adults
There are a variety of puzzle games available in the market that are specifically designed for adults. Some of them are listed below:
1. Crossword Puzzle
A crossword puzzle is a puzzle game that typically consists of a grid that is further divided into multiple small square-shaped blocks. The small square boxes are either filled with black colour or are empty. The main idea behind the game is to fill the empty blocks of the grid with appropriate letters and alphabets to form words. The clues to fill the grid with words is provided along with the game. This particular game helps a person learn new words and concepts that help in improving vocabulary and general knowledge. Also, by playing such games a person can practice or revise his/her existing knowledge.
2. Jigsaw Puzzle
Jigsaw puzzles are one of the most common puzzle games that people of all ages can play. The complexity of the jigsaw puzzle games designed for adults is generally higher than the jigsaw puzzle games designed for kids. Such games typically contain a number of irregularly shaped puzzle pieces and a baseboard. The main objective of the game is to arrange the broken pieces of the game on the baseboard of the game in such a way that they fit each other perfectly and form a complete picture when joined in a unique manner. Such games are entertaining as well as a great source of developing and improving mental abilities such as pattern recognition capability, motor skills, problem-solving skills, and many more.
3. Block Puzzle
A digital block puzzle typically consists of an interface screen on which a number of asynchronous digital blocks appear randomly. These digital blocks generally vary in size, shape, and colour. The main aim of the game is to attach the game objects or blocks together in the most potential logical manner. The algorithm that runs the game tends to eliminate the blocks from the screen once a row or a column of the screen gets completely filled with blocks and generates a score accordingly. The player playing the blocks puzzle game tries to eliminate the maximum number of blocks from the game screen as fast as possible. This particular game helps a person improve his/her critical thinking ability, spontaneous response capability, and motor skills. The block puzzles can also be played in multiple player mode that provides the players with a chance to compete against each other and build skills together. Some of the traditional paper and cardboard versions of the game are also available in the market.
4. Number Slide Puzzle
A number puzzle is a puzzle game that falls into the mathematical puzzle games subcategory. It typically consists of a rectangular or square-shaped wooden frame. A set of congruent wooden blocks are placed inside the frame. The blocks are free to slide inside the frame along the horizontal or vertical direction. The blocks are marked with numbers or alphabets on their top. The main aim of the game is to slide the blocks inside the frame in such a way that the blocks get aligned either in ascending format or in descending format. Block puzzles help a person improve his/her information processing and retaining capability, motor skills, hand to eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Also, this particular game helps a person to effectively recognise similarities, patterns, and orders that exist between different objects.
5. Sudoku
Sudoku is one of the most common puzzle games that people of all age groups including children as well as adults can play for educational as well as entertainment purposes. It typically consists of a parent grid that is further divided into smaller squares of equal dimensions. The dimensions of a basic sudoku grid are generally 9 x 9. The smaller squares contained by the sudoku are further grouped together to form the sub-grids or the children grids. A usual 9 x 9 sized sudoku typically consists of 9 sub-grids. The main idea behind playing sudoku is to fill the grid in such a way that each row, each column, and each subgrid is filled with numbers 1 to 9 without any repetition. Sudoku helps a person improve his ability to memorise things and retain information. Also, it helps in developing a firm grip on pattern recognition, quick information processing, and decision-making skills.
6. Brain Teasers
Brain teasers are the appetizers for the mind is one of the most famous sayings. Brain teasers tend to form yet another example of the simple puzzle games that help a person learn and develop various skills such as memorizing ability, information retaining capacity, observation, etc. Solving brain teasers also help a person improve his/her critical and logical thinking ability. The answer to a brain teaser question is generally hidden within the problem statement only. Brain teasers can either be in the form of a riddle, picture puzzles, or optical illusions. Such puzzle games help in enhancing a person’s ability to apply a logical approach to find the solution to certain problematic situations in real life.
