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10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

Sharpen your mind with our expert-curated selection of 10 engaging solo games and activities—perfect for staying mentally active at home.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

Lockdowns hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in places like France. While some work remotely, others face downtime after exhausting Netflix marathons. Craving a mental challenge? We've got you covered with proven brain-boosters. As puzzle enthusiasts with years of testing logic games, Gentside recommends these 10 solo-friendly options tailored for confinement.

1. Escape Games

Tired of routine? Reignite your logic with escape games—ideal for riddle lovers. Typically group play, they shine solo too. Our top pick: A Night at the Library, packed with clever puzzles.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

2. Riddle Books

Nothing beats a riddle collection for deep mental workouts. Try The Great Book of Riddles with 250 brain-benders—no genius required, just sharp neurons and a pencil. For kids: The Dark Hand Investigations, fun and accessible.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

3. Classics: Sudoku and Crosswords

These timeless puzzles aren't just for travel—they're lockdown essentials. Grab Devilish Sudoku Volume 1 and pair with Télérama Crossword Collection to hone logic and trivia.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

4. The Iconic Rubik's Cube

Masters rejoice; novices, test your logic with this compact challenger. No internet cheats—aim to beat the world record of 4.59 seconds. Proven to build spatial skills.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

5. Chinese Puzzles

Level up with intricate disentanglement puzzles in metal or wood, varying difficulties. Hope lockdown lasts—these demand patience and precision.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

6. Strategy Games

Board game fans, play solo with these strategic gems—no opponents needed.

Escape Book

Rescue Watson from Moriarty's traps via math, cards, and maps. A thrilling hybrid of escape rooms and interactive novels for active minds.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

Arkham Horror

Unravel mysteries in Arkham amid eerie events. Investigate, fight, or flee in this immersive tale—expand with countless extensions.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

7. Candy Crush

Don't dismiss it—this app hones observation, logic, and strategy, especially at advanced levels. Bonus: unlimited lives during lockdown!

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

8. Tangram

This ancient Chinese dissection puzzle uses 7 pieces to form silhouettes. Deceptively simple, it sharpens spatial reasoning—lockdown gold.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

9. The 7th Continent

An epic card-based exploration game: survive curses, make choices, and adventure endlessly. Ideal if isolation lingers.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown

10. The Game

Saved for last: this addictive card game. Sort 2-99 into four piles (two ascending, two descending). Simple rules, obsessive pull.

10 Best Brain Games for Solo Play During Lockdown