Best game that masterfully mixes third person shooter and puzzle

Important takeaways

• Puzzles in third-person shooter games aim to balance challenges and improve gameplay without player frustration.
• Notable game series like
  Remnant
  ,
  Uncharted
  ,
  Resident Evil
  and
  Tomb Raider
  are celebrated for seamlessly blending shooting mechanics with intricate puzzles.
• Each of these games presents a unique blend of engaging combat and thoughtful puzzle solving, ensuring players can enjoy both intense action and moments of quiet contemplation.

When implemented smartly, puzzles can elevate any game—whether it's a third-person shooter, an action-adventure rich in platforming, or a survival horror where players must both fight and survive. The key for developers is to maintain a delicate balance: puzzles should not be so long or difficult that they frustrate players or slow down the pace.

When done right, the mix of third-person shooting and puzzles offers the best of both worlds. Some game series are celebrated for mastering this approach, including Resident Evil, Unchartedand Tomb Raider. Let's take a look at some of the best games that perfectly combine third-person action with intricate puzzle solving, without leaning too much on either aspect.

1 The rest 2

Each weapon feels distinct, often hidden behind intricate puzzles

The rest 2 stands out as a rare soul-like shooter, with exceptionally well-crafted gunplay and a wide variety of unique ranged weapons for players to discover or craft. Each gun serves a specific purpose and feels distinct, bringing great variety to gameplay based on individual preference.

The game is also known for its diverse and mysterious worlds, each filled with puzzles – many of which are notoriously difficult to solve. The developers like to challenge the community, even going as far as hiding secrets in the game's files or designing puzzles that take players days or weeks to crack. Solving these complex challenges often rewards players with some of the best weapons or gear available.

2 Uncharted: The Lost Legacy

A perfect mix of light adventure, photography and puzzle solving

The Uncharted series is a go-to for all action-adventure fans who enjoy shooting, platforming and puzzle solving, wrapped in a flawless cinematic narrative. The lost legacyhowever, smaller in scope compared to the main one Uncharted titles with Nathan Drake are still a must.

Building on the strengths of Uncharted 4, The lost legacy offers an exciting time with strong shooting mechanics and some of the biggest, most intricate puzzles in the series – requiring both strategic thinking and platforming skills.

3 Alan Wake 2

Detective and reality-bending puzzles combined with Remedy's signature action

While Alan Wake 2 may not be as puzzle-heavy as traditional survival horror games, it excels by mixing Remedy's signature action gameplay with engaging side activities. With two distinct protagonists, players switch between detective work as Saga, piecing together clues, interviewing witnesses and solving puzzles such as finding passwords or breaking locks.

Like Alan Wake, things get even more interesting. The author's ability to manipulate reality through special artifacts allows him to bend and reshape the story, literally unlocking new paths and developing the story in unique ways.

4 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider

Best in the trilogy for balancing combat and puzzles

Shadow of the Tomb Raiderthe latest in the series, masterfully shifts focus to the exploration and puzzle-solving that fans of the franchise love. The game emphasizes tomb raiding and solving intricate temple puzzles, with optional challenge tombs offering even more to discover.

However, Shadow of the Tomb Raider doesn't skimp on action. Its shooting mechanics are the best in the trilogy, thanks to improved level design that encourages creativity, as well as new abilities in Lara's arsenal. Fans of third-person shooting will still find plenty to enjoy alongside the puzzle-solving.

5 Resident Evil 4 Remake

More action-oriented than previous entries, but still filled with intricate puzzles

Resident Evil 4 Remake leans heavily into action compared to previous entries, but it doesn't stray far from its roots, offering players plenty of puzzles throughout Leon Kennedy's journey. The castle section, in particular, is the most puzzle-heavy, and even allows players to briefly control Ashley in a suspenseful, combat-free sequence.

Many of the puzzles in the remake are optional, rewarding players with treasures or rare collectibles. Despite the game's streamlined nature and strong emphasis on its shooting mechanics, few fans are likely to mind, as Resident Evil 4 Remake achieves a stable balance between action and puzzle solving.

6 Verify

The Oldest House: Mysteries And Supernatural Action Await

Verify opens the door to the ambitious Remedy Connected Universe, leading to Alan Wake 2 and the coming Control 2. While the game mainly focuses on its fast-paced third-person shooting and supernatural abilities, there is no shortage of puzzles hidden in the mysterious Oldest House.

These puzzles often revolve around crossing challenges, which require players to navigate changing environments, avoid traps, and uncover secrets using their abilities such as telekinesis. Figuring out how to unlock new areas or survive the ever-changing architecture adds an extra layer of intrigue to the game's already exciting action.

7 Dead Space Remake

Playing as a space engineer provides a unique balance between horror and puzzle

Inspired by Resident Evil, Dead Space delivers an exceptional space survival horror experience, with a new twist: protagonist Isaac Clarke is not a hardened soldier but a skilled engineer. This adds a unique dynamic, as players must not only survive the horrors of the derelict mining vessel TSG Ishimura, but also repair the ship and its systems to ensure they can escape.

One of the game's most creative features is its arsenal, which largely consists of technological tools such as lasers and plasma cutters, which allow for strategic dismemberment of necromorphs. While players can wield an assault rifle, there's nothing quite as satisfying as using these technological tools to surgically dismantle enemies.

8 Remaining: From The Ashes

The original relic still shines despite being surpassed by its sequel

Even if The rest 2 surpasses it in almost every way, Remaining: From The Ashes is still very much worth playing today, and showcases all the strengths that fans have come to expect from the series. The game offers a wide variety of weapons to find, craft and upgrade, each providing unique gunplay.

While its puzzles may not be as complex as those in the sequel, they can still trouble unprepared players, and many hidden secrets are unlikely to be discovered without a guide. Additionally, some of the boss encounters function as puzzles themselves – a feature that the sequel further improves upon.