New
Updates in puzzle games
Many puzzle games keep growing after release: developers add level packs, daily challenges and themed events, and improve the hint system. Here we describe the most common kinds of changes and how to keep up with them without the fuss.
A new level in a favourite puzzle game is a small gift. There's no need to open it the same evening.
How this section works: we describe typical kinds of updates in general terms, without game titles or version numbers. For specific changes, see the official patch notes.
What updates bring
Six kinds of changes that turn up most often in puzzle games.
Daily challenges
A short puzzle that changes once a day. It's great as a warm-up, but a missed day rarely costs anything, so don't turn it into a chore.
New level packs
Extra chapters usually introduce one new mechanic and gradually combine it with the existing ones. It helps to refresh your memory of the old rules first.
Seasonal events
Themed levels available for a limited time. Before joining in, check whether you'll keep access to them after the event ends.
Level fixes
Sometimes a puzzle can be solved in an unintended way, and the developers close the loophole. A solution you saved may stop working, and that's normal.
Accessibility settings
Updates add modes for different types of colour vision, larger text and the option to turn off timers. Check the settings menu after installing.
Hint tweaks
Developers rewrite hints that players found too vague or too direct. After tweaks like these, a level you were stuck on sometimes becomes easier.
How to keep track of changes
Read the official notes
Change lists are published in the game itself, on the platform's store page or in the developer's official community.
Back up your progress
Before a major update, make sure cloud saves are turned on and your progress is synced.
Check your settings
After an update, hint and sound settings sometimes revert to their defaults. Set them again.
Start with the first new level
Don't jump straight into the hard puzzles: the tutorial levels explain the newly added mechanic.
Read next
- Genres
Puzzle genres, from logic and physics puzzles to escape rooms and metroidvanias, and how to pick the one for you.
- Mechanics
Recurring puzzle mechanics: order of actions, symmetry, cause and effect, and working with time.
- Guides
How to solve puzzles without spoilers: the hint ladder, getting past a dead end, playing as a pair. Plus our article catalogue.
- Questions
Short answers on how to approach puzzles, how to play with kids and how this guide can help.
Sources and references
- Developer guides and in-game help
We describe the general principles of puzzles. Hints, levels and settings work differently in each game and may change after updates, so check the in-game help and the developer for exact details.