5 Best Puzzle Games on Xbox Game Pass (November 2022)

The Xbox Game Pass is home to an assortment of excellent titles. Among these titles, there are a few perplexing puzzlers that we would like to draw your attention to. These games are sure to challenge your intellect and problem-solving skills. Whether through their mechanics or how the puzzles are presented, these games will keep you thinking long after you finish playing them. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Best Puzzle Games on Xbox Game Pass (November 2022).

5. Inside

Inside is a bleak puzzle platformer from the developers of Limbo. Players must run through various levels to escape their fate in this title. This game has been praised for its puzzle design and atmosphere. The game follows an unnamed protagonist running from enemies throughout various levels. Color is used very sparsely in this game, adding to the feeling of dread that comes with being hunted down.

The reason why our hero is being pursued is unknown to us, and perhaps that is the point. Also, the many deaths that can occur are often rather grotesque, hidden through the simplistic art style, as many different fates can happen to our protagonist, such as getting hunted by dogs, being shot with tranquilizers, and so on. All in all, if players are looking for a puzzle title that is relatively easy to understand and still has somewhat of a narrative to it, then Inside is a fantastic choice. Additionally, this title can be played through the Xbox Game Pass system, allowing players to enjoy the entirety of it.

4. Gorogoa

Gorogoa is a unique puzzle game in many different ways. This game stands out from its competitors in many ways, from the hand-drawn graphical style to the type of puzzles introduced in this title. Most of the play deals with tile manipulation and how to make each game's interactive levels fit. The narrative within the game is told to us over several years, in which we watch the main character age.

Many of the game's plot points deal with a war-ravaged future, which the player must try to help prevent. However, the game does not take these matters lightly either, with each different period in time attempting to teach another lesson to the player. This commentary makes it different from most puzzle games in which the game's primary focus is completing the puzzle. In addition, many of the game's themes and commentary will have to deal with religion and the nature of spirituality. In closing, Gorogoa is a game that, if players have not yet discovered, they should undoubtedly play one of the 5 best puzzle games on Xbox Game Pass.

3. Tetris Effect: Connected

Tetris Effect: Connected is a port of the beloved Tetris Effect title for the Xbox One and Series X|S. This game brings the classic gameplay of Tetris to those who have Xbox Game Pass. In addition, the game features many different modes, all with their unique flavor of puzzles. One of the significant additions to Tetris: Connected is adding new multiplayer game modes for players to choose from. The addition of multiplayer adds much replayability to the game as players will want to see if they can get a higher score than their friends.

If players enjoy the classic puzzle game, then there is no reason they should not thoroughly enjoy this version presented in this game.   A gameplay addition changes how the game is played quite a bit introduced in this game. Knowing how to use Zones effectively can completely change your gaming experience with Tetris: Connected. This mechanic allows players to complete more than four blocks at a time, given they lined their blocks up correctly. Altogether, Tetris: Connected is a fabulous way to enjoy one of the 5 best puzzle games, a timeless classic on Xbox Game Pass.

2. The Talos Principle

The Talos Principle is a game that airs a bit more on the philosophical side of puzzle games. Taking place in both first-person and third-person perspectives, this game has a ton of content to show players. First, players will run through the game's various levels, collecting sigils. These are markings that the player must collect to advance. In addition, the game has a staggering amount of puzzles featuring over 120 for the players to test their mettle. These puzzles also occur in various environments, adding to the game's variety.

A unique mechanic in the game allows players to interact with a past or future version of themselves to complete puzzles. For example, if players had to use a pressure plate system, they could use an alternate version of themselves to help complete the puzzle. Players can also interact with different players throughout the game by leaving messages sprawled on the walls of the game. All in all, The Talos Principle is a game that combines the technological and the philosophical into one of the 5 best puzzle games.

1. Myst

Myst as a series is one of the forefathers of the puzzle game. Its legacy is still alive with this version made available for the Xbox Game Pass. Players will be able to interact with the game that, for many, served as a first puzzle game, with much critical acclaim. This title has a lot of weight, with some even lauding it as one of the greatest games of all time rather than being incredibly objective-focused. The gameplay of Myst allows players to let the story weave itself as the player plays with very little hand-holding.

This game design philosophy harkens back to older games where everything was not laid out for players. While there is a backstory in the game, most of this is uncovered through gathering journal pages to understand what is going on entirely. The only way to complete the game is by exploring all the nooks and crannies. Doing so will allow you to experience everything this timeless classic has to offer fully. Most of this title's mysteries will not explain themselves to you. Instead, they rely on your ability to take in the world and come to your conclusions. In closing, Myst is one of the 5best puzzle games of all time, and this continues to be true on the Xbox Game Pass.

So, what's your take on our picks for the 5 Best Puzzle Games on Xbox Game Pass (November 2022)? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.