As social media such as TikTok, Instagram, and other entertainment outlets grow in popularity and accessibility, it should come as no surprise that it has become increasingly more difficult to find ways to challenge your mind. Naturally, seeking out games that force you to think strategically and be analytical would be the logical next step, however, finding ones that match your preferences can be difficult, especially if you are familiar with most brain-boosting games, so here is a breakdown of some unique options:
1. Chemin de Fer
There is an array of lesser-known games set to challenge your cognitive abilities that you probably never heard of, with one being Chemin de Fer, a French version of baccarat, that can enhance your decision-making and memory skills. To better understand the mechanics of this game, it is important to conduct research or find a guide that has Chemin de Fer explained in details including the number of players, table shape, and rules. A big perk of this game is that you can play in-person or online, with many online betting sites offering the game to players who want to boost their brain function while wagering from home.
2. CogniFit Brain Fitness
The Cognifit Brain Fitness app offers personalized brain training backed by science, which makes it one of the most reliable options and offers an underlying guarantee to get you the desired results. Available on IOS, Android, and the web, the app gives players access to diverse exercises that directly target and improve memory, attention to detail, and reasoning while also ensuring each assessment is tailored towards your capabilities and pacing.
3. The Sequence
If you prefer an application that is less flashy with a simple user interface, then The Sequence is a perfect fit as it offers players a minimalistic gaming experience, available both on mobile (IOS & Android) and PC (Steam). With a focus on enhancing critical and logical thinking and pattern recognition, this puzzle-based game provides great mental stimulation through players building sequences using modules.
4. Brain It On!
For players who want to get in touch with their creative sides, or just enjoy games that offer creative flexibility, Brain It On! (available on Android & IOS) is the perfect app for you as it combines brain-teasers with art and physics which makes for a unique experience. The game expects players to solve complex physics puzzles with drawings and forces them to think outside the box, which, in turn, functions as a great way to improve creative problem-solving with solutions requiring a bit more brainstorming.
5. Peak
If you are on the go and would prefer shorter, quicker brain-boosting games, then Peak offers just that wherein it uniquely combines science-driven brain workouts with short daily games and challenges. The app is available on Android and IOS and was developed alongside neuroscientists to help players challenge everything from their language and mental agility to their emotional control and memory strength while still keeping content fresh and engaging each day.
6. Prune
This is another game that is available on mobile (IOS and Android) and PC (Steam, Microsoft Store, etc.) that offers players a unique experience in that it challenges their brain through puzzle solving which is also a great way to relieve stress. The game may seem straightforward – growing a digital tree toward sunlight while dodging obstacles – but it requires players to be strategic, improve their spatial awareness, and boost their patience.
7. Hexcells
Only available on PC, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, the game can be bought through Steam and is quite different from other options on this list as it has no time-based challenges which means no added pressure. Offering a relaxing aesthetic and thoughtful gameplay, the game uses a blend of Minesweeper and Sudoku to enhance your cognitive focus, requiring much logical deduction and pattern analysis.
8. Elevate
Taking a gamified approach, Elevate (available on IOS & Android) is a fun brain-boosting app established to improve your communication skills through the use of writing, math, and reading comprehension challenges. The game tailors each session to your strengths and offers daily training to make your journey to self-improvement that much more enjoyable.
9. Bride vs Rummy
If you are looking for a physical game you can play to break away from technology, then this strategy-based card game is perfect. Similar to Solitaire, this card game tests your memory by having you match cards by rank or sequence to build melds where you earn points against your opponent.
To Conclude
Whether you are looking to blow off some steam, improve your cognitive functions, or simply test your skill, there is a brain-boosting game for everyone, even if it may not be a big-name app as trying these unique games is another great way to have fun as you learn!