Updated 25th November 2021. Original post by Emily Sowden, updated by Himanshu Cheeta

Sometimes you don't want to shoot people in the face. Or punch people in the face. Or do anything mean to anyone's face. And at times like that you need a puzzle games. But with so many on the App Store it's sometimes hard to figure out which one is best for you.

But don't you worry little one, because that's where this list comes in. We've picked the five very best iPhone and iPad puzzlers that you can download now. We've given you links, we've given you videos, we've given you everything you need to make an informed decision.

After all, when it comes to games that tax your brain power, making an informed decision is probably one of the most important things you can do.

1. Brain It On

Brain It On is an excellent physics-based puzzle game that requires you to think uniquely to solve each wave. As for controls, you will be using your finger or a stylus, and you can also draw lines, shapes, weighted objects, or whatever comes to your mind to solve each puzzle.

It might seem quite simple initially, but things get progressively more difficult and exciting as you progress through more than 200 levels. Players get awarded stars for finishing the level under the time limit and keeping the number of shapes used to a minimum. The next level gets unlocked after you earn a particular number of stars. To remove ads, you need to pay a small amount, which is a one-time transaction.

Brain It On is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.

2. Bridge Construction Portal

Bridge Construction Portal is also a very cool physics-based puzzler . But this one adds in all the unique elements from Portal and Aperture Laboratories. There are a total of sixty test chambers to play in using portals, along with propulsion and repulsion gels similar to the original portal game, while avoiding deadly lasers, pits of acid, and dangerous turrets.

This cross-over title provides a challenge that will make fans of Bridge Constructor and Portal very excited. It's fascinating to explore with a lot of Portal references, and it even features Google Play Games achievements for saves.

Bridge Construction Portal is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.

3. The Eyes of Ara

The Eyes of Ara is a fascinating title with an open-ended adventure theme where you solve different types of puzzles, unlock clues, and discover pieces of the story little by little. This makes the game a bit longer, but that's what makes it unique and nostalgic.

The 3D surrounding is extraordinary and looks great for a mobile game. It's a premium game with no ads or IAPs, so you can casually enjoy the gameplay.

The Eyes of Era is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.

4. The House of Da Vinci

The House of a Da Vinci is a 3D puzzle game that includes solving complex problems, escaping from rooms, exploring and finding secret objects, and having fun. It requires you to pay full attention to your environment.

The controls are excellent and can be easily adapted by the player. The game's overall aesthetics are very interesting and unique, with a whole lot of mechanical puzzles.

The House of Da Vinci is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.

5. Lara Croft GO

Tomb Raider's Lara Croft GO is a mobile interpretation of the already super hit Tomb Raider series first introduced on consoles and PCs. As most you might be familiar, Lara Croft Go is very athletic and a hardcore explorer. The game consists of mind-boggling puzzles where you have to escape boobytraps and dangerous enemies as you power your way through 115 levels, divided into seven chapters.

Tomb Raider Go is an award-winning game that provides exceptional visual aesthetics and glues you to your screen as you work through progressively challenging puzzles. There are a variety of unlockable items with some unique actions to keep you busy too.

Lara Croft GO is available to download on Google Play and the App Store.