1. Ravensburger Empire State Building – Night Edition
2. Ravensburger Big Ben 216 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids and Adults
3. CubicFun 3D Puzzle for Adults Moveable Notre Dame de Paris Church
4. Hogwarts Astronomy Tower 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
5. ROKR 3D Wooden Puzzle Mechanical Model Kits for Adults
Humans are naturally blessed with varying levels of problem-solving skills, which can be enhanced for solving even more complex problems. If you want to enhance this natural gift even further, one of the best ways to go about it is to work your way through some challenging 3D puzzles for adults. If you have solved some of these puzzles before and you wish to improve your skills, then this review is definitely for you. If you have not tried any before, you also stand a great chance to learn something from this post.
Through any of the products we are about to review, you will be able to express your unique imagination; be it abstract, pretty, mechanical, or whatever form of structure you would like to build. All of the products on this list were selected after careful evaluation of several different brands and designs. These are the ones that stand out as the best when it comes to difficulty, durability, cost, and flexibility.
What Are 3D Puzzles for Adults?
The simplest way to describe these brain-teasing puzzles is that they are 3D jigsaw puzzles. Using them, you can build a miniature version of just about any building you can think of. All you have to do is assemble the already-made pieces and fit them as you deem fit. But before you start, you have to consider the level of difficulty and go for something you are comfortable with. If it gets too easy, you can then switch to a more challenging level.
The first jigsaw puzzle was invented in the eighteenth century. Jigsaws have been greatly modified since then as a result of modernization. Ironically, modernization is also the reason that jigsaws are no longer as popular as they used to be.
These days, everyone seems to have a smartphone with a lot of new-age digital games in them. There are also game consoles that have been constantly evolving since the days of Magnavox Odyssey in 1972 up to the Nintendo, Play Station, and Xbox systems of today.
So, what is the point of playing a puzzle game that requires more physical engagement when you can just do it on your phone with a few taps and swipes? Here are some of the advantages of 3D jigsaw puzzles.
- Better collaboration
You can improve your relationship with the people around you with these brain teasers – be it your family, friends, co-workers, or even strangers. According to research, couples who play video games together are happier than those who do not, and this, as insignificant as it may seem, can contribute a lot to your relationship.
It fosters a sense of working together as a team, closeness, conflict resolution, and communication.
- Keeps the brain healthy
Have you ever wondered why senior citizens play a lot of board games and puzzles? It is because it keeps their brains active and their memories intact. As a matter of fact, scientific research shows that engaging in such activities helps to delay the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Improves memory
This may sound surprising, but solving 3D jigsaw puzzles is a verified way of treating short-term memory loss. When you challenge your brain with these teasers, it strengthens the connections between the cells of the brain, getting them to work together for better output.
Over time, better connections between brain cells are developed, which results in long-term memory, improved mental speed, and better thought processes. This also helps with the development of better problem-solving skills and critical thinking.
- Improved visual-spatial reasoning
Basically, this game is all about figuring out where seemingly disjointed pieces can come together to form different structures. You have to make them work in a way that they can fit into the larger picture. Making this a habit helps with the development of better visual-spatial reasoning.
This form of reasoning is the basis of competence in areas such as driving, surgery, arts, and other brain-engaging tasks.
It is evident that anyone who solves these brain teasers has a lot to gain. In addition to that which has already been stated as some of the advantages, solving 3D puzzles for adults can also improve your intelligence quotient (IQ), lower stress levels, improve mood and communication, increase productivity, and provide great educational opportunities.
How to Pick Right 3D Puzzles for Adults
Variety is great, right? But it can also be frustrating when you have a lot of options to pick from. This is why we have studied a cross-section of the best-selling games in the market to understand what makes them stand out from the rest. We made some findings about the factors that affect the effectiveness of a particular product. It will be in your best interest to work with these factors to avoid spending money on substandard products.
Brands
When it comes to business, the reputation of a brand precedes the product or service being offered by well over sixty percent. With that in mind, professional marketers would advise that you go for the more popular and established brands. If everyone is talking about them, or if they have remained relevant for a long time, then they must be doing something right.
However, make sure the product checks out according to the other factors on the list before paying for it, otherwise, you should look elsewhere. Some of the brands we recommend include Ravensburger, Cubicfun, Hogwarts, and ROKR.
Material
The importance of the quality of the materials these teasers are made from cannot be over-emphasized. Like you already know, there is going to be a lot of taking it apart and putting it back together, and they go through stress while you’re trying out different combinations to see which way fits together best. Needless to say, the pieces go through a tough life.
