Best games to keep your mind sharp
The best games for keeping your mind active are Monument Valley, Balatro and Tetris Effect. They ask you to plan, remember and solve problems at a gentle pace.
These games make you think. We make no medical claims; they are a pleasant way to keep your mind busy.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument Valley | 1 · Gentle | Computer, Phone / tablet | 99 · Hall of Fame |
| Balatro | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97 · Hall of Fame |
| Tetris Effect | 2 · Easy | PS5, Computer | 92 · Proven favourite |
| The Case of the Golden Idol | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, Computer, Phone / tablet | 92 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89 · Proven favourite |
| Two Point Hospital | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 87 · Well liked |
| Mini Metro | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Computer, Phone / tablet | 86 · Well liked |
| Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 85 · Well liked |
| Pikmin 4 | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2 | 83 · Well liked |
| Mini Motorways | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, Computer, Phone / tablet | 82 · Well liked |
| Lego Builder's Journey | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 79 |
| Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2 | 78 |
About each game
Monument Valley. Beautiful optical-illusion puzzles; about two hours.
Balatro. Poker-hand scoring with joker cards. No real money, but casino imagery.
Tetris Effect. Classic Tetris with music and visuals; has relaxed 'chill' modes.
The Case of the Golden Idol. Work out whodunnit from frozen crime scenes. Point and click; hints available.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Two Point Hospital. Run a silly hospital. Light-hearted management.
Mini Metro. Draw tube lines as a city grows. Endless mode removes pressure.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy. Defence-lawyer mysteries. Lots of reading; no reflexes needed.
Pikmin 4. Command tiny plant creatures. Rewind feature undoes mistakes.
Mini Motorways. Draw roads to keep traffic flowing.
Lego Builder's Journey. Short, calm Lego building puzzles.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. Can't jump; rotate tiny puzzle worlds. Perfect practice for 3D cameras.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.