Puzzle games offer a unique blend of fun and brain exercise that many PS5 players enjoy. They challenge you to think differently, solve problems, and often tell amazing stories along the way. The PlayStation 5 has some truly outstanding puzzle games that can test your mind while taking advantage of the console’s powerful hardware and features.
From colorful adventures that families can enjoy together to mind-bending challenges that will keep you up at night, there’s something for everyone. Many of these games use the PS5’s capabilities in creative ways, with stunning visuals and immersive haptic feedback through the DualSense controller.
The Top PS5 Puzzle Games to Challenge Your Mind
The PlayStation 5 offers a fantastic lineup of puzzle games that go far beyond traditional block-matching. These titles challenge your logic, creativity, and even your philosophical outlook, delivering a wide range of experiences for players who enjoy using their minds as much as their reflexes.
Blue Prince
A standout in 2025, Blue Prince blends roguelike mechanics with puzzle-solving in a mysterious mansion. You draw rooms from a deck and strategically place them in a grid, exploring and attempting to unlock the fabled 46th room. With a mix of logic puzzles and story-driven exploration, it’s a fresh take on procedural game design.
The Talos Principle Reawakened
This remastered edition of the philosophical classic brings improved visuals, smarter puzzles, and new content. It asks players to solve complex environmental puzzles while contemplating themes like consciousness, humanity, and artificial intelligence. A must-play for fans of games that challenge both intellect and perspective.
Tetris Effect: Connected
An emotional and immersive reinvention of the iconic game, Tetris Effect enhances the classic formula with rhythmic music and visuals that react to your gameplay. It offers both single-player and multiplayer options and has become a meditative go-to for puzzle fans on the PS5.
Braid: Anniversary Edition
This re-release features upgraded visuals and behind-the-scenes commentary. The core gameplay still revolves around time manipulation, where players reverse, fast-forward, and pause time to solve intricate platforming puzzles. Its narrative, centered around regret and consequence, makes it a cerebral as well as emotional experience.
Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To
A unique match-3 puzzle game that integrates music, magic, and narrative. Set in a world of witches and spirits, the game offers soothing lo-fi beats, colorful visuals, and relationship-driven storytelling, turning each match into part of a larger emotional journey.
Botany Manor
Set in a tranquil 19th-century estate, Botany Manor lets you play as a botanist tending to magical plants. Puzzles revolve around adjusting environmental conditions like sunlight and humidity to encourage plant growth. It’s a slower-paced, thoughtful experience with a strong artistic style.
Monument Valley Trilogy
This iconic mobile series has made its way to PS5 in a single, polished package. Known for its optical illusions and minimalist art, the trilogy presents puzzles that play with geometry and perception. It’s a quiet, beautifully designed experience that stimulates the brain without overwhelming it.
Centum
A psychological point-and-click puzzle game set in a mysterious AI-controlled environment. Centum constantly shifts its interface and logic systems based on your decisions, offering multiple endings and a narrative that explores the blurry boundaries of consciousness and control. Every puzzle solved changes how the game responds.
Whether you’re looking for a meditative solo journey or a complex cerebral challenge, the PS5 puzzle game lineup in 2025 offers some of the most creative and thought-provoking titles in gaming. Each one brings something new to the table and is perfect for players ready to push their minds to new limits.
1. Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a top-down adventure game where players can color the world around them. The game puts you in the role of a dog wielding a magic paintbrush with the power to bring color back to a black and white world.
The painting mechanic isn’t just for show. Players use their coloring abilities to solve puzzles, explore new areas, and help the animal residents of the game world. Each area introduces new ways to use your brush.
What makes Chicory stand out is how it balances fun gameplay with meaningful storytelling. The game tackles surprisingly deep themes about creativity, self-doubt, and the pressure of living up to expectations.
The puzzles in Chicory start simple but grow more complex as you progress. They’re cleverly designed to make players think creatively about how colors can interact with the environment. Some areas might require specific color combinations to unlock paths.
Controls on PS5 work well, though some players find the game more intuitive with a mouse on PC. The DualSense controller offers precision, but coloring detailed areas can sometimes be challenging.
