Best games
Best Puzzle games in 2026
The 182 best Puzzle games, ranked from 19,378 critic and player ratings.
The best Puzzle game right now is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past — updated September 2026.
Also covers brain teaser.
How this ranking is built
- Games are ranked on the aggregated critic score out of 100 imported from IGDB and Metacritic, never on Tier's own grades.
- A game only enters the ranking with at least 80 external ratings, so a single enthusiastic review never outranks a proven classic.
- Each game is ranked in one genre only, the one that defines it best, so the same title never tops two different genre charts.
- Community grades from F to S are shown next to every game, and only stated as a fact above 5 Tier ratings.
- Release window covered: 1970 to 2026.
- 50 games are listed on this page, carrying 19,378 ratings between them.
- Rankings are recomputed hourly; this one was last rebuilt on 28 September 2026.
Top 50
01
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Venture back to Hyrule and an age of magic and heroes. The predecessors of Link and Zelda face monsters on the march when a menacing magician takes over the kingdom. Only you can prevent his evil plot from shattering the land of Hyrule. In your quest, you'll venture into twisting mazes, dungeons, palaces and shadowy forests. Test your mettle with mighty swords and magical weapons. Or heft a boulder and hurl it at your enemies. If the going gets tough, dive into a river - you can swim to escape! Learn powerful spells, locate magical artifacts and solve the mysteries of the evil magician and the hidden realm of Hyrule.
100
/100
02
A
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you'll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link's new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?
96
/100
03
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is one of two Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Seasons. The game retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening such as the graphics, audio and top-view perspective. It also features eight dungeons and a large overworld to explore like in the previous games. Oracle of Ages is said to be more puzzle-oriented than its counterpart being more action-oriented. After completing one of the two games, both can be linked to form a single linear plot with an alternate ending. Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were often credited as being two of the top games for the Game Boy Color.
95
/100
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Venture back to Hyrule and an age of magic and heroes. The predecessors of Link and Zelda face monsters on the march when a menacing magician takes over the kingdom. Only you can prevent his evil plot from shattering the land of Hyrule. In your quest, you'll venture into twisting mazes, dungeons, palaces and shadowy forests. Test your mettle with mighty swords and magical weapons. Or heft a boulder and hurl it at your enemies. If the going gets tough, dive into a river - you can swim to escape! Learn powerful spells, locate magical artifacts and solve the mysteries of the evil magician and the hidden realm of Hyrule.
100
/100
02
A
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
An epic adventure across the land and skies of Hyrule awaits in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for Nintendo Switch. The adventure is yours to create in a world fueled by your imagination. In this sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you'll decide your own path through the sprawling landscapes of Hyrule and the mysterious islands floating in the vast skies above. Can you harness the power of Link's new abilities to fight back against the malevolent forces that threaten the kingdom?
96
/100
03
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages is one of two Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Seasons. The game retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening such as the graphics, audio and top-view perspective. It also features eight dungeons and a large overworld to explore like in the previous games. Oracle of Ages is said to be more puzzle-oriented than its counterpart being more action-oriented. After completing one of the two games, both can be linked to form a single linear plot with an alternate ending. Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were often credited as being two of the top games for the Game Boy Color.
95
/100
04
Return of the Obra Dinn
In this 1-bit first-person mystery game, a merchant ship called the Obra Dinn has appeared at a London harbor, years after being declared lost at sea. As an insurance adjuster, the player must examine the ship for clues.
95
/100
05
God of War
God of War is an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, the game stands as the first instalment in the God of War series and the third in chronological order. Loosely inspired by Greek mythology, it unfolds in ancient Greece with vengeance as its central theme. The player takes on the role of Kratos, the protagonist, a Spartan warrior devoted to the Olympian gods. Tasked by the goddess Athena, Kratos is assigned to eliminate Ares, the God of War and Kratos' former mentor. Ares had deceitfully manipulated Kratos into killing his wife and daughter. As Ares attacks Athens fueled by hatred for Athena, Kratos embarks on a quest to locate Pandora's Box, the sole object capable of permanently stopping the vengeful god.
