While many of us think of video games as nothing more than a way to pass the time, they can actually do much more.

Though you may just want to shoot some aliens in the head, while you do so, you are actually developing other skills that can help in other parts of your life. Hand-eye coordination is the obvious one, but there is more.

Video games can help you with problem-solving skills which, when pointed out, probably makes a lot of sense.

If you are looking to improve your problem-solving skills while also having a good time, here are the top ten games that you’d want to check out:

Keep Talking & Nobody Explode

Source: PlayStation

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes has a simple concept, but it can provide a great challenge while helping you improve your problem-solving skills. The game is unique even among this list as it has you problem solve with a friends, an invaulable skill for life.

The game tasks you and another player with disarming procedurally generated bombs. One person disarms the bomb while the other reads a manual containing instructions.

Return to Monkey Island

Source: waytoomanygames

Return to Monkey Island is a point-and-click adventure, a genre filled with games that can help improve your problem-solving skills.

The game is a long-running series that have you go on pirate adventures, filled with smart, funny dialogues that help build the world and the character.

As mentioned previously, point-and-click-adventure games as a whole are great for improving problem-solving as you must find specific hints and items that must be used in certain areas to proceed.

Phoenix Wright

Source: stevivor

Phoenix Wright is a series of lawyer and detective games that will have you play as the titular Phoenix as he attempts to win courtroom cases through deduction and problem-solving.

At a glance, you may think this series is dull due to the subject matter, but thanks to the quirky characters and exciting stories, it is quite easy to get engrossed.

Professor Layton

Source: NintendoLife

Professor Layton is very similar to the Phoenix Wright games. In fact, there was spinoff game that has seen the two universes collide, where the two titular characters had to solve a mystery together.

What sets Professor Layton apart, however, is the puzzles. There are numerous puzzles varying in type and difficulty, all interwoven into the well-told stories.

There are numerous entries within the series, and those who have yet to try it should give it a go!

Tetris

Source: Wackoid

Tetris is easily the oldest game on this list, nearing its 40th birthday. However, even with its age, it still provides a challenge and forces players to problem-solve on the go.

Placing the blocks in the right place while also anticipating future blocks forces players to think on their toes and solve issues whenever they arise.

Even after countless iterations, the core gameplay that made the original what it is remains intact, thanks to smart and thoughtful gameplay.

Braid

Source: GQ

Braid introduces time-travelling mechanics into the platform genre. This added challenge will have you think about every jump, causing you to really consider what to do next.

The game subverts many of the tropes of the genre, even poking fun at the “The Princess is in Another Castle” cliche seen in the Mario series.

There is also a very subtle but profound story tucked underneath the gameplay.

Resident Evil

Source: Steam

The original Resident Evil stands as one of the greatest video games of all time – but that’s not why it is here.

Throughout the first entry of the series, you, as Jill or Chris, must undertake the entire mansion as one massive puzzle.

Because the scope of the game encompasses one massive puzzle, you must always be thinking, remembering where each room and item is, and learning about this evil residence as if it were a real place.

Catherine

Source: NintendoEverything

Catherine is a fast-paced puzzler that forces players to make split-second decisions to get away from the “monster of the night” and wake up to see another day.

Rearranging blocks to ensure your ascent and using items accordingly is a must, so you must quickly learn this game. This results in you improving your problem-solving skills in the process.

Inside

Source: NPR

Inside is the spiritual successor to Limbo, taking much of what made the first game great, and improving on it. In the game, you control a nameless boy as he makes his way through a totalitarian world that wants you dead.

On top of the main puzzles of the game, there is an over-arching puzzle that must be beat to see the true ending and ensure that the powers that be do not maintain control over you.

Portal

Source: PC Mag

Portal is the benchmark for games that improve critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills.

The puzzles are incredibly well-thought-out and force the player to think in ways they normally wouldn’t. Before long, you will think with portals, a skill that has you truly re-think problem solving while improving cognitive function.

ALSO READ: The Top 10 Games for Improving Memory and Cognitive Function