The charming art style looks like a living coloring book. Everything starts black and white, giving players a blank canvas to express themselves. You can color objects however you want, making each playthrough unique.
Characters in Chicory feel genuine and relatable. The writing avoids being overly cute, instead offering honest conversations that might surprise players with their emotional depth.
Music deserves special mention, with a soundtrack that shifts based on where you are and what you’re doing. The audio perfectly complements both peaceful coloring sessions and more tense story moments.
For players who enjoy puzzles that don’t punish mistakes, Chicory is perfect. The game encourages experimentation and creativity without frustrating time limits or fail states. You can take your time to enjoy the coloring mechanics.
While not the longest game, Chicory packs plenty of content into its world. Side quests, hidden areas, and collectible items give completionists plenty to discover beyond the main story.
2. Carto
Carto is a charming puzzle adventure game that offers a unique twist on map-making mechanics. In this game, players control Carto, a young girl who gets separated from her grandmother and must find her way back home.
What makes this game special is its core mechanic. Players literally create the world map by arranging and rearranging square map tiles. The land changes as you move these pieces around, opening new paths and solving puzzles.
The game features a beautiful watercolor art style that gives everything a soft, storybook feel. The characters Carto meets along her journey are quirky and memorable, each with their own small stories to tell.
Released in October 2020, Carto was developed by Sunhead Games and published by Humble Games. It offers a refreshing break from action-heavy titles with its calm, thoughtful approach to puzzles.
The difficulty curve is well-balanced, starting with simple map arrangements before introducing more complex puzzle elements. Most challenges involve connecting specific terrains or creating particular patterns to unlock new areas or help the locals.
Carto is described as a chill adventure game for good reason. There’s no combat or time pressure – just the satisfaction of solving puzzles at your own pace while enjoying the story.
The game focuses on themes of friendship and family. As you help the people you meet in different regions, Carto builds connections while getting closer to finding her grandmother.
Each new area introduces fresh mechanics and puzzle types, keeping the gameplay interesting throughout the 6-8 hour adventure. The story wraps up nicely without overstaying its welcome.
For PS5 puzzle fans looking for something different, Carto offers a relaxing yet engaging experience that combines storytelling with clever map manipulation puzzles.
3. LEGO Builders’ Journey
LEGO Builders’ Journey stands out as a unique puzzle experience on PS5. Unlike typical LEGO games that follow movie plots, this game takes a completely different approach with its atmospheric, geometric puzzle design.
The game presents players with a series of small LEGO dioramas. Each scene works as a self-contained puzzle that you can rotate and examine from different angles. These puzzles typically take only a few minutes to solve, making it perfect for casual gaming sessions.
What makes this game special is its storytelling style. Without using words, it creates a poetic narrative about connection and creativity. The visual style uses actual LEGO bricks in ways that feel both familiar and artistic.
Gameplay focuses on placing LEGO pieces in the right spots to progress. Sometimes you need to follow instructions, and other times you need to break the rules – much like real LEGO play.
The puzzles encourage experimentation. There’s no rush to solve anything, and players can take their time to find solutions in their own way. This freedom makes the game accessible to players of all skill levels.
Visually, LEGO Builders’ Journey is stunning. The PS5 version takes advantage of the console’s power with realistic lighting effects that make the plastic bricks look incredibly lifelike. The way light bounces off and through the bricks creates a warm, nostalgic feeling.
The game has earned respect for its thoughtful approach. It offers decent story gameplay in a 3D isometric format that differs greatly from other LEGO video games.
Music and sound design complement the visual experience perfectly. Gentle piano melodies and subtle sound effects create a calm, focused atmosphere that helps players concentrate on the puzzles.
LEGO Builders’ Journey isn’t a long game, but its creative puzzles and emotional storytelling make it a memorable experience. It’s perfect for PS5 owners looking for something thoughtful and different in the puzzle genre.
4. We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip offers a unique puzzle experience that requires two players working together. This free-to-play game is perfect for testing your communication skills with a friend.
The game puts you and a partner in different locations where you must solve asymmetrical puzzles together. Each player sees different information, and you’ll need to describe what you see clearly to progress.
