Summary
The Talos Principle 2has received a superb reception from fans and critics alike, exemplified by its impressive 87 Metascore, placing it among the most critically acclaimed puzzle games of the 2020s. Croteam’s philosophical puzzle game can be tricky for players to get their heads around, as not only does the game featuremind-bending puzzles, but it also has a story that is sure to give gamers at least one existential crisis throughout its runtime.
Like its predecessor,The Talos Principle 2starts off with someshort and simple puzzlesthat give players a false sense of security, making them believe that the game’s puzzles will be a breeze. However, the game cranks up the difficulty bit by bit until players are stuck for over an hour, hopelessly staring at their screen for signs of a clue. As such, for players who are new to eitherThe Talos Principlefranahcise or tricky puzzle games in general, it’s worth keeping these tips in mind.
1Solve Puzzles in Order, and Don’t Overuse Prometheus Sparks
Each puzzle expands on one or more gameplay mechanics, effectively acting as a tutorial for the next one
Like its predecessor,The Talos Principle 2puts players in an area with multiple puzzles and lets them solve them in any order that they choose. This is common in puzzle games, as it allows players to try something else if they get stuck.
However, although moving on to the next puzzle can reduce frustration - and can sometimes offer a hint for how to solve the previous puzzle - it is generally a good idea to solve puzzles in number order. Each puzzle inTalos Principle 2adds another layer of complexity to the one before it, teaching players a new way to use the various equipment. As such, if players solve Puzzle 1 and then head straight to Puzzle 8, the difficulty significantly increases, as players have likely missed the gradual introduction of gameplay mechanics.
If players do decide to skip a puzzle, they should only skip to the next number rather than skip multiple levels at once. As for Prometheus Sparks, they are best kept for the game’s final stretch, where the puzzle can become excruciatingly difficult. Even then, players will miss out on the rewarding feeling of completing each puzzle themselves.
2Avoid Rushing Through Areas
Each zone has far more to discover than just puzzles
One of the most significant differences betweenThe Talos Principle 2and its predecessor is how much larger each area is. Not only do players now need more complex directions to simply find the next puzzle, but each area is also big enough to include hidden levels, Prometheus Sparks, remains to inspect, and much more.
Although it may be tempting to just focus on the main puzzles, it’s absolutely worth slowing things down and taking a long walk around each area to see what’s there, as some of the game’s best levels are off the main trail. Along with the hidden levels, the game’s stars alsorequire some truly out-of-the-box thinking at times, which can be tremendously rewarding.
3Don’t Brute Force Puzzles
Players will be amazed how often a short break from the screen will provide a clearer picture upon return
It’s no secret that puzzle games can be frustrating. Unlike most single-player games, where consistent progress is often a guarantee, difficult puzzle games can see players try to solve a puzzle for an hour and be no closer to solving it when 60 minutes have passed. Although this makes well-designed puzzle games - likeThe Talos Principle 2- highly rewarding when it finally clicks, it can be difficult to persist when players have run out of ideas.
In these instances, it is common for players to either attempt to brute force a puzzle (aimlessly move things around in hopes of something happening) or simply look online for a guide. Although these two options can be tempting, it’s often a good idea to simply take a break from the game for a while. Any experienced puzzle fan will concur that they have previously left a puzzle for an hour, day, or even a week, and when they’ve come back to it with a fresh mind, they’ve solved it in a matter of minutes.
Sometimes, a clear mind is better for solving puzzles than one that is crammed with ideas.
4Look for Vantage Points
It’s harder to get a clear picture of a puzzle in a 3D game than a 2D one; a good vantage point can help with that
One inherent issue with 3D puzzle games is that it’s harder for players to see the level that they’re trying to solve. Whereas, in many 2D puzzle games, players can see the entirety of the level and everything in it at a glance. Even in some 3D puzzle games likeThe Witness, the majority of puzzles are solved on flat screens.
As such, if players are having an issue getting a picture of what to do in a level, finding a good vantage point is often a great idea. Not every level has a vantage point, but for those that do, it’s sometimes easier to stay in the vantage point, put the controller down, and try to work out the entire puzzle mentally.
5Sometimes, It’s Better to Work Backward Than Forward
Picturing how a puzzle will look upon completion is often a great way to map out a plan
Following on from the previous entry, working out how a puzzle will look when it’s completed is another good way of avoiding tunnel vision, as looking at the big picture of how everything should work together in tandem is better than trying to solve adifficult puzzleincrementally.
Before trying to open various Energy Gates or retrieve equipment, have a good look around at everything in the level and then head to the exit and consider what steps need to be taken in order to solve the entire puzzle. As per the previous entry, it is often easier to do this while looking down at the level from a vantage point.
The Talos Principle 2was released on November 2nd, 2023, and is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
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