7. Rubik’s Cube
A Rubik’s cube is a classic example of the puzzle games that one can play to enhance his/her ability to concentrate or focus on things, enhance pattern-recognition and problem-solving skills, improve hand to eye coordination, etc. Rubik’s cube was invented by a Hungarian professor of architecture and sculptor Erno Rubik in 1974. In simple words, a Rubik’s cube is a three-dimensional puzzle that consists of a cube with 12 cubies attached to the edge of the main cube, 8 cubies present on the corners of the parent cube, and one core present right in the middle of all the cubies. Solving a Rubik’s cube helps a person learn about ratios, proportions, permutations, combinations, and fractions. This improves the numerical reasoning ability of the player. There are a variety of Rubik’s cubes available in the market such as a mirror cube, a pocket cube, a standard cube, a master cube, a professor cube, and many more. The number of layers that a Rubik’s cube can have may go up to 33. The complexity of the Rubik’s cube typically increases with an addition of the layers.
8. Word Puzzle
Word puzzles are puzzle games that contain a n x n grid or a matrix. The squares or the cells contained by the parent matrix are filled with alphabets or letters of a language in such a way that on close observation, one can easily group the letters present in the matrix together and locate the hidden word. The prime objective of the game is to locate as many hidden words present in the puzzle matrix as possible. This particular game helps a person enrich his/her vocabulary, improve pattern-recognition skills, and enhance hand to eye coordination. Various online and offline formats of the word puzzle are available in the market. One can easily find a pen-paper version of the word puzzle game in newspapers and magazines.
9. Numbrix
Numbrix is yet another example of a pen and paper-based puzzle game that can help a person improve his/her mental calibre and develop various other skills. Numbrix puzzle game basically makes use of logic theory subset of mathematics. It typically consists of a n x n grid that is randomly filled with numbers from 1 to 81. The main aim of the game is to fill the blank boxes present in the game by moving only along the horizontal or vertical direction. Numbrix puzzle is quite similar to a crossword puzzle. The numbrix puzzle was first developed by an American communist, Marilyn Vos Savant. It was published officially for the first time in 2008. One can easily play such games digitally by downloading relevant applications. Also, some of the pen-paper versions of the game are available in certain newspapers, books, or magazines.
10. Maze Puzzles
Maze puzzles are one of the best examples of puzzle games that an adult, as well as a child, can play for amusement as well as for learning purposes. A maze game typically consists of a structure or a projection of a structure that is made up of multiple interconnected loops. Usually, a maze puzzle consists of one or more paths that connect the start and the endpoint of the game; however, only a unique path properly connects the start and the endpoint of the maze structure. The main aim of the game is to find the path that connects the endpoint to the start point without any break or obstacle. Different versions of the maze puzzle such as the three-dimensional maze model made up of wood or plastic, two-dimensional pen-paper maze puzzle game, etc. are available in the market. Maze puzzle games serve to be one of the excellent sources to relieve stress and anxiety.
11. Calcudoku
A calcudoku puzzle game is quite similar to sudoku. The main grid or the matrix of a calcudoku or a sudoku game is required to be filled with numbers in a unique format by avoiding the repetition of numbers along the rows and the columns of the matrix. The characteristic that differentiates a calcudoku game from sudoku is that the small subgrids possessed by a calcudoku vary in dimensions, while the subgrids of the sudoku are even in size. Also, each subgrid of a calcudoku is assigned with an arithmetic equation. The numbers that are filled inside the subgrids must satisfy the equation. Calcudoku game helps a person boost stress, improve his/her problem-solving skills, and enhance the ability to recognize patterns quickly.