Taking about 90 minutes to complete, The FriendShip serves as an excellent introduction to the We Were Here series. New players can get a taste of the co-op puzzle mechanics while longtime fans can aim for perfect scores.
The puzzles range in difficulty, keeping the experience fresh and challenging. Some require simple observation while others demand more complex thinking and coordination between players.
Communication is absolutely key to success. Without good teamwork, even simple puzzles can become frustrating roadblocks. This makes the game a true test of your friendship and patience.
Players take on the role of Explorers who must work together to overcome obstacles. The game effectively creates tension through its separated gameplay, making those “aha” moments when you solve puzzles together especially rewarding.
While The FriendShip offers fun co-op gameplay, some players have found it to be a mixed bag. Certain puzzles may feel too simple for experienced players, while others might seem confusingly designed.
The developers at Total Mayhem Games have used this entry to experiment with the We Were Here formula, adding interesting new elements to their established gameplay.
The game’s shorter length makes it perfect for a single gaming session with a friend. You can complete it in one sitting, making it ideal for casual puzzle fans who don’t want to commit to a longer experience.
5. Supraland Six Inches Under
Supraland Six Inches Under brings a creative first-person puzzle experience to the PS5. This standalone sequel continues the charm of the original game while introducing new puzzles and exploration elements.
The game focuses on what it does best – clever puzzles that make you think differently. Players navigate colorful environments from a toy-sized perspective, solving brain teasers that balance challenge with satisfaction.
Exploration plays a big role in the experience. The game is filled with fun secrets to discover and hidden areas that reward curious players who venture off the main path.
What makes Six Inches Under special is its Metroidvania-style progression. You’ll gain new abilities that let you access previously unreachable areas, giving the game a satisfying sense of growth.
The puzzles themselves are the real stars. They start simple but gradually increase in complexity, teaching you the game’s logic before testing your skills in creative ways.
Humor is woven throughout the adventure. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, packing in hundreds of gags that keep the mood light even when puzzles get tricky.
Six Inches Under maintains the platforming elements of the original but puts more emphasis on the puzzle-solving aspects. This focus helps it stand out among other PS5 puzzle games.
The game asks players to think outside the box. Solutions often require combining different abilities or viewing problems from unexpected angles.
PlayStation 5 owners can enjoy enhanced visuals and performance compared to previous versions. The colorful environments pop on modern displays.
For puzzle fans looking for something different, Supraland Six Inches Under delivers a fresh adventure full of exploration and brain-teasing challenges that will keep you engaged for hours.
6. Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected takes the classic block-stacking puzzle game to new heights with stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. This reimagined version comes from the creative minds behind Rez Infinite and Lumines, bringing fresh energy to the familiar formula.
The game features over 30 stages and 10 different modes, each with unique music, backgrounds, and special effects. Players can enjoy the classic Tetris gameplay while being surrounded by spectacular light shows and engaging soundscapes that react to their actions.
What makes this version special is how it blends the core Tetris mechanics with sensory experiences. Blocks pulse, backgrounds shift, and music builds as you clear lines and advance through levels. The audiovisual elements aren’t just decorative—they enhance the gameplay.
For PlayStation 5 owners, Tetris Effect: Connected offers an incredibly addictive experience that’s both familiar and fresh. The haptic feedback of the DualSense controller adds another layer of immersion.
The “Connected” part of the title refers to the multiplayer expansion, which allows for both competitive 1v1 matches and cooperative play. The 3-player cooperative mode lets friends work together against AI bosses, creating a social dimension to the puzzle classic.
PS5 players with PSVR2 are in for an extra treat, as many consider Tetris Effect one of the best puzzle games for virtual reality. The immersive visuals take on a whole new dimension in VR, surrounding players completely in the game’s vibrant environments.
Even compared to other modern Tetris games, fans often note that Tetris Effect stands out for solo play, though games like Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 might edge it out for multiplayer variety.
The game balances accessibility with depth. Newcomers can jump in and enjoy the classic Tetris gameplay, while veterans will appreciate the nuanced scoring systems and challenging high-speed modes.
