Puzzle games have always come in many different flavors. However, it’s no secret that there’s a tried and true formula to them and a clear reason as to why you’re drowning in games that have number-based puzzles, match-3, hidden object, etc.
I absolutely love puzzle games, but I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes my brain just refuses to see the code. So, I can really appreciate when there’s a gimmick that keeps things fresh and new. These varied approaches flex different skills and I’ve found some new methods that I’d love to see more of in future games.
3 unique and cozy puzzle games

Tiny Garden
Tiny Garden is your basic garden variety (ha!) farming game. However, it really set up something different in introducing the rotation mechanic. To grow your plants, you have to twist the crank a certain number of times until they’re mature. This, combined with needing to create certain soil conditions and keeping plants placed harmoniously, created an interesting dynamic to juggle.
Paper Trail
Paper Trail takes a unique approach to the type of games that require you to find your way from A-Z through obstacles by introducing the art of origami. It was a lot of fun to fold the paper into new paths and to see things on the reverse side that would help you sort out the correct pathing.


SCHiM
SCHiM is sort of a platforming puzzler where you need to get from one destination to the next, but you have to do it through the shadows in the world. It made me look at the landscape in a wholly new way as I tried to figure out which shadows would get me where I needed to, especially when shadows started to move!
Are there any cozy puzzle games that you’ve played that have an interesting mechanic that makes it stand out from the crowd for you? We’d love to know in the comments!
If puzzlers aren’t your bag, then you may be interested in checking out some of our other lists: cozy games that I wish I could play for the first time again and incremental games to slow down and relax with.