93
/100
06
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope is a series of physics-based puzzle video games developed by ZeptoLab for several platforms and devices. The objective of the Cut the Rope games is to feed candy to a little green creature named Om Nom while collecting stars. In each level, the candy hangs by one or several of the titular ropes which the player must cut with a swipe of their finger using the device's touchscreen. Using various objects such as floating bubbles and bellows, the candy must also be manipulated around obstacles to get to Om Nom's mouth. Each level pack introduces new challenges. Levels are scored with a zero to three star rating, according to how many stars the player picked up, and a point score depending on the number of stars collected and the amount of time taken to complete the level. Game received multiple award, for example: Apple Design Award 2011, British Academy Video Games Awards 2011 and many others.
93
/100
07
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons is one of two Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Ages. The game retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening such as the graphics, audio and top-view perspective. It also features eight dungeons and a large overworld to explore like in the previous games. Oracle of Seasons is said to be more action-oriented than its counterpart being more puzzle-oriented. After completing one of the two games, both can be linked to form a single linear plot with an alternate ending. Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were often credited as being two of the top games for the Game Boy Color.
93
/100
08
Maniac Mansion: Day of the Tentacle
93
/100
09
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the first Zelda game created specifically with the Wii in mind. The game makes use of the Wii MotionPlus peripheral for sword fighting, with a revised Wii Remote pointing system used for targeting. Skyward Sword is structured very similar to previous Zelda games, as you travel through an overworld in search of temples to visit and once in you solve a series of puzzles before fighting a boss at the end and receive the next bit of plot. The biggest change is that the overworld is more focused on puzzles with only a handful of action.
93
/100
10
A
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. It is an indirect sequel to A Link to the Past with the same version of Hyrule but with new characters and gameplay elements. Unlike the series' tradition, many areas of the world are accessible from the beginning of the game and the dungeons can be visited in any order. Puzzles are encountered not only in dungeons but also in the open world, a part of them revolves around the game's 3D visual effect. The 3DS touch-screen display shows the world, dungeon or map depending on where you are.
92
/100
11
Sanitarium
92
/100
12
Return to Monkey Island
92
/100
13
Beneath a Steel Sky
91
/100
14
The Longest Journey
91
/100
15
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
90
/100
16
A
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
90
/100
17
S
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
90
/100
18
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
90
/100
19
The Room Three
90
/100
20
N++ (NPLUSPLUS)
90
/100
21
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
90
/100
22
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
89
/100
23
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
89
/100
24
Cocoon
89
/100
25
Dreams
89
/100
26
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
89
/100
27
The Witness
88
/100
28
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge
88
/100
29
Silent Hill 3
88
/100
30
The Room Two
88
/100
31
Thirty Flights of Loving
88
/100
32
Tales from the Borderlands
88
/100
33
Machinarium
88
/100
34
Full Throttle
87
/100
35
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
87
/100
36
What Remains of Edith Finch
87
/100
37
Peggle
87
/100
38
A
Silent Hill 2
87
/100
39
Silent Hill f
86
/100
40
Silent Hill
86
/100
41
Florence
86
/100
42
Broken Sword 1 - The Shadow of the Templars
86
/100
43
The Room 4: Old Sins
86
/100
44
Katamari Damacy
86
/100
45
Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge
86
/100
46
Grim Fandango
86
/100
47
DmC: Devil May Cry
85
/100
48
The Talos Principle
85
/100
49
Hexic HD
85
/100
50
Katamari Damacy Reroll
85
/100
Return of the Obra Dinn
In this 1-bit first-person mystery game, a merchant ship called the Obra Dinn has appeared at a London harbor, years after being declared lost at sea. As an insurance adjuster, the player must examine the ship for clues.
95
/100
05
God of War
God of War is an action-adventure hack-and-slash video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE). Initially launched for the PlayStation 2, the game stands as the first instalment in the God of War series and the third in chronological order. Loosely inspired by Greek mythology, it unfolds in ancient Greece with vengeance as its central theme. The player takes on the role of Kratos, the protagonist, a Spartan warrior devoted to the Olympian gods. Tasked by the goddess Athena, Kratos is assigned to eliminate Ares, the God of War and Kratos' former mentor. Ares had deceitfully manipulated Kratos into killing his wife and daughter. As Ares attacks Athens fueled by hatred for Athena, Kratos embarks on a quest to locate Pandora's Box, the sole object capable of permanently stopping the vengeful god.