With its blend of timeless gameplay and modern presentation, Tetris Effect: Connected proves that even a 40-year-old puzzle concept can feel fresh and exciting with the right treatment.
7. Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a unique puzzle game created by Lucas Pope that stands out on PS5 for its distinctive 1-bit monochromatic art style. Released in 2018, this game puts players in the shoes of an insurance investigator in the 1800s who must solve the mystery of a ghost ship.
The gameplay revolves around using a magical pocket watch that lets you witness the exact moment of a person’s death. You’ll need to piece together what happened to the crew by exploring these frozen moments in time.
What makes Obra Dinn special is how it trusts the player’s intelligence. There are no obvious hints or waypoints—just your observation skills and logical thinking to solve each death puzzle.
The game has earned high praise in the puzzle genre. It ranks third on OpenCritic’s list of best PlayStation 5 puzzle games of all time, showing its lasting appeal even years after its initial release.
Players often describe it as a haunting and unforgettable experience that blends horror elements with challenging puzzles. The minimal graphics and sound design create an eerie atmosphere that pulls you into its mysterious world.
If you enjoy detective work and connecting dots, Obra Dinn will keep you engaged for hours. Each correct deduction feels rewarding, and the story unfolds in a non-linear way that respects your ability to figure things out.
For those looking for similar gaming experiences, fans often mention The Forgotten City as another title with comparable detective elements. Both games ask you to unravel complex mysteries through observation and deduction.
The PS5 version runs smoothly and looks crisp despite—or perhaps because of—its intentionally limited color palette. It’s a perfect game to play between more action-heavy titles when you want to exercise your brain.
8. The Talos Principle 2
The Talos Principle 2 stands as one of the best puzzle games of all time on PS5. This sequel improves on the original with smarter puzzles and a deeper story about what it means to be human.
Players can expect a perfect learning curve that teaches new mechanics gradually. The game introduces tools and concepts at just the right pace, so you’re never overwhelmed but always challenged.
The puzzles focus on logic and spatial reasoning. You’ll use tools like lasers, force fields, and recording devices to solve increasingly complex challenges. Each solution feels rewarding and fair.
Between puzzles, you’ll find lots of dialogue that explores big philosophical ideas. The story tackles questions about consciousness, civilization, and purpose. It might sound heavy, but it’s presented in an approachable way.
The game looks stunning on PS5, with some of the best graphics you’ll see on the system. Detailed environments draw you into this strange, beautiful world of robots and ancient ruins.
What makes this game special is how it’s both mind-bending and thought-provoking. You’ll exercise your brain solving puzzles while also considering deep questions about existence. Few games manage to blend gameplay and themes so seamlessly.
The Talos Principle 2 is bigger than the first game. There are more areas to explore and more puzzles to solve. You could easily spend 30+ hours uncovering all its secrets.
Players who enjoy taking their time will appreciate the game’s relaxed pace. There’s no combat or time pressure. You can work through puzzles at your own speed and enjoy the story as it unfolds.
The game also includes additional challenge puzzles for those who want to push their skills further.
9. Maquette
Maquette stands out as a first-person recursive puzzle game that plays with size and perspective in fascinating ways. The game puts you in a world where objects exist simultaneously as tiny models and massive structures.
The core mechanic is brilliantly simple yet complex. Items placed in the small model of the world affect the larger version around you. This creates mind-bending puzzles that make you think about space in new ways.
What makes Maquette special is how it blends this puzzle concept with storytelling. The game weaves a love story throughout the experience, giving emotional weight to your puzzle-solving.
Visually, the game is absolutely gorgeous with vibrant colors and dreamlike architecture. The environments shift and change as you progress, keeping the scenery fresh and interesting.
The puzzles range from simple to complex challenges that ask you to think about three different levels at once. Some require you to place tiny objects in the model that become large enough to climb in the real world.
While the game doesn’t fully explore all possibilities of its recursive concept, what it does offer is still impressive. The puzzles feel satisfying to solve without becoming frustratingly difficult.
The PS5 version takes advantage of the DualSense controller features, adding tactile feedback that enhances the experience. Load times are also minimal, letting you focus on the puzzles without interruption.
