GamesBento

Free brain games for adults

These are the games on GamesBento that ask you to think: logic puzzles, word games, memory games, strategy board games and a handful of brain teasers. They are brain puzzles for adults rather than quick-fire tests, so you can take your time, use a hint when you are stuck and enjoy the moment it all clicks into place.

Many of them have a new puzzle every day, the same for everyone, with easy, medium and hard levels so you can find the right challenge. Nothing is against the clock. If you like, solve the daily puzzles to climb the weekly leaderboard, with no account needed.

We will not pretend these are scientific brain training. They are simply good mind games for adults who enjoy a puzzle, and a pleasant way to keep your mind busy with a cup of tea. All of them are free and play in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Logic puzzles

Pure reasoning, no luck and no guessing: every puzzle can be solved step by step. Each has a new daily puzzle and easy, medium and hard levels.

SudokuFill the grid with 1 to 9.NonogramsUse the number clues to reveal a picture.CalcudokuSudoku with sums in each cage.Binary PuzzleFill with 0s and 1s by three simple rules.

Word games

Puzzle games with words: guess a hidden word from the clues after each try, make as many words as you can from nine letters, or untangle a jumble.

Word GuessGuess the hidden five-letter word in six tries.Word WheelMake words from nine letters, always using the centre one.Word ScrambleUnscramble the letters to find the hidden word.HangmanGuess the word letter by letter before the flower loses its petals.

Memory games

Memory games for adults: turn over cards to find matching pairs in Memory Match, or keep track of which cards have already gone in Hearts and Gin Rummy.

Memory MatchTurn over the cards two at a time and find every matching pair.HeartsAvoid hearts and the Queen of Spades.Gin RummyMake sets and runs, then knock.

Strategy board games

Thinking games for adults who like to plan a few moves ahead, against a computer player that plays a fair, steady game. Ask for a hint if you want a second opinion.

CheckersJump and capture to win.OwareSow seeds around the board and capture to win. Also played as Ayo and Awalé.BaoFour rows of pits; the great strategy game of East Africa.MorabarabaLine up three cows to capture, from Southern Africa.FanoronaCapture by approach and withdrawal, from Madagascar.

Brain teasers

Short, satisfying brain teasers with one clever idea each: crack a colour code, clear a minefield, draw one unbroken line, or climb from one word to another.

Code BreakerFind the hidden colour code.MinesweeperClear the field using the numbers.LusonaPlace mirrors to make one unbroken line, inspired by Angolan sand drawings.Word LadderChange one letter at a time to reach the goal word.

Tips for getting the most from brain games

  • Start on easy. The easy levels teach you the patterns that make the harder ones possible. Move up when easy starts to feel quick.
  • Read the guide once. Each game has a short how-to-play guide with the rules and a few solving tips. Five minutes there saves a lot of puzzling later.
  • Mix it up. A number puzzle in the morning and a word puzzle in the evening keeps things fresh.
  • Use hints to learn, not to finish. When you take a hint, look at why it works. Next time you will spot it yourself.
  • Make it a habit you enjoy. There is a fresh daily puzzle every day, so there is always something new waiting tomorrow.

Questions people ask

What are brain games?

Simply games that make you think: logic puzzles, word puzzles, memory games and strategy games, rather than games of quick reflexes. Sudoku, a crossword and a game of draughts are all brain games in this sense.

Will these games make me smarter or improve my memory?

We make no such promise. Nobody should claim that a game will raise your IQ or protect your memory. What we can say is that these are good puzzles that make you think, and many people enjoy them as a pleasant mental workout.

Which brain game should I try first?

If you like numbers, start with an easy Sudoku. If you prefer words, try the daily Word Guess or Word Wheel. If you want something different, Code Breaker takes a minute to learn and is surprisingly satisfying.

Are they timed?

No. None of the puzzles here count down, so you can think for as long as you like, leave a puzzle and come back to it later.

Are the brain games free?

Yes. Every game on GamesBento is free to play online, with no download, no account and nothing to buy.

Further reading

More to explore

See all our logic puzzles and word games, or try something calmer from our relaxing games. Looking for a gentle place to start for an older friend or relative? Our games for seniors page picks out the easiest ones.