12. Burr Puzzle
Burr puzzles fall under the category of interlocking puzzle games. A burr puzzle is typically provided with a set of blocks that are required to be assembled in a strategical and ordered manner to form the desired prism shape. The blocks of the burr puzzle are typically made up of wood, plastic, or metal. The name of the burr puzzle comes from the shape of the burr plant. Generally, a burr puzzle consists of 6 blocks or game pieces; however, the number of pieces that can be made for a 6 piece burr puzzle game may go up to 837. Burr puzzles are believed to have Chinese origins. There exist a variety of burr puzzle games in the market for instance diagonal burr puzzle, holey burr puzzle, etc. The number of blocks used by a block puzzle may range from 3 to 12. Burr puzzle is also known as a six-piece interlocking cube, six wooden blocks puzzle, Chinese cross, devil’s knot, puzzle knot, etc.
13. Scrabble the Words
A scrabble the words is yet another puzzle game that helps a person improve his/her vocabulary, enhance the ability to respond spontaneously to a situation, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. A scrabble the words puzzle game is a multiplayer game that typically consists of a board or a play sheet. The puzzle board or the sheet consists of a matrix that is further divided into multiple congruent sub-blocks. The main idea behind the game is to fill the parent matrix with newer words every time by attaching alphabet blocks one after the other.
14. Suguru
Suguru is yet another puzzle game suitable for people of all age groups. The word ‘Suguru’ means number groups. It is a Japanese puzzle game that is designed on the basis of two subdomains of mathematics, namely, number systems and logic theory. Suguru puzzle typically consists of a parent grid or matrix that is further divided into multiple congruent squares. These congruent squares are also known as cells. The cells are grouped together randomly to form blocks. The minimum number of cells required to form a block contained by the parent matrix is one, while the maximum number of cells ranges up to five. The main objective of the game is to fill the Suguru parent grid with numbers in such a way that each sub-block of the matrix having n number of cells is filled with numbers from 1 to n. For instance, a block that has one cell is required to be filled with the number 1. Likewise, a block having five cells must be filled with numbers from 1 to 5 and so on. One more thing to remember is that the plotting of the numbers should be done in such a way that no two same digits present in the grid are located adjacent to each other.
15. Tangram
Tangram is one of the most common two-dimensional puzzle games that is best suited for people of all ages including children as well as adults. Tangram typically gained popularity during the first World War. Some of the theories linked with tangram indicate that the word ‘Tangram’ has been derived from the English word ‘tramgram’, which means puzzle. A tangram puzzle is generally created by cutting a two-dimensional square or rectangular geometric figure into seven pieces. These seven pieces of a tangram puzzle vary in size and tend to resemble the triangle or parallelogram geometric shapes. The main idea behind the game is to rearrange the cutout triangular or parallelogram-shaped geometric pieces in such a way that their arrangement results in the formation of the square or the rectangle geometric shape that perfectly fits the puzzle frame. exactly equal to the square or the rectangle geometric figure that was available in the beginning.
16. Fillomino
Fillomino puzzles are a prominent example of math puzzle games that one can play for fun as well as to gain skills such as a good conceptual knowledge of mathematical theories, enhance focus, boost concentration, and relieve stress. The first Fillomino puzzle was published by a Japanese pen-paper puzzle publishing company, Nikoli in 1994. The game works on three simple rules. The first rule of the game and the main idea behind the puzzle is to fill each block of the puzzle with the same number horizontally and vertically. The second rule is that the number of cells contained by each block is supposed to be equal to the number filled inside the block. The final rule is that the blocks having the same dimensions can not touch each other in any way, either horizontally or vertically.
17. Masyu
Masyu is yet another puzzle game that is based on the logic theory subset of mathematics. It was initially created by a Japanese pen and paper puzzle publishing firm called Nikoli. A masyu puzzle game typically consists of a rectangular grid that has a fixed number of squares and circles. Usually, two types of circles are present in the puzzle, i.e., either black coloured or white coloured circles. The black circles are known as the filled circles, while the white circles are called empty circles. The main aim of the game is to draw a loop that passes through all the circled cells present in the main or the parent grid without lifting the pen off the paper. The loop is required to be formed in such a way that it passes through the centre of one of the four sides of the cell forming an angle of 90 degrees during each entry and exit. This implies that the line used to draw the loop cannot pass through the grids diagonally. Also, the intersection of the line is not allowed. Playing masyu helps a person improve his/her ability to concentrate, enhances the decision making skills, and helps reduce the stress level.
