Best Of
10 Best Puzzle Games on Xbox Game Pass (2024)

Xbox Game Pass has a big collection of puzzle games. It's like a huge toy box, but instead of toys, it's full of games that test your thinking. That's why we made a list of the best puzzle games on Xbox Game Pass. They're not just about solving puzzles, though. Each game has its own story and style, which makes it special. In this list, we'll be cooking, escaping, unpacking, messing with perspective, and more. No matter if you're a puzzle pro or just starting out, there's something here for you. So, let's get started and explore these exciting games .
10. Unpacking
Unpacking is a calming puzzle game where, in several rooms, you as the player unpack items by taking things out of boxes one at a time and decide where to put them. You put things on shelves, tables, or even inside drawers. The game has no deadlines or instructions; the player only tries to make each room feel complete by deciding which place fits everything inside. It combines puzzles with a sedatingly meditative experience in which players are free to arrange things as they will while figuring out where things best fit.
9. Those Who Remain
In Those Who Remain, players have to explore a dark, mysterious town where light and shadows seem to be everything that will help them survive. To make it through the game, players have to find their ways to use light sources in order to avoid deadly shadows. As such, the gameplay centers on puzzle-solving, as you move or activate lights in your efforts to clear a safe path. You interact with your environment by searching for clues and items, opening new areas. Each move needs to be well-planned since the darkness will hide many dangers.
8. The Rewinder
The Rewinder is an adventure puzzle game where the player casts as Qi Yun, a character who goes into people's memories. Stepping back into time can change things and later have effects on the present. With new outcomes, objects, and the players' choices, a new path unlocks forward, and ultimately, one rewinds events to see how a slight movement might cause a big effect. The game is a unique blend of exploring memory and solving puzzles, and encourages one's creative thinking throughout.
7. A Little to the Left
A Little to the Left is a puzzle game of ordering and arranging just ordinary objects. Here, books, utensils, and tools must be arranged so that they appear to be somewhat neat and tidy, and players have to find how things should be stacked or grouped by size, shape, or type to complete a level. In some instances, players can come up with more than one solution. It's a very soothing, almost likable game for people who enjoy tidying up and making everything visually just right.
6. Human Fall Flat
Human Fall Flat is a funny puzzle game in which you get to control a rather clumsy character named Bob. It is a puzzle game where you solve things through movement, climbing, and creative use of objects with respect to its wobbly movements. Such simple activities become challenging here because you can push, pull, and stack the objects accordingly to pass through obstacles. Your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking will be encouraged by the different challenges of each level. The game is multiplayer, so friends can join in to help — or make things even crazier.
5. Tin Hearts
Tin Hearts is a puzzle game where you guide very little toy soldiers to reach the endpoint. The paths are set by adjusting objects like blocks, springs, and levers that exist in the room. You need to create a safe route to guide the soldiers toward the endpoint. When the soldiers start marching, they will choose the path you created, and thus you get a chance to observe them to pass through obstacles. This game stimulates creative thinking and planning because every object has a purpose in coming up with the soldiers' journey.
4. Donut Country
Donut Country is more of a puzzle game, with an endless hole in the ground that's under your control. The mission is to move around the hole, consume things, and make it bigger. The player starts by consuming small elements but later gets able to take in larger ones, thereby clearing the whole regions finally. The challenge comes from figuring out the best order to gobble up objects to help this hole grow big enough to reach the end of each level. In addition, simple controls make it easy to play.
3. Escape Academy
Escape Academy is an escape-room-style puzzle game where players try to complete a series of increasingly challenging escape rooms with unique challenges. To unlock the door or otherwise discover what has been hidden, you find clues, break codes, and match whatever information exists to unlock new areas. There are also different themed rooms wherein tricky challenges and surprises wait for you. You can play solo or team up with friends to find the clues more speedily. Eventually, your main idea is to escape all rooms, employing strong problem-solving skills, observation, and logical thinking.
2. Superhot: Mind Control Delete
Superhot: Mind Control Delete takes the principles of traditional puzzle-shooters and gives a unique twist on time. Time moves only when you do, so you can better plan every action. In slow motion, this game dodges bullets, is able to knock down enemies, and navigate through levels. This mechanic really gave almost a puzzle-like experience in every fight, and hence you to think strategically while reacting to the situation around you. Every level is intense since with each decision you have just a split second whether to freeze the enemy or yourself.
1. Cocoon
Cocoon is one of the more interesting puzzle games as it makes use of orbs to travel around different dimensions. Being a small character carrying orbs with special powers, you have to place them in specific spots in order to change the environment or open up new paths. That's basically the way through which you'll manage to solve puzzles in this game, by using each orb carefully. The core gameplay focuses on exploring, moving orbs, and interacting with the world to unlock new areas.
So, what do you think about our top picks? Have you tried any of these games? Or is there another puzzle game on Xbox Game Pass that you believe deserves a spot on this list? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.