Available on Windows and Mac, or play along online.

Visit play.usatoday.com for a one-stop hub for daily puzzles, crosswords, and brain teasers designed to keep your mind active ...

Some people solve the New York Times crossword or sit down to a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle as a fun and relaxing way to spend an evening. Others use expert puzzle strategies to strategize their way ...

Research shows that crossword puzzles are effective in improving memory. (Getty Images) There is no reality check like telling someone the same story twice and not realizing it until they stop you ...

Experts say the answer is a puzzle. By Dana G. Smith and Katie Mogg It makes sense in principle: You exercise your muscles to make them stronger and prevent frailty and decline; shouldn’t your brain ...

They’ve long been seen as a way to prevent cognitive decline—but experts say the real key to brain health goes far beyond word games. An elderly person works on a crossword puzzle. These games can ...

It’s a daily ritual for millions of people. You wake up, pour a cup of coffee, and eventually make your way to one or more crossword puzzles, word games and other brain twisters. The test of banked ...

Did you know you have reward centers in your brain? You do! Think about when you solved a Hack Your Brain puzzle or completed one of the challenges. Perhaps you got a high-five from a friend or a ...

Ritwik is a passionate gamer who has a soft spot for JRPGs. He's been writing about all things gaming for six years and counting. Engaging puzzle games like Blue Prince and Catherine keep players' ...

Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in consumer-facing health and wellness content. “Brain games” have become a popular way to stay sharp ...

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? When 2D puzzles are no longer exciting, 3D brain teasers are the way. These handheld ...

If your morning starts with a litany of daily puzzles and word games, now is a great time to add USA TODAY Play's games to your roster. Less stressful than many other crossword puzzles on the market, ...