18. Binary Puzzle
A binary puzzle is one of the best examples of the puzzle games that are ideal for adults. The word binary denotes two numbers, i.e., 0 or 1. The binary numbers 0 and 1 can also be represented with the help of state logic, where one denotes the high state and zero corresponds to the low state of a device or a system. A binary puzzle typically consists of a (n x n) grid. The prime objective of the game is to maintain the balance of the grid by filling the grid squares or cells with two numbers, i.e., either a 0 or a 1 in such a way that there exist same number of ones and zeroes in each row and column of the grid. Also, the quiqueness of the grid is required to be preserved throughout the game. This can be done by avoiding filling an exact combination of zeroes or ones in two or more columns or rows. By playing binary puzzle game, a person is able to improve a number of skills such as pattern recognition ability, concentration, critical thinking capability, and ability to make spontaneous decisions.
19. Count the Figures
A count the figures puzzle game typically consists of a sheet or a display screen on which an image of multiple geometric figures is drawn or overlayed. The geometric figures are interlinked with each other in a complex manner. The main aim of the game is to identify the exact number of individual geometric figures of one type contained by the parent or the main figure. If the person is able to count the exact number of figures present in the image, then he/she tends to win the game. A count the figures puzzle game generally makes use of the logic theory and number theory subdomain of mathematics. It helps a person learn and practice the fundamentals of mathematics as well as is a great source of entertainment.
20. Hidden Objects Puzzle Game
A hidden objects puzzle game is one of the best puzzle games that a person can play to boost his/her mental strength and to reduce the stress level. It is typically a picture puzzle game. The main picture of the hidden objects puzzle game typically consists of multiple objects. A number of objects are placed strategically into the picture in such a way that one can not locate them directly. The prime objective of the game is to locate as many hidden objects present in the picture as possible in the minimum time duration. The player who is able to find out all the hidden objects contained by the picture tends to win the game. The hidden objects puzzle game helps a person improve his/her pattern recognition ability, critical thinking, observation skills, and problem-solving ability. One can easily find the hidden objects puzzle game in newspapers or magazines. A few applications to play the game digitally are also available over the internet.
21. Find the Difference Picture Puzzle
A find the difference puzzle game is a classic example of the puzzle games that an adult can play for fun as well as to strengthen his/her mental calibre. This particular puzzle game typically contains two pictures that appear to be similar, but contain a few differences. The differences in the picture are created in such a way that they are not easily and directly visible to the observer. The person who is able to find or locate all the differences tends to win the game. This particular puzzle game helps a person improve his/her object recognition and pattern recognition skills. Also, one can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving ability by playing a find the difference puzzle game.
22. Detangle the Ropes Puzzle Game
A detangle the ropes puzzle game was traditionally created as a two-dimensional pen and paper puzzle game; however, in the current scenario, a number of digital platforms or applications of the game have also been constructed. A pen-paper detangle the ropes puzzle game typically consists of a sheet on which two or more detangled ropes are drawn in a haphazard manner. The end of one of the ropes is tied to a game object. The main object of the game is to identify which rope out of all the detangled ropes is holding the game object. The digital form of detangling the ropes puzzle game consists of an application that displays a set of detangled ropes onto the user interface or the display screen of the device or gadget. The user is required to sort the ropes by removing the tangling with the help of game buttons. Such games serve to be a great source of entertainment and relaxation as well as contribute to building and improving the mental calibre of an individual. By playing such games, a person is able to develop sorting and categorisation skills.
