Summary
When implemented smartly, puzzles can elevate any game — whether it’s a third-person shooter, an action-adventure rich with platforming, or a survival horror where players must both fight and survive. The key for developers is maintaining a delicate balance: puzzles shouldn’t be so long or difficult that they frustrate players or drag down the pacing.
When done right, the blend of third-person shooting and puzzles offers the best of both worlds. Some gaming series are celebrated for mastering this approach, includingResident Evil,Uncharted, andTomb Raider. Let’s take a look at some of the best games that perfectly combine third-person action with intricate puzzle-solving, without leaning too much on either aspect.
Remnant 2stands out as a rare soulslike shooter, boasting exceptionally well-crafted gunplay and awide array of unique ranged weaponsthat players can discover or craft. Each gun serves a specific purpose and feels distinct, adding significant variety to the gameplay based on individual preferences.
The game is also renowned for its diverse and mysterious worlds, each brimming with puzzles — many of which are notoriously difficult to solve. The developers enjoy challenging the community, even going as far as hiding secrets within the game’s files or designing puzzles that take days or weeks for players to crack. Solving these complex challenges often rewards players with some of the best weapons or gear available.
TheUnchartedseries is a go-to for any action-adventure fan who enjoys shooting, platforming, and puzzle-solving, wrapped in a flawless cinematic narrative.The Lost Legacy, though smaller in scopecompared to the mainUnchartedtitlesfeaturing Nathan Drake, is still a must-play.
Building on the strengths ofUncharted 4,The Lost Legacyoffers some exhilarating time with strong shooting mechanics and some of the largest, most intricate puzzles in the series — requiring both strategic thinking and platforming skills.
WhileAlan Wake 2may not be as puzzle-heavy as traditional survival horror games, it excels in blending Remedy’s hallmark action gameplay with engaging side activities. With two distinct protagonists, players switchbetween detective work as Saga, piecing together clues, interviewing witnesses, and solving puzzles like finding passwords or breaking locks.
As Alan Wake, however, things get even more interesting. The writer’s ability to manipulate reality through special artifacts allows him to bend and reshape the story, literally unlocking new paths and progressing the narrative in a unique way.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the latest in the series, masterfully shifts focus toward the exploration and puzzle-solving that fans of the franchise love. The game emphasizes tomb raiding and solving intricate temple puzzles, with optional challenge tombs offering even more to discover.
However,Shadow of the Tomb Raiderdoesn’t skimp on action. Itsshooting mechanics are the best in the trilogy, thanks to an improved level design that encourages creativity, as well as new abilities in Lara’s arsenal. Fans of third-person shooting will still find plenty to enjoy alongside the puzzle-solving.
Resident Evil 4 Remakeleans heavily into action compared to earlier entries, yet it doesn’t stray far from its roots, offering players plenty of puzzles throughout Leon Kennedy’s journey. The castle section, in particular, is the most puzzle-heavy, even letting players briefly control Ashley in a suspenseful, combat-free sequence.
Many of the puzzles in the remake are optional, rewarding players with treasures or rare collectibles. Despite the game’sstreamlined nature and strong emphasis on its shooting mechanics, few fans are likely to mind, asResident Evil 4 Remakestrikes a solid balance between action and puzzle-solving.
Controlopens the door to theambitious Remedy Connected Universe, leading toAlan Wake 2and the upcomingControl 2. While the game primarily focuses on its fast-paced third-person shooting and supernatural abilities, there’s no shortage of puzzles hidden within the mysterious Oldest House.
These puzzles often revolve around traversal challenges, requiring players to navigate shifting environments, avoid traps, and uncover secrets using their abilities like telekinesis. Figuring out how to unlock new areas or survive the ever-shifting architecture adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game’s already thrilling action.
Inspired byResident Evil,Dead Spacedelivers an exceptional take on space survival horror, with a fresh twist: the protagonist, Isaac Clarke,is not a hardened soldier but a skilled engineer. This adds a unique dynamic, as players not only need to survive the horrors of the abandoned TSG Ishimura mining vessel but also repair the ship and its systems to ensure escape.
One of the game’s most creative features is its arsenal, composed largely of engineering tools like lasers and plasma cutters, which allow for strategic dismemberment of necromorphs. Although players can use an assault rifle, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as utilizing these engineering tools to surgically dismantle enemies.
AlthoughRemnant 2surpasses it in nearly every way,Remnant: From The Ashesremains highly worth playing today, showcasing all the strengths that fans have come to expect from the series. The game offers a wide array of weapons to find, craft, and upgrade, each providing unique gunplay.
While its puzzles may not be as complex as those in the sequel, they can still stump unprepared players, and many hidden secrets are unlikely to be discovered without a guide. Additionally, some of the boss encounters function as puzzles themselves — a feature that the sequel improves on even further.
