
Video games often serve as a platform for players to challenge their skills, including their problem-solving abilities. Puzzles are a prevalent mechanic in a variety of titles, inviting players to think critically and creatively. However, not all puzzles are created equal; some can be exceedingly difficult and can lead to frustration, primarily due to their complexity and the scant guidance provided to players.
While many challenging puzzles are memorable and engaging, others may feel overwhelmingly obtuse, making it hard for players to enjoy the gameplay. This leads to questions about how even the most committed gamers manage to navigate these conundrums, particularly in games released before the internet made walkthroughs readily accessible.
This article explores some of the most perplexing puzzles found in video games—those that have become notorious for their difficulty and unpredictability. Here’s a look at ten puzzles that have left players scratching their heads.
10 – Myahm Agana Apparatus
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda series has captivated gamers for generations, and with the release of Breath of the Wild, it redefined how players interact with its open-world design and intricate narrative. Among its many shrines—designed to test both combat and puzzle-solving skills—one stands out for its sheer complexity: the Myahm Agana Apparatus.
What feels like a straightforward task—guiding a ball through a maze using motion controls—quickly escalates into a frustrating endeavor. Players are often left grappling with the imprecise controls, which can lead the ball to careen into pitfalls or jump unexpectedly. In my case, I resorted to cleverly manipulating my Switch to flip the maze, thus rolling the ball across a flat surface. This workaround seems to be a common solution, raising the question of whether such a puzzle design is ultimately effective.
9 – Goat Puzzle
Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars

Set against a backdrop of conspiracy and mystery, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars takes players on a quest to solve a murder in a medieval Irish castle. Before delving into the castle’s dark secrets, players must face the infamous Goat Puzzle—a true test of logic and patience.
To progress, players encounter a goat tied up and persistently butting them, preventing entry into the castle. Surprisingly, the solution involves letting the goat hit you to interact with farming equipment, leading to the goat tangling itself, allowing access inside. This contrived puzzle not only goes against instinct but also lacks any contextual hints, often leading players to spend hours stuck on the stubborn goat.
8 – ALL of It
Baba Is You

Baba Is You presents an innovative take on puzzle-solving, requiring players to manipulate the very rules of the game to achieve their goals. Each puzzle challenges players to reconsider established norms, making for a disorienting yet compelling experience.
Every aspect of this game is designed to perplex, demanding creative thinking. In fact, the complexity of its puzzles often feels more daunting than submitting taxes, underscoring how intricate and engaging its challenges are. Despite the frustrations that may arise, Baba Is You remains a fascinating journey—but only for those who can crack its enigmatic codes.
7 – 3D Maze
Super Mario RPG

The charm and nostalgia of Super Mario Bros. are undeniable, yet Super Mario RPG invites players into a much more challenging domain. Nestled in the depths of the Sunken Ship lies the notorious 3D Maze, recognized as one of the game’s most difficult puzzles.
Players must navigate this maze from a static camera angle, which can lead to confusion and aimless wandering for hours. This challenge remains unchanged even in the game’s remake, although it now offers players the ability to look up solutions online, a luxury that wasn’t available during the original release.
6 – Braille Puzzle
Pokemon Ruby

In the world of Pokemon Ruby, players encounter a Braille puzzle essential for progress. While the game’s manual contained the Braille alphabet, it’s common for players to misplace manuals over time.
A Reddit survey revealed that most players did not keep the manual, leaving them bewildered when faced with the Braille puzzle. This disconnect between the game’s expectations and the player’s knowledge creates a frustrating barrier, especially for those unfamiliar with Braille.
5 – Water Sample
Resident Evil 3

As players navigate the horror landscape of Resident Evil 3, they encounter a pivotal puzzle involving a water sample essential for progression. This particular challenge stands out as one of the hardest puzzles in the entire franchise.
In order to advance, players must align colors and levels to match the water sample, but trial and error can lead to success as there’s no clear direction. Thankfully, this puzzle was omitted from the Resident Evil 3 Remake due to its notorious complexity.
4 – Niobe Labs
Destiny 2

While challenging boss battles often lead developers to balance gameplay, the same cannot be said for some puzzles, as demonstrated by Destiny 2‘s Niobe Labs. This puzzle was so notoriously difficult that developers issued an apology, offering a solution after players banded together to crack the code.
The effort to decipher cryptic messages to access Bergusia Forge culminated in a staggering 80 hours of collaboration, leaving players both exhausted and frustrated. Even those outside the game recognize Niobe Labs as a formidable test of skill.
3 – Shakespeare’s Stanzas
Silent Hill 3

Silent Hill 3 is notorious for its challenging puzzles, among which Shakespeare’s Stanzas ranks high. Players must engage with the Anthology to unlock clues for a code, which is a daunting task for anyone unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s works.
Those without a background in literature may find this puzzle particularly vexing, as it requires both knowledge and logic, leaving many stuck at the very first puzzle of the game.
2 – The Water Temple
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Water Temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time stands as one of the most criticized dungeons for its complex mechanics and lack of clear direction. Adjusting water levels becomes a tedious endeavor, leaving players to juggle items while navigating the temple.
This design flaw led to significant frustration during gameplay, as players frequently had to pause to switch items. While the 3DS remake streamlined some mechanics, the general layout and challenges remained largely unchanged, preserving the bewilderment many players experienced in their childhood.
1 – The Black Monolith
He did

In discussions surrounding challenging puzzle games, Fez often garners attention for its demanding gameplay and intricate puzzles. The Black Monolith—situated in the Natural Region—poses a significant challenge requiring players to follow a specific button sequence while alternating perspectives.
While the solution could be seen as straightforward, its complexity lies in the obscure manner in which players must reach it.Fez has remained an enduring challenge in the indie game sphere, with its puzzles ensuring that victories—whether earned through insight or online guides—remain unforgettable.
For puzzle enthusiasts, the thrill of untangling these challenging enigmas is part of the allure that keeps players engaged. Finding solutions, whether through ingenuity or help from the community, shapes a player’s experience in remarkable ways.
Leave a Reply ▼