Best Puzzle Games On PS5
As with many of the top games on the PlayStation 5 system, a large number incorporate puzzle elements into their gameplay, but these puzzles are often simplistic and only serve as supplementary parts of the main game. For users that appreciate complex and engaging puzzles involving intricate thinking, logical reasoning, and spatial creativity, there are some mind-bending titles available for the PS5. These games also stimulate the user’s perception, language, and reasoning skills, which makes them one of the most rewarding challenges in gaming. Unlike other action-heavy titles that require lightning-quick reflexes, these puzzle games rely completely on supreme intellect and perseverance. In case you’re looking for a new workout for your brain, here’s a list of the most captivating and challenging puzzle games on PS5.
Outer Wilds
- Platforms available: Xbox Series X|S and One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Ps5 and 4
- Director: Annapurna Interactive
- The Outer Wilds was released on May 28th, 2019
Focus for Outer Wilds is on exploration and solving multi-layered puzzles. While searching for answers, players will have to traverse through different solar systems to find pieces of the big mystery. The game takes a unique spin on problem solving; every new piece of information leads to a better understanding on the world without progression items, only information is needed to advance. Each individual is able to create their own experience given the option to explore in any order, deepening the sense of achievement after every new revelation.
The Witness
- Platforms available: Xbox one, Mac, Ipad and Ps4 and PC
- Director and Publisher: Thekla, Inc
- The outer wilds was made available on June 26th, 2016
The witness is unlike other games as it has an open world explorable at an individual’s leisure and filled with captivating 2D puzzles. Players have complete freedom on how to start, with no guidance provided, it is completely up to them to see how far they can progress. Some puzzles can only be found on certain panels while other extend to the surrounding area, making it a unique challenge that requires out of the box thinking. The games structure allows for exploration which motivates persistence, making it easier for everyone who enjoys logic problems.
Cocoon
- Available on: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Developed by: Geometric Interactive
- Published by: Annapurna Interactive
- Scheduled to be released on: September 29, 2023
Cocoon offers an incredible puzzel gameplay with a stunning world jumping mechanic. Accomplishing world-level progression, players tackle increasingly complex puzzles while controlling an insect-like creature that can enter and manipulate orbs containing realms. With its self-contained runtime and thoughtfully crafted challenges, Cocoon feels uniquely rewarding thanks to its innovation and attention to detail. Cocoon has become one of my favorites out there.
The Rise of the Golden Idol
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
- Developer: Color Gray Games
- Publisher: Playstack, Netflix
- Release Date: November 12, 2024
Unlike traditional mysteries, The Rise of the Golden Idol incorporates a narrative that enhances puzzle-solving. This detective-themed puzzle game requests players to solve crimes by putting together various pieces within the frozen crime scenes. Each case is a small piece for a bigger narrative puzzle, which makes the immersion highly rewarding.
Manifold Garden
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch
- Developer/Publisher: Williams Chyr Studio
- Release Date: October 18, 2019
Inspired by the art of M.C. Escher, Manifold Garden presents an infinite architectural landscape full of impossibilities. Non-traditional thinking is the primary solution to conquering the odyssey, which is giving freedom to the players. By changing the ground players walk on and defying gravity, stunning visuals mixed with unique mechanics gives multi-dimension puzzles for players to get lost in.
Patrick’s Parabox
- Platforms: PS5, Mac, PC, Linux, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Patrick Traynor
- Publisher: Patrick Traynor
- Release Date: March 29, 2022
Patrick’s Parabox offers a deceptively simple yet profoundly deep puzzle experience. Players control a cube that pushes other cubes into place, but the twist comes with recursion—some cubes contain smaller versions of the level itself. This creates an intricate, multi-layered challenge that requires careful planning and spatial reasoning. With 364 levels to complete, it’s a fantastic option for long-term puzzle enthusiasts.
