Critical thinking can be a difficult skill to hone, but with some practice and a fun incentive, you can be thinking deeper in no time. That’s where online games for adults come into play, challenging players to rely on their abilities to analyze, reflect, use emotional reasoning, consider multiple interpretations, and more.
Online chess, Brainstorm, Tangram puzzles, and Factorio are just a few examples of critical thinking games adults can access online. These fun games, which range from puzzle-style to number-themed and more, will test your ability to ask important questions, think of multiple possible solutions to problems, and become a generally better critical thinker.
In today’s guide, we’ll be sharing some examples of these online critical thinking games that are enjoyable to play, in addition to being enriching. Keep reading along as we explain the reasons why these games exercise the brain so well and what they entail.
Overview
Below, we explore the following:
- How Online Games Improve Critical Thinking
- They call upon problem-solving skills
- They rely on evaluation
- They promote open-mindedness
- They make you reflect
- Best Online Games for Critical Thinking
- Online Chess
- Brainstorm
- Tangram Puzzles
- Sudoku Online
- Factorio
- Spent
- EyeWire 3D Puzzle Game
How Online Games Improve Critical Thinking
Some of the key parts of being a good critical thinker include the ability to problem-solve, reflect, evaluate information, and be open-minded to different perspectives. Online games can draw on these skills and strengthen them through trial and error.
They Call Upon Problem-Solving Skills
In many puzzle-style games, critical thinking is needed to figure out possible consequences of the next move or moves. For example, when completing a Sudoku puzzle online, the next number you place must avoid overlapping with the same number elsewhere in its row, column, and 9×9 cube.
This requires players to imagine different solutions to the problem (i.e. cells that a number could fit into) until the best one is achieved.
The same sort of mental ability is needed when playing online chess. Players must anticipate the possible effects of their next move, thinking ahead.
They Rely on Evaluation
Evaluation is an important part of being a critical thinker. Online critical thinking games often present a set of information that the player must identify and evaluate in order to make certain decisions.
They Promote Open-Mindedness
Sometimes, solving critical problems requires the thinker to put their self in someone else’s shoes.
When it comes to online games, the player may be challenged to think outside of their own brain by trying to imagine what their opponent might do next, given the circumstances. This is common in games like online chess.
They Make You Reflect
Online critical thinking games are also useful in teaching one the value of self-reflection. In order to think critically, you have to be able to slow down and assess (sometimes re-assess) the information you have.
This time of reflection often informs more accurate and effective answers to problems presented in games.
Online Games for Critical Thinking
Below are 7 of the best online games that you can turn to for a fun time, as well as practice in critical thinking. Keep in mind that different styles of games, whether they’re puzzles or 1v1 games, can utilize different skills in critical thinking.
Online Chess
Chess is one of the oldest critical thinking games that both children and adults can enjoy, and nowadays you can easily access a virtual board online. Sites like Chess.com provide free one-on-one chess games that you can play against a computer or another online player of similar skill level to you.
Online chess asks players to think multiple steps ahead, consider the opponent’s mindset, mentally evaluate the information on the board, and more.
Brainstorm
Brainstorm is an online game that focuses on decision-making and problem-solving skills. As you progress through the game, you are presented with more challenging tasks to solve.
Some of the games involve numbers and shapes, while others present questions.
Tangram Puzzles
Websites such as Freegames.org have free selections of puzzle-style games such as tangrams that adults can play. Tangram puzzles go back roughly 1,000 years in human history.
They exercise your spatial reasoning skills, problem-solving skills, evaluation skills, and organizational abilities. These are fun critical thinking puzzles to try out if you aren’t as big of a fan of games using numbers and letters.
Sudoku Online
We couldn’t mention number-oriented critical thinking games without mentioning Sudoku. Many people are familiar with sudoku puzzles, as found in Sunday newspapers next to the crossword puzzle.
You can also complete sudoku puzzles online via sites such as sudoku.com. This Japanese puzzle is an intense exercise in logical skills, along with good concentration and evaluation.
Factorio
Factorio is similar to Minecraft but has its own perks when it comes to critical thinking practice. You can play Factorio at GOG.com or via the Steam desktop app. It’s a management-style open world game that requires players to think carefully and organize to get optimal results.
From mining resources to building infrastructure, fighting off your enemies, and completing menial tasks like chopping down trees, you must rely heavily on logic and critical thinking skills to advance.
Spent
As its name might suggest, Spent is a game related to money-spending and budgeting. Adults may enjoy this online game, as it strengthens critical thinking skills as well as money management skills.
It’s an exercise in prioritizing and decision-making, which requires deeper thinking and reflection.
EyeWire 3D Puzzle Game
The EyeWire 3D Puzzle is essentially a way to map your own brain. Throughout the puzzle, players get to learn intricate skills and laugh at funny videos. The game is a 3D puzzle and powered by AI technology.
Final Thoughts – Online Critical Thinking Games for Adults
The above critical thinking online games for adults are both enriching and fun. From online chess to Sudoku puzzles, Spent, and more, these games exercise your ability to evaluate, analyze, reflect, use logic, and rely on other critical thinking skills.
Be sure to check them out today!
References
[PC] Games that will push critical thinking from gamingsuggestions
10 Engaging Online Games To Test Your Critical Thinking Skills
