The 7 Best Puzzle Games For Xbox One

Editor's Notes

May 10, 2020:

While the Xbox One doesn’t have a whole lot of puzzle games to choose from, I was able to scrounge up a solid collection for this list. Most of these titles don’t focus solely on puzzle mechanics, however. They usually offer a mix of platforming or storytelling and utilize puzzles to keep gameplay interesting and varied. For example, Life is Strange is very much a narrative-driven experience highlighted by character development and dialogue. There’s always a time travel puzzle mechanic available for use, but the player is likely to focus on the game’s storyline for the most part. Similarly, the Inside/Limbo Double Pack is ultimately considered a horizontal platforming game and uses puzzles to add variety. Some challenges require quick reflexes, while others require careful thought.

The Scribblenauts Mega Pack is the only entry on this list where individual levels offer quick challenges. It doesn’t propose much of a story and has a wide difficulty scale, making it great for anyone looking to jump in for some quick fun. It’s also jam-packed with content, as over 10,000 items are at players’ disposal. Just messing around in a sandbox-style environment is sure to keep most entertained for hours on end.

I put two mystery-style games at the bottom of this list because they won’t appeal to everyone, but will definitely get players thinking. A slow pace, lots of dialogue, and difficult puzzles make these best for adults who are fans of Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie novels. Additionally, they are pretty unrestricted when it comes to possible strategies the player can choose to employ.