Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the World of Special Puzzles
Alex MasiShare
From surprise endings to wooden masterpieces, here’s why puzzlers are going beyond the classic jigsaw.
At Let’s Puzzle, we love a good 500-piece landscape as much as anyone—but sometimes, puzzling begs for a twist. Whether you’re looking to level up your puzzle game, try something unexpected, or simply escape the ordinary, “special puzzles” are having a moment. These unique formats—from Wasgij to Escape puzzles—offer more than just pretty pictures. They challenge your brain, delight your imagination, and often surprise you with the journey just as much as the destination.
Let’s take a tour through four of the most intriguing types—and why they might be your next favorite puzzling experience.
Wasgij: Don't Puzzle What You See
Ever done a puzzle without knowing what the final image will be? That’s the world of Wasgij—the name is “jigsaw” spelled backward, and it flips the puzzle-solving experience on its head.
Depending on the type, instead of puzzling what you see on the box:
- Original: you puzzle from a certain character's perspective
- Mystery: you puzzle what you think will happen next
- Destiny: you puzzle what you think will happen in a distant future
Which means your imagination gets just as much exercise as your pattern-matching brain.
Why it’s trending:
- Unexpected and funny scenes
- Encourages story-based thinking
- Feels like solving a small riddle as much as a puzzle
Secret Puzzles: Can You Spot the Differences?
Secret Puzzles look like normal jigsaws at first glance, but they hold something extra. Once completed, these puzzles reveal hidden scenes or surprising details not visible on the box. Think of them as the escape room’s quieter cousin: instead of solving clues, the reveal is in the image itself.
It’s ideal for those who love surprises or like to feel rewarded for reaching the final piece.
Why puzzlers love them:
- The box doesn’t spoil the ending
- Great for storytelling and shared puzzling
- Each image contains a twist or “aha!” moment
Wooden Puzzles: Art Meets Craftsmanship
Wooden puzzles are in a category of their own. Often laser-cut, they feature uniquely shaped pieces (called whimsies), intricate details, and an aesthetic quality that turns puzzling into a sensory experience.
They’re beautiful, sustainable, and often reusable in creative ways. Whether framed, gifted, or re-rented, these puzzles have longevity and charm.
What makes them special:
- Tactile joy and stunning visual appeal
- Eco-friendly and long-lasting
- Unique piece shapes add to the challenge
Escape Puzzles: Puzzling Riddles
Imagine combining a jigsaw puzzle with an escape room. That’s the idea behind Escape Puzzles: you build a cool image, which contains secret riddles that you'll need to solve to find the ultimate answer.
This puzzle type is perfect for those who want more than just a meditative activity. It’s interactive, story-driven, and ideal for small groups or solo detectives.
Best for:
- Game night with a twist
- Puzzle-lovers who crave challenges
- Those who want something immersive and goal-oriented
Final Piece: A New Frontier for Puzzle Lovers
The beauty of these special puzzles is that they offer more than a picture—they deliver stories, surprises, and new ways of thinking. As more people seek screen-free entertainment that’s immersive and creative, these puzzling innovations are exactly what the community craves.
At Let’s Puzzle, we’re constantly expanding our collection to include these gems. Whether you want the whimsy of a wooden puzzle or the twist of a Wasgij, we’ve got you covered—and renting them means you can try them all without commitment.