23. Mahjongg
Mahjongg is a tile-based puzzle game that was initially developed by China during the 19th century. It is a multiplayer game that can be played between 3 to 4 people. The main aim of the game is to match similar tiles to each other. A set of two similar tiles present in the game is known as eyes, while a set of three or four similar tiles contained by the game are called the melds. Mahjongg is one of the best puzzle games suitable for adults. It helps reduce the stress level and is a great source of enjoyment. Also, a person who plays mahjongg is able to improve his/her memorizing ability, calculation speed, and enhance the risk estimation.
24. Kingou
Kingou puzzle is yet another example of puzzle games for adults. A kingou puzzle is known to have Chinese origins. It is also known as a wooden ball puzzle. A wooden ball puzzle typically consists of 12 game pieces. These game pieces vary in size and shape. Three out of twelve pieces are known as the telephone pieces, two are the full bridges, two half bridges, two tie fighters, two eyebrows, and one wrench. The puzzle generally comes with the pieces attached to each other in a specific ordered manner, forming a perfect sphere shape. The player is required to remove the game pieces one by one and attempt to fix them together to form the spherical shape. The puzzle is considered to be moderately complex for most people, but the difficulty level tends to vary from person to person. This particular puzzle helps the user gain knowledge of the pattern in which objects can be arranged to form a specific shape, thereby improving their critical thinking ability, problem-solving skills, pattern recognition capability, and hand to eye coordination.
25. Letter T puzzle
A letter T puzzle is one of the most common puzzle games that an adult can play for enjoyment as well as for personality development purposes. The prime objective of the game is to align the puzzle pieces in a specific order so as to form an English alphabet ‘T’. The pieces are uneven in shape and size and can be fixed to each other in multiple ways; however, only one type of arrangement of the game pieces would result in the formation of a perfect English alphabet ‘T’, which is why the game is a bit complex in nature. A person significantly improves his/her pattern recognition and critical thinking abilities by playing or solving the letter T puzzle game.
26. Nonogram
A nonogram game is also known as a paint by numbers puzzle game, pic-a-pix, pixel puzzle, Japanese crosswords, etc. It typically consists of a grid or a matrix that contains multiple small square blocks that are equal in dimension and size. The blocks are filled with random numbers. The main aim of the puzzle is to colour the grid blocks with black colour and mark the empty blocks with a cross in a logical manner. The number of blocks that are coloured along the row or the column must justify the number that is filled in the matrix blocks. The nonogram game particularly helps a person gain knowledge of the concepts of logic theory subset of mathematics. It also helps in enhancing the mental calibre of the player by improving his/her ability to focus and concentrate on things.
27. Visual Math Puzzle Game
A locate view of an object or a visual math puzzle game typically consists of a picture of a 3D object. Along with the image of the object, a set of images are provided that tend to demonstrate the object’s top, side, or front view. One of the images present in the set of images representing the view of the object is correct. The main aim of the game is to locate the perfect or the most accurate projection of the object. The game requires a good knowledge of three-dimensional theory, engineering drawing, and other engineering concepts. The complexity of the game varies as per the level of the game. Such games are generally available in textbook format in the market. One can improve his/her critical thinking ability, problem-solving ability, concentration, focus, and various other skills by playing a locate the view of the object puzzle games.
28. Free the Block Puzzle Game
A free the block puzzle game was initially developed as a wooden board puzzle game, but later some of the online and offline application versions of the game were also introduced. A free the block puzzle game typically consists of a wooden frame that consists of multiple wooden blocks. The blocks are generally shaped like cubes or cuboids. Each block has different dimensions and orientations. One of the blocks is coloured differently and is known as the main block. The wooden frame of the free the block puzzle game consists of an opening on one of its edges. The main idea behind the game is to extract the main block from the opening window. This is usually done by moving or sliding the blocks in the horizontal or the vertical dimension. Playing free the block puzzle game helps a person tends to improve the critical thinking, problem-solving, pattern recognition, and various other skills of an individual.
