5 puzzle games that are secretly the best co-op games
Polygon has published a list recommending puzzle games that work particularly well as informal two-player experiences, aimed at couples or friends whose gaming tastes otherwise differ. The writer argues that logic-heavy puzzle titles, despite lacking any built-in multiplayer mode, let two people combine complementary reasoning skills (such as spatial thinking and mathematics) to solve challenges together, making them an unexpectedly effective substitute for traditional co-op games.
The list highlights several titles: Simogo's "Lorelei and the Laser Eyes", praised for its varied, non-linear logic puzzles suited to talking through with a partner; Lucas Pope's "Return of the Obra Dinn", a nautical mystery whose observation-based deduction naturally invites discussion; "What's the Password?", a mobile and PC game built around cracking four-digit codes from shifting clues; and "Chants of Sennaar", noted for minimising reliance on text so players with different reading speeds can participate equally.
– Article recommends puzzle games as accidental "co-op" experiences for couples
– Featured titles: Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Return of the Obra Dinn, What's the Password?, Chants of Sennaar
– Key trait: varied logic puzzles let two players contribute different skills
– Text-light design (e.g. Chants of Sennaar) helps players of differing reading speeds
- Polygon lists puzzle games that double as great two-player experiences
- Titles include Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Obra Dinn, What's the Password?
- Games work because players contribute different logic skills together