The best challenging jigsaw puzzles can help you fill out your dull days, distract yourself from unwanted thoughts, or serve as a pastime activity for friends and family, much like playing cards at a family or friends' game night.

Science has also shown that puzzles can also improve your brain. They can help you develop focus and memory, which might help you excel in other areas.

The best part is that everyone can have a share of the fun. There are jigsaw puzzles for everyone, ranging from kids to adults.

But what happens when you've tried a dozen jigsaw puzzles that seem too easy for your brain? What if your most beloved boardgames are feeling a little played out? Well, it is time for a new challenge.

If you want a challenging jigsaw puzzle that improves your spatial reasoning and sharpens your focus and memory, then you should check out our list of the best challenging jigsaw puzzles. These fun yet challenging jigsaw puzzles will keep you occupied for hours, days, and even weeks, depending on whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro.

And when you finally complete these fun challenges, you can choose to take them apart to experience the joy of putting them back together again. Alternatively, you can glue it up and display your achievements for yourself and others to admire.

The CHengQiSM Sailboat to Explore The Sea 1000 pieces jigsaw puzzle is a beautiful puzzle to solve. The picture and size make it a beautiful puzzle and art piece. The manufacturers used high-resolution print, as you will tell from the vibrant color on the pieces. Some parts feel lightweight. But it shouldn't be a bother unless you assemble them in a windy area.

Everyone loves a great challenge, which is what the Sailboat to Explore The Sea jigsaw puzzle offers. However, it is not so hard that you would need to devote months to it. The pieces are varied but have lettering at the back for easy assembly.

This beautiful jigsaw puzzle will become an instant favorite if you love images of old word maps and ships. It is a fun challenge without the need to rack your brain.

The finished product is gorgeous as a framed picture. When you finish putting the pieces together, you can mount the image on a frame and hang it in your home. But if you are like many puzzle geeks, you might decide to take it apart and then go for another round.

You can also get the Sailboat to Explore The Sea jigsaw puzzle as a gift for friends and family. Alternatively, you can use it to spend quality time with your loved ones.

The average time for this puzzle is one week. It is okay if you take up to a month. The fun of puzzle solving is in both the journey and destination.

Key Features
  • Perfect gift
  • High-Definition Print
  • Home decoration
  • Free guide print
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: CHengQiSM
Pros
  • Fun for all the family
  • Beautifully illustrated
  • Iconic artwork
  • Complex and challenging
Cons
  • Box doesn't show the full image
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CHengQiSM Sailboat to Explore The Sea 1000 Pieces Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults

The pixel challenge is a challenging yet fun jigsaw puzzle. It comes with letters on the back of each piece to help you assemble the entire puzzle on time. But make no mistakes; even with the letterings, you still have a fun challenge ahead of you.

With the letterings, you can divide the pieces into eight groups. Most people will find it easier to solve each group independently and assemble everything. This approach can help you save time, but it wouldn't make the puzzle any less changeling.

We expect most fervent jigsaw puzzle solvers to be able to solve this puzzle in a few days. If you tackle this challenge after work hours, you have a week ahead of you. It can take weeks or even months to solve for people who dabble. It is not frustrating enough to make you dump the puzzle in the trash or store it in the basement, so have no fears. Every moment spent on this puzzle will be fun.

If you buy it as a gift, be prepared for anything. The recipient might claim to hate you, but deep down, they will be thrilled by the challenge of solving this fun puzzle.

The pieces are of high quality, and they fit well too. TOOLILA put care into the quality of their puzzles, which shows in the quality of the parts.

The 2.3mm thick pieces are sturdy, fit well and do not bend or peel even after excessive handling. When you finish this puzzle, you can take it apart for a second round or pass the challenge to someone else.

Key Features
  • Beautiful gift box
  • 1:1 size, high-quality poster
  • 2.3mm thick pieces
  • Made in Europe
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: TOOLILA
Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Fun for the whole family
  • Perfect gift
  • Beautiful minimalist boxes
Cons
  • It might be too easy for puzzle nerds
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TOOLILA 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults (The Pixel Challenge)

Jigsaw puzzles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but the 1,000-piece adult jigsaw puzzle from Puzzle Press has unique features that make it start. It is a highly challenging yet beautifully designed puzzle. It comes in three gradients: red, yellow, and green.

A gradient puzzle is so relaxing. The distinct yet harmonious blends of different gradients of the same color make the assembly process soothing and satisfying. Working each piece to form the gradient is like performing magic.

When you approach it, you will find yourself immersed in this intensely challenging blend of chromatic spectrum. If you are getting it as a gift, the recipient will love joining each brilliant piece with its neighbor.

Losing yourself in this gradient puzzle's beauty is easy when assembling the pieces. However, the journey to the final destination will not be easy. Some details can be downright confusing, so you would need to take your time.

The piece quality is top-notch. You can use it as a feature of your family pastimes or a way to get yourself busy on a dull day. However you choose, it is fun to solve this puzzle.

Overall, this is a fun puzzle that combines the best of high-resolution colorful design with the challenges that every puzzle-loving person enjoys. Whether you are a collector or an occasional dabbler, you need the gradient puzzle from Puzzle Press to complete your puzzle collection.

Key Features
  • Incredible gradient jigsaw puzzle with bright, cool design
  • High-quality, extra durable construction
  • It comes in a sturdy, beautiful box
  • Includes free gradient puzzle poster
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: Puzzle Press
Pros
  • Crisp, vibrant color
  • Precisely cut for snug fitting
  • Perfect for Teens and Adults
  • Surprisingly intuitive to complete
Cons
  • It requires exceptional patience
Buy This Product
Puzzle Press Gradient Puzzle 1000 Piece Adult Jigsaw Puzzle Meet the exotic gradient puzzle 1000-piece adult jigsaw puzzle from Puzzle Press. It is nothing short of addictive

Whether you love sea turtles or not, you will fall in love with the KAAYEE Sea Turtle 100 pieces wooden jigsaw puzzle. Its stunning design and vibrant colors make it great for framing and hanging on walls.