93
/100
06
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope is a series of physics-based puzzle video games developed by ZeptoLab for several platforms and devices. The objective of the Cut the Rope games is to feed candy to a little green creature named Om Nom while collecting stars. In each level, the candy hangs by one or several of the titular ropes which the player must cut with a swipe of their finger using the device's touchscreen. Using various objects such as floating bubbles and bellows, the candy must also be manipulated around obstacles to get to Om Nom's mouth. Each level pack introduces new challenges. Levels are scored with a zero to three star rating, according to how many stars the player picked up, and a point score depending on the number of stars collected and the amount of time taken to complete the level. Game received multiple award, for example: Apple Design Award 2011, British Academy Video Games Awards 2011 and many others.
93
/100
07
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons is one of two Zelda titles released for the Game Boy Color, the other being Oracle of Ages. The game retain many gameplay elements from Link's Awakening such as the graphics, audio and top-view perspective. It also features eight dungeons and a large overworld to explore like in the previous games. Oracle of Seasons is said to be more action-oriented than its counterpart being more puzzle-oriented. After completing one of the two games, both can be linked to form a single linear plot with an alternate ending. Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages were often credited as being two of the top games for the Game Boy Color.
93
/100
08
Maniac Mansion: Day of the Tentacle
93
/100
09
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the first Zelda game created specifically with the Wii in mind. The game makes use of the Wii MotionPlus peripheral for sword fighting, with a revised Wii Remote pointing system used for targeting. Skyward Sword is structured very similar to previous Zelda games, as you travel through an overworld in search of temples to visit and once in you solve a series of puzzles before fighting a boss at the end and receive the next bit of plot. The biggest change is that the overworld is more focused on puzzles with only a handful of action.
93
/100
10
A
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is the first Zelda game made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS. It is an indirect sequel to A Link to the Past with the same version of Hyrule but with new characters and gameplay elements. Unlike the series' tradition, many areas of the world are accessible from the beginning of the game and the dungeons can be visited in any order. Puzzles are encountered not only in dungeons but also in the open world, a part of them revolves around the game's 3D visual effect. The 3DS touch-screen display shows the world, dungeon or map depending on where you are.
92
/100
11
Sanitarium
92
/100
12
Return to Monkey Island
92
/100
13
Beneath a Steel Sky
91
/100
14
The Longest Journey
91
/100
15
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD
90
/100
16
A
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
90
/100
17
S
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
90
/100
18
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
90
/100
19
The Room Three
90
/100
20
N++ (NPLUSPLUS)
90
/100
21
Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
90
/100
22
Amnesia: The Dark Descent
89
/100
23
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
89
/100
24
Cocoon
89
/100
25
Dreams
89
/100
26
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
89
/100
27
The Witness
88
/100
28
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge
88
/100
29
Silent Hill 3
88
/100
30
The Room Two
88
/100
31
Thirty Flights of Loving
88
/100
32
Tales from the Borderlands
88
/100
33
Machinarium
88
/100
34
Full Throttle
87
/100
35
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
87
/100
36
What Remains of Edith Finch
87
/100
37
Peggle
87
/100
38
A
Silent Hill 2
87
/100
39
Silent Hill f
86
/100
40
Silent Hill
86
/100
41
Florence
86
/100
42
Broken Sword 1 - The Shadow of the Templars
86
/100
43
The Room 4: Old Sins
86
/100
44
Katamari Damacy
86
/100
45
Monkey Island 2 Special Edition: LeChuck's Revenge
86
/100
46
Grim Fandango
86
/100
47
DmC: Devil May Cry
85
/100
48
The Talos Principle
85
/100
49
Hexic HD
85
/100
50
Katamari Damacy Reroll
85
/100
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Puzzle game right now?
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past currently tops the ranking with a score of 100/100 across 1,667 ratings. Ranking updated September 2026.
How is this ranking built?
Games are ranked on their aggregated critic score out of 100, with a minimum vote threshold so a single glowing review never outranks a proven classic; the Tier community's own F-to-S grades are shown alongside each game.