This is why it is important to be on the lookout for a material that is sturdy and strong enough not to snap under pressure. Based on our findings, the best 3D puzzles for adults are made of durable materials such as high-quality wood, hard plastic, or metal.
Difficulty
The number of jigsaw pieces you are working with sets the level of difficulty of a puzzle. The greater the number of pieces, the more difficult it will be. There are a good number of brands that have as many as one thousand pieces or more. These brands are great if you want to build your problem-solving skills progressively. You can start with five hundred pieces and slowly build your way up to thousands of pieces.
Storage
How do you store your puzzle pieces? This is very important because just one single missing piece can cause you not to be able to complete a puzzle. You can get a different container to store them if you wish, but it would be a good idea to go for brands that come with storage bags and containers so you do not have to bother about finding one for yourself. Another tip is to buy from manufacturers that can provide replacement parts, even if a single piece should it snap or go missing.
Cost
If you are on a budget, you may have to take some extra time to do a little more research before investing in a jigsaw puzzle. The truth is, you can get high-quality products at very affordable prices if you invest the time to gain the right knowledge. To find an affordable but high-quality brain teaser for adults, you can buy in Black Friday sales with almost fifty percent discounts. Comparing prices of a cross-section of the best products also helps, and you can go for a second-hand set if you do are comfortable with the idea.
Top 5 Best 3D Puzzles for Adult
Now that you have a good idea of what 3D puzzles are and how to get the best of them, let us take a look at some of the brands we handpicked in the course of our research. It was a high standard, but the five products below met most of them, and come highly recommended by experts.
1. Our Pick: Ravensburger Empire State Building – Night Edition
Features:
- 216 puzzle pieces
- Precision fit
- Click-lock technology
- No glue required
- Lights up in five colors
- Beginner to medium difficulty levels
The Ravensburger company is known for making a variety of puzzles, and this model is one of their very best. We chose it as the best on our list because it is beginner-friendly, cost-effective, made from good quality material, and can fits together seamlessly. On getting the package, you will have around two hundred pieces, making it quite easy to work with. This seems fairly obvious — lower the number of pieces, the easier it is to set up of course.
Pros
Pros
- Suitable for both kids and adults
- Good quality material
- Flexible assembly
- Easy to work with
- Can be used for educational purposes
Cons
Cons
- Poses a choking hazard for children
- Pieces do not lock properly with each other
This particular model was designed with the Empire State Building in mind, but you can take advantage of its flexibility and build just about anything you want to with it. This product is suitable for both children and adults. With fewer than three hundred pieces, it is quite easy to assemble. It is also aesthetically appealing, with five different LED lights to make it glow in the dark.
Public Review Summary: It has numbered puzzle pieces that help make assembly much easier and faster. Also, it has LED lights that look attractive and the design is detailed and elegant. There are 6 different colors that gradually fade to the next one. On the other hand, sometimes the pieces don’t stay together and lights can stop working.
2. Best Plastic Material: Ravensburger Big Ben 216 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle for Kids and Adults
Features:
- High-quality plastic material
- 216 puzzle pieces
- Precision fit for every piece
- 3D-assembly
- Easy-click technology
- Rounded peel-resistant pieces
One fact that makes Ravensburger stand out from the rest of the brands is that this pace-setting company has been making toys for over one hundred and thirty years. They have managed to maintain a healthy customer base and consistent growth. This particular model was designed to build a model of Big Ben, making it somewhat historical and educational. It comes with numbers on the back of each piece to guide you while assembling it.
Pros
Pros
- Precision interlocking
- Suitable for adults and kids over ten years old
- Aesthetically appealing after set-up
- Suitable for educational purposes
- Reputable manufacturer
Cons
Cons
- Price is a bit on the high side
- Not very challenging
The set contains two hundred and sixteen pieces in total. Ravensburger has employed precision-fit technology to make sure each piece can be connected to just about any other piece. This means you can use it to create many other structures in addition to Big Ben. This is, by far, one of the best options for anyone who wants a puzzle made of plastic. Each piece is rounded and peel resistant, making the set durable. It is made with interlocking technology and can serve as a great educational resource.
Public Review Summary: This puzzle’s pieces aremade from high-quality plastic and it can be easily assembled. It takes just 2 to 3 hours to put it together and the end result looks even more attractive in real life than in the picture. One drawback in the reviews is that, in some cases, it has come with some wrong pieces or even missing a few.
3. Best Paper Material: CubicFun-3D-Puzzle-for-Adults-Moveable-Notre-Dame-de-Paris-Church
Features:
- Made from Paper and EPS Foam Board
- 293 puzzle pieces
- Movable walls
- Takes about six hours to assemble
- Precision fit for all pieces
- Suitable for persons of fourteen years and older
This would have been at the top of our list if it were made with more durable and pressure-resistant materials such as quality wood or plastic. Notwithstanding this, it still stands out as one of the best on the market. It is made from paper and EPS foam board. There are close to three hundred pieces in one pack, and movable walls. This model is a great one for beginners, and children of over fourteen years and adults. It is quite easy to build, but it is not the easiest.