29. Ring Puzzle Game
A ring puzzle game is yet another puzzle that falls under the category of three-dimensional puzzle games designed generally for adults. A ring puzzle game was developed by the Japanese puzzle manufacturing company, Hanayama. A ring puzzle piece typically consists of a set or a pair of metallic structures that are interlocked with each other. These metallic structures generally consist of multiple loops and curves. The main idea behind the puzzle is to separate the interlocked game pieces from each other. The game is a bit complex as there are numerous ways in which the metallic structures are able to move, but only one particular movement helps separate the pieces and solve the puzzle. This particular puzzle game enhances the critical thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition abilities of the player.
30. Rat Race Puzzle Game
A rat race puzzle typically consists of a metallic structure that is embedded with multiple loops. One of the loops contained by the game, called the main loop, is usually placed at the centre of the structure. The main loop is generally stretched along the length. The structure or the frame of the puzzle is generally shaped like a maze. The prime objective of the game is to free or extract out the main loop by moving it across the frame over and under the rest of the loops. The complexity of the game can be basic, moderate, or intermediate depending on the level of the game. Such games help a person significantly improve his/her mental calibre and information processing ability.
31. Kong Ming Lock
A kong ming lock is yet another block puzzle that falls under the three-dimensional games category of puzzle games. It typically consists of a set of blocks made up of wood, plastic, metal, or fibre that are shaped like random geometric objects. These blocks can be connected to each other in multiple ways. The prime aim of the game is to determine a particular format in which the blocks must be grouped so that their combination results in the formation of a complete three-dimensional object such as a cross, a box, etc. The game complexity level typically ranges from moderate to complex and is best suited for adults. A person gets a better clarity of the combination of geometric objects by playing a kong ming lock puzzle game.
32. Cryptograms
A cryptogram puzzle game is typically based on cryptography, i.e., the art or the technique of writing or solving codes. It is a form of puzzle game that consists of encrypted texts that are required to be decrypted in a given time. The decryption of the text is based on the encryption key that may or may not be provided with the game. The player who is able to decode the text in the minimum possible time tends to win the game. The player who plays a cryptogram puzzle game tends to develop a number of personality development skills such as problem-solving ability, observation, concentration, focus, critical thinking, confidence, etc. The solution of some of the cryptogram puzzle games tends to provide the players with a piece of information, thereby improving their mental calibre and general knowledge.
33. Murder Mystery Puzzle Books
A murder mystery puzzle book is a classic example of puzzle games designed for adults. A murder mystery puzzle generally consists of a detailed description of an instance or an event. The event generally involves murder or any other criminal activity. The prime objective of the game is to identify the game character who might have committed the crime. The person who is able to identify the murderer accurately is declared the winner of the game. The complexity level of such games may vary from moderate to high. Such games tend to enhance the critical thinking ability, problem-solving capability, observation skills, and concentration of the player. Such games are generally available in text format in puzzle books or newspapers; however, various online platforms also make murder mystery puzzle games in audio or video format.
34. Pyramid Puzzle
A pyramid puzzle is yet another example of the three-dimensional puzzle games that people belonging to any age group can play for the purpose of skill-building, intellectual development and enjoyment. A pyramid puzzle generally consists of multiple game pieces. The game pieces of a pyramid puzzle are generally irregularly shaped three-dimensional geometric shapes. A unique alignment of these haphazard 3D puzzle pieces results in the formation of a pyramid shape. The main objective of the game is to locate the unique pattern in which the game pieces can be aligned together to form the pyramid geometric shape. Other variants of the game that contain multiple spherical balls linearly attached to each other are also available in the market. The game helps the player improve his/her critical thinking ability and enhance problem-solving skills. Also, the pyramid puzzle game helps a person learn the fundamentals and real-life application of various mathematical concepts such as properties and characteristics of various geometric shapes, permutations and combinations, order of arrangement of objects, etc.