The pieces of this beautiful, intricately designed wooden puzzle are made of balsa wood. Wooden puzzles are more durable than paper and cardboard puzzle pieces. If you are looking for a puzzle you can repeatedly solve with friends and family, then the KAAYEE Sea Turtle 100 pieces wooden jigsaw puzzle should be on your list.

With only 100 pieces, this puzzle is much simpler than the others on our list. However, that doesn’t make it any less challenging. You still need to devote time and attention to fit all the pieces perfectly. Plus, there is no lettering at the back of the tiles, so you are entirely on your own.

If you are looking for a sturdy puzzle to buy as a gift for a young child or adult, you can get this wooden sea turtle puzzle from KAAYEE. You can also buy it for yourself, solve it and then exchange it for another puzzle from any of your puzzle-loving friends.

Something to love about the KAAYEE Sea Turtle 100 pieces wooden jigsaw puzzle is its beautiful design. The colorful artwork and the vibrant color can make you feel like you are examining a sea turtle coming out of the puzzle. Of course, you only get to admire the artwork after you’ve assembled the puzzle. So, buy it and get to work.

Key Features
  • Unique animal shape
  • High-quality baltic birchwood
  • Exquisite wooden box to store the puzzle pieces
  • It comes with an extra easel
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Beginners
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Wood
  • Number of Pieces: 100
  • Brand: KAAYEE
Pros
  • High-quality material
  • Can be framed
  • Vibrant design
  • Fun for all the family
Cons
  • The print and box are quite small
Buy This Product
KAAYEE Sea Turtle 100 Pieces Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Explore the limits of your imagination and the allure of vibrant colors in this masterpiece puzzle from AweDrop. The stunning Clouds of Afterlife design built on the stunning backdrop of sunset and sunrise pull you in as you match each piece with a piece. The finished product will draw you into the realms of imagination and endless fantasy.

There is magic in the Clouds of Afterlife 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle, and there is work. Although beautiful, this jigsaw puzzle will not yield easily to you. However, the process is mostly enjoyable. The initial steps might be challenging, but as you progress, you will get a feel of what the finished products should look like, and taking pieces will come naturally to you.

Included in the package is a reference poster to assist you in solving it. You and your loved ones can spend quality time together figuring out what goes where. It is tough enough to put your mind and skill to the test but not too tough that your kids would give up in frustration.

The construction is reliable as the manufacturers use high-quality recycled material. The print is high-definition, so you can feel the vibrancy and texture in every piece. Each piece fits neatly with its counterparts.

Each piece is made from children- and environmentally-friendly material, making it an excellent choice for the family. You can also purchase this puzzle as a gift for any special occasion.

If you want a way to enjoy the finest modern art creations entertainingly, then the Clouds of Afterlife 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is for you.

Key Features
  • A beautiful modern artwork with stunning vibrant colors
  • Challenging 1,000-piece puzzle for adults
  • Perfect gift choice for any special occasion
  • Suitable for adults, teens, and kids.
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: AweDrop
Pros
  • Excellent color reproduction
  • Challenging puzzle
  • Sturdy construction
  • Gorgeous artwork
Cons
  • Too tough for young kids
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AweDrop Clouds of Afterlife 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

The Impuzzible 1000-piece natural grass jigsaw puzzle claims to be impossible. Are you up to the challenge?

This 1000-piece puzzle sports an almost identical glass layout with no weeds, moss, or other imperfection. The biggest challenge of your day, week, or even month would be assembling the almost identical pieces of this nearly impossible-to-solve puzzle.

Even the most ardent jigsaw puzzler will have their work cut out. However, it is not impossible to solve. You simply have to devote your time, attention, and memory for days.

You are not helpless, though — the puzzle ships with a high-quality poster for reference. The only downside is that you might need natural light to help you figure out what goes where.

So if you are patient and open to spending time developing a strategy, then this is for you. This puzzle demands your absolute attention. You can't be watching your favorite sitcom or munching potato chips while working it out.

However, we love it for those reasons. It is in the extreme category of challenging jigsaw puzzles, which is why it is at the top of our list.

The manufacturer also offers some excellent guarantees that would make anyone want to get the Impuzzible 1000-piece natural grass jigsaw puzzle. First, they use recyclable materials for puzzle packaging. Secondly, they also offer to replace any missing pieces.

Each puzzle piece is 1.5mm thick, so it is easy to handle all day and wouldn't blow off the table in the presence of a light wind.

Key Features
  • Climate Friendly packaging
  • High-Definition Print
  • Made in the UK
  • Free guide print
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: Impuzzible
Pros
  • Excellent color reproduction
  • Challenging puzzle
  • Lots of pieces
  • Child-safe materials
Cons
  • It requires a lot of patience
Buy This Product
Impuzzible Natural Grass 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults

Welcome to the puzzle jungle. The Madd Capp tiger 550-piece jigsaw puzzle will inspire you and your loved ones with its challenging puzzle design. The product ships with fun facts, an image reference, and a 550-piece puzzle.

One unique feature of the Madd Capp tiger 550-piece jigsaw puzzle and other puzzle themes within the lineup is their distinctive shapes. While most other puzzles come in standard rectangle or square shapes, these fantastic puzzles have an animal-outline form. So the Madd Capp tiger 550-piece jigsaw puzzle features the form of