The story might not appeal to everyone, but it adds a layer of meaning to the puzzles you solve. Each section of the game represents different phases of a relationship, creating an emotional connection to the gameplay.
For puzzle fans who enjoy games with unique mechanics, Maquette delivers something truly different. The recursive world concept hasn’t been explored much in games before.
The game can be completed in about 4-6 hours, making it a perfect weekend puzzle adventure. Its pacing helps maintain interest without dragging on too long.
Don’t miss the gameplay walkthrough trailer if you want to see the mechanics in action before playing. It shows how the size-shifting puzzles work without spoiling the best challenges.
10. Human: Fall Flat
The Appeal of Puzzle Games
Puzzle games offer more than just entertainment; they engage our brains and provide a calming escape from daily life. They challenge us while also giving us a sense of accomplishment when we solve them.
Cognitive Benefits
Puzzle games on PS5 can significantly boost brain function. These games often require critical thinking and problem-solving skills that keep our minds sharp. When you’re figuring out the visual clues in The Witness, you’re actually strengthening neural connections.
Many puzzle games train different thinking skills:
- Pattern recognition from games like Puyo Puyo
- Spatial awareness from titles like Carto
- Logic and reasoning from challenging games like Baba Is You
Research suggests regular puzzle-solving may help maintain cognitive function as we age. Even 15-30 minutes of puzzle gaming can give your brain a workout similar to learning a new skill.
Players often notice improved focus and attention span after playing puzzle games regularly. Complex titles like Outer Wilds push you to remember clues and connections across different game areas.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
Puzzle games provide a perfect escape from daily stress. The focused attention they require helps push away anxious thoughts and worries. Many players find that solving puzzles creates a state similar to meditation.
Chicory: A Colorful Tale combines gentle puzzles with coloring mechanics that many find deeply relaxing. The sense of achievement when solving a puzzle triggers dopamine release, making us feel good.
Unlike action games, most puzzle titles allow you to:
- Play at your own pace
- Take breaks when needed
- Enjoy a low-pressure gaming experience
The satisfaction of solving a tricky puzzle in games like LEGO Builders’ Journey can boost mood and confidence. Many puzzle games use soothing music and visuals that further enhance their calming effects.
Co-op puzzle games like We Were Here Expeditions can even strengthen relationships while relieving stress.
Key Features of Great PS5 Puzzle Games
Puzzle games on PS5 stand out when they combine challenging mental exercises with excellent design elements. The best titles offer both fresh gameplay ideas and appealing sensory experiences.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
Great PS5 puzzle games offer unique mechanics that set them apart from standard fare. Mind-bending experiences like “The Witness” feature environmental puzzles that force players to think differently about their surroundings.
The most memorable games introduce mechanics gradually, teaching players through clever level design rather than text tutorials. This helps build confidence while raising the difficulty at a good pace.
PS5 puzzle games often make use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to add another layer to puzzle-solving. These tactile elements can provide helpful cues or add immersion.
Some top titles include multiple solutions to puzzles, rewarding creativity and experimental thinking. Others like “Cocoon” feature world-jumping experiences that layer complexity through dimension-shifting mechanics.
Visual and Audio Design
The PS5’s powerful hardware allows puzzle games to shine with stunning visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. Games like “The Witness” use beautiful environments not just as backdrops but as integral parts of the puzzles themselves.
Color, light, and shadow often serve as important puzzle elements in the best PS5 titles. These visual cues guide players subtly without explicit instructions.
Sound design plays a crucial role too. Audio feedback helps players understand when they’re on the right track or making mistakes. Musical cues can signal progress or create emotional connections to the puzzle-solving process.
The PS5’s 3D audio capabilities add depth to puzzle environments, sometimes providing spatial hints needed to solve challenges. This creates a more immersive experience than earlier console generations could offer.
Comfy co-op options in some puzzle games make excellent use of split-screen or shared-screen visuals, letting friends work together without technical limitations.
Tips for Choosing the Right Puzzle Game
Finding the right puzzle game on PS5 can be tricky with so many options available. Here are some helpful tips to guide your choice:
Consider your skill level. If you’re new to puzzle games, start with something more accessible rather than jumping into mind-boggling challenges.
Think about puzzle types you enjoy. Do you prefer spatial challenges, logic problems, or pattern recognition? PS5 offers diverse puzzle styles that play with space, language, and perspective.
Time commitment matters too. Some puzzle games can be played in short bursts, while others require longer sessions to solve complex puzzles.
Many players enjoy the visual aesthetics of puzzle games. The PS5’s powerful graphics make visually stunning puzzle adventures more immersive.
Don’t forget about the story element. Some puzzle games offer rich narratives, while others focus purely on puzzle-solving without much plot.
Check if co-op options interest you. The PlayStation platform features comfy co-op puzzle games that can be enjoyed with friends or family.
Look at reviews and community feedback. Forums like GameFAQs offer player opinions on which puzzle games are worth your time.
The best PS5 puzzle games span traditional block-breakers to innovative concepts. Try demos when available to see what clicks with your brain!
Frequently Asked Questions
Puzzle games on PS5 offer diverse experiences for different player types. Here are answers to common questions about finding great puzzle games for your PlayStation 5.
What are some critically acclaimed puzzle games available on PS5?
Several puzzle games have received high praise from critics. The Talos Principle 2 stands out as one of the top-rated puzzle games on PS5 according to OpenCritic.
Tetris Effect also continues to be a fan favorite with its immersive visual and audio experience. The classic puzzle gameplay with enhanced features makes it a must-try.
For a different kind of challenge, Return of the Obra Dinn offers a unique detective experience with its distinctive art style and deduction-based puzzles.
Which PS5 puzzle games are popular for co-op play?
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is perfect for cooperative play. This game requires two players to communicate and solve puzzles together, often with each player seeing different clues.
LEGO games like LEGO Builders’ Journey offer fun cooperative experiences that friends and family can enjoy together. The drop-in, drop-out co-op feature makes these games accessible for casual play sessions.
KeyWe is another charming co-op puzzle game where players work together as kiwi birds running a postal service. Coordination and communication are key to success.
Are there any recommended puzzle games on PS5 suitable for adults?
The Witness offers sophisticated line-drawing puzzles that become increasingly complex and thought-provoking. Its beautiful open world is filled with challenging puzzles that require careful observation.
The Forgotten City combines puzzle-solving with narrative elements in an ancient Roman setting. The mature storytelling and moral dilemmas make it particularly engaging for adult players.
Supraland Six Inches Under provides a first-person metroidvania experience with complex puzzles that will challenge adult gamers. The game rewards creative thinking and experimentation.
Can you suggest some free puzzle games to enjoy on the PS5 console?
While fully free puzzle games are limited on PS5, PlayStation Plus subscribers can access several quality puzzle games through the service. Monthly offerings often include puzzle titles.
Astro’s Playroom comes pre-installed on every PS5 and features fun puzzle elements. It’s technically free and showcases the DualSense controller capabilities through clever puzzles.
Free-to-play games like Genshin Impact include numerous puzzle elements throughout their worlds, offering puzzle challenges within a larger game experience.
What are the top-rated mystery puzzle games on PS5 as of this year?
The Forgotten City blends mystery and puzzle mechanics brilliantly. The time-loop mechanic and moral choices create an engaging mystery experience.
Sherlock Holmes Chapter One offers classic detective puzzle solving with a fresh take on the famous detective’s early years. Players must use observation and deduction to solve complex cases.
Twelve Minutes provides a compact but intense mystery experience. Set in a time loop within a small apartment, each 12-minute cycle reveals new clues and puzzle elements.
How can I find hidden or lesser-known puzzle games on the PS5?
The PlayStation Store has a dedicated puzzle category where you can browse beyond the mainstream titles. Use filters to sort by user ratings to find hidden gems.
Follow indie game developers on social media who often create innovative puzzle experiences. Many announce PS5 releases that might not get major marketing attention.
Gaming communities like Reddit’s puzzle video games subreddit can be excellent resources for recommendations. Members often share lesser-known favorites based on specific preferences.
