5 best puzzle games on Steam

I am not always the biggest puzzle game fanatic, but I must admit, some have caught my eye over the years. If you are in the mood to get your brain tested, there are a lot of puzzle games for you to jump into, especially if you have Steam. Tons of creators like to test the minds of players, so there is no shortage of different game types for you to try out if you have access to a PC. Whenever I am in the mood for a puzzle game, these are the ones I turn to, which I think are the best Steam has to offer.

5

Unpacking

Move into a new home

Unpacking is a very simple game, but it is one that you can fall in love with easily. It didn’t take long for me and my wife to get sucked into this game and feel the need to beat it in one sitting. This title is all about putting items back where they belong. You open moving boxes and set the items in their logical locations. Granted, some don’t make as much sense as others, but overall, it is a game that won’t have you rage quitting. I find it to be a rather relaxing game and perhaps the most relaxing puzzle game I’ve ever played. It’s also definitely worth going back to when you want to relax.

4

After Us

Great 3D platforming

After Us is a 3D platforming puzzle game that I fell in love with when I got the chance to review it. It focuses on life on Earth long after everything has gone extinct, and all that remains is the trash that humans have left behind. You play as Gaia, the spirit of life, as she tries to give the Earth a second chance by restoring what has been lost. The whole game is full of surrealism and symbolism, making it a work of art. It is a beautiful game about sacrifice and hope that I keep installed on my Steam Deck. I find myself playing it every now and again when I am traveling or when I am just relaxing on the couch.

3

Inside

Traverse the dark

Inside is a dark puzzle platformer that many have given an absolute perfect score for good reason. The story focuses on a boy who has been drawn into the center of a dark project. Beyond that, speaking about it without going into spoiler territory is hard. The game is very reminiscent of other dark platformers, such as Limbo, and is well worth a try or two. Trust me, you won’t regret the time you spend traversing the unsettling atmosphere. If you are on the fence about this game, you can also try out the demo so you don’t waste any money.

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2

The Talos Principle

Confusing, but fun

The Talos Principle is one of my favorite puzzle games of all time. I played the game back when it was first released in 2014 and have gone back to it time and time again. Of course, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. This is mostly because it can be extremely confusing, and the puzzle will often throw you for a loop. There are plenty of environments to explore, puzzles to solve, and a deep story to uncover if you are willing to go the extra mile. Just be warned, the puzzles may be a bit rage-inducing after a while. Don’t blame me if you end up rage-quitting this one. If you enjoy it, though, there is a second one that has been released, which is just as good as the original.

1

Portal 2

The premium puzzle experience

Portal 2 and its predecessor, simply titled Portal, are some of the most well-known puzzle games on Steam. Where the first game in the series created something fun, the second game in the series took it to the next level, going above and beyond everything in the original. I’ve never met someone who hasn’t had a positive experience playing either of the Portal games, nor have I met someone who doesn’t know the infamous line, “The cake is a lie.” I always keep both Portal games installed on my computer for whenever I am in the mood to have Glados mock me by telling me how terrible humans are. If you haven’t played either of these games, you can typically get them in a bundle for very cheap.

More puzzles, fewer problems

Puzzle games are some of the best games I have on Steam. Many indie developers love to make puzzle platformer games that are addictive to play. Plus, titles such as The Talos Principle and Portal 2 never get old. While they can be a bit annoying if you are stuck on a particular level, overall, each game is worth trying. Next time you boot up Steam, go looking for them and see if they match your taste. I don’t think you will be disappointed.