Top 7 Games That Teach Problem-Solving Skills

In modern times where screen time often dominates our kids’ free hours, it’s a good idea to combine entertainment and education. One of the most valuable skills that games can foster is problem solving. Strong problem solving skills empower children to navigate life with confidence and creativity.

Many games, both digital and analog, are designed to hone this skill. We all probably have memories of playing games as a child. Little did we realize how much we learned simply from playing games.

Whether it’s tag, checkers, or Tetris, each game offers a way for kids to develop their problem solving skills. Kids today spend more time in front of a screen than ever so why not utilize some of that time developing their problem-solving abilities?

Here’s a list of many games I’ve found are both entertaining and educational.

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world right now. It’s more than just a game where players build with blocks. There’s a reason for it’s popularity. It’s just a fun game to play.

However, if you look closer, it’s a vast sandbox that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. Players can choose to play in Survival mode, where they must gather resources, craft tools, and build shelters to survive against monsters.

This mode presents constant challenges that require players to strategize and think critically about how to manage resources, fend off threats, and construct effective defenses. Even in Creative mode, where resources are unlimited, players can set goals and design complex structures or machines, which enhances their planning and execution skills.

Portal 2 is a critically acclaimed puzzle platform game that places players in a series of increasingly complex environments where they must use a “portal gun” to create teleportation portals. The game challenges players to think outside the box, as they must figure out how to navigate through each level by connecting different parts of the environment with these portals.

The puzzles become progressively more challenging, requiring players to apply logic, physics, and spatial reasoning. The game’s cooperative mode also adds a layer of teamwork, as players must work together to solve puzzles, further enhancing their problem-solving skills.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a masterpiece of open-world design that offers players an immense world to explore and a multitude of puzzles to solve. From intricate shrine puzzles that require players to manipulate objects and use physics to their advantage, to larger environmental puzzles that involve the game’s weather system or interacting with wildlife, this game is a treasure trove of problem-solving opportunities. The freedom the game offers allows players to approach challenges in multiple ways, encouraging creative thinking and experimentation.

Catan, previously known as Settlers of Catan, is a classic board game that involves strategy, resource management, and negotiation. Players must collect resources like wood, brick, and grain to build roads, settlements, and cities. However, the game’s true challenge lies in its resource scarcity and the need to trade with other players.

This requires players to think critically about resource management, long-term strategy, and diplomacy. The constantly changing game dynamics mean that players must continually adapt their strategies, making Catan a fantastic tool for developing flexible thinking and problem solving skills.

The Room series is a collection of striking puzzle games where players are tasked with solving intricate, multi-layered puzzles to unlock the mysteries of various boxes and rooms. Each game in the series presents players with a series of complex puzzles that require observation, patience, and logical thinking.

The puzzles really challenge players problem solving skills, encouraging them to explore every possibility and think critically about how each element of the puzzle interacts with others. The satisfaction of solving each puzzle builds confidence. Encouraging kids to further develop and refine their problem solving skills for the next puzzle.

For families who enjoy traditional jigsaw puzzles with a twist, Ravensburger Escape Puzzles combine the fun of piecing together a puzzle with the excitement of solving a mystery. Jigzaw puzzles are a favorite in our house. This takes them to the next level.

Each puzzle, once completed, reveals hidden clues that guide players towards solving a final riddle. This added layer of complexity requires players to engage in deductive reasoning and problem solving as they work together to solve the escape room like scenario. It’s an excellent way to combine teamwork with critical thinking into a fun, hands on activity.

Monument Valley is a beautifully designed mobile game that blends artistic visuals with challenging puzzles. Players guide a character through a series of impossible architecture and optical illusions, manipulating the environment to progress through each level.

The game’s design challenges kids to look at problems from different perspectives, literally shifting their viewpoint to uncover hidden pathways and solutions. Monument Valley’s serene atmosphere, combined with its thought provoking puzzles, makes it an excellent choice for developing problem solving skills in a calm and engaging way.

Games that emphasize problem solving skills are invaluable tools for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability in kids. Building a world in Minecraft, strategizing in Catan, or navigating the puzzles of Monument Valley, are as entertaining as they are educational.

Kids may not learn advanced calculus from these games, yet they are developing problem solving, social, and reasoning skills. While also equipping them with the skills they need to face real life challenges with confidence and ingenuity.

Games may have a bad reputation, some rightly so, but many games can be used productively. Incorporating certain types of games into your family’s routine are a fun and effective way to help children develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.