Pros
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing and decorative
- Eco-friendly material
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Efficient customer service
- Helps to develop interpersonal relationships
- Fosters problem-solving ability
Cons
Cons
- Not very durable
- Pieces may not fit together so well
Full assembly of the structure may take as long as six hours. Each piece fits perfectly with each other. Although it is made of paper, it can last for quite a long time if handled with care. This puzzle contains two hundred and ninety-three precision-fit puzzle pieces in all, with movable walls. It does not shatter easily, so you can leave the structure standing for a while as an ornament or display piece if you wish.
Public Review Summary: This puzzle is extremely detailed and attractive. The instructions are clear so you won’t have problems with putting it together. The pieces can be punched out easily and are organized by numbers on sheets. The quality is of a very high standard and the paper (cardboard) engineering is really impressive. The only thing some customers say it is more like a model than a 3D puzzle and they don’t like that fact.
4. Best for Intermediate Players: Hogwarts Astronomy Tower 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
Features:
- Fantasy/fairies themes
- Made from felt material
- 875 jigsaw pieces
- Thick, snug, and tight-fitting
- Assembly instructions included
- Suitable for persons of 14 years and above
If you are a Harry Potter fan, then you will be fully familiar with the Hogwarts castle. It is the highest of all the towers and it leaves some magical impression on anyone that sets an eye on it. Since that is literally impossible, the best we can do is make a replica and have some fun doing it. The theme is fantasy and fairies of the magical world, just like it is in the movies. This brand comes with eight hundred and seventy-five pieces, which is enough to build a reasonably large castle.
Pros
Pros
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Challenging and fun to put together
- Great for brain development
- Improves interpersonal skills
- Helps with the development of conflict resolution skills
Cons
Cons
- Not beginner-friendly
- Might be missing some pieces
Each of the pieces is thick, snug, and tight-fitting. You can go ahead and work things out on your own if you like, or you can use the assembly instructions that come with the pack. This product is intended for children from twelve to fifteen years old, but it can also entertain adults who enjoy solving puzzles. This eco-friendly pack comes with a whole of benefits. It is challenging and enhances the brain health of people who tackle it.
Public Review Summary: The quality is high and it looks very attractive. The pieces join together fairly well but at first, it can be quite difficult to assemble. The instructions are simple and make it easy to build. If there are any cons to speak of, it can come with missing some pieces which is a pity.
5. Best Unique Design: ROKR 3D Wooden Puzzle Mechanical Model Kits for Adults
Features:
- Vintage movie projector model
- No batteries required
- Real movie projector
- Hand generator
- Vintage style
- 183 puzzle pieces
The design of this puzzle makes it stand out from the rest; and that is the design. Most of the 3D puzzles in this article are models of buildings, but this is different, making it one of the best 3D puzzles for adults. It is made of wood and makes a model of a movie projector. You do not need batteries to operate it, you just work it with your hands and you are fine. It comes with a hundred and eighty-three pieces, and it has a vintage-style vibe to it.
Pros
Pros
- Unique design
- Interestingly challenging and rewarding
- Suitable for teenagers and adults
- Helps to improve focus and concentration
- Improves brain ability
Cons
Cons
- Not flexible
- Not very beginner-friendly
Aside from having a unique design, this model is also one of the most tasking puzzles. So, if you are looking for something a little more challenging, then we highly recommend the ROKR 3D wooden puzzle. It is suitable for both teenagers and adults, and it is good value.
Public Review Summary: This puzzle is made from wood materials and has an old-style design that is accurate and attractive. Parts are easy to crank and turn. Also, the instructions are very clear and helpful. But as with most of this type of product, it can come with some missing or broken some pieces.
Conclusion
It has been proven time and again that puzzle games are great for both kids and adults, but you need to know how to get the best out of these benefits. The first thing to do is to get the best 3D puzzles you can find. Feel free to choose any of the brands we have explored above. After that, you have to put in the effort to learn how to solve them. The more you solve them, the more benefits you gain; so, consistency is key.
Interestingly, 3D puzzles are a great resource for both fun and games; a great way to spend quality time with people around you. If you wish to engage in a challenging task, then you may want to choose the ROKR 3d wooden puzzle mechanical model kits for adult’s DIY craft kits vitascope. It says “for adults”, but you can also choose it with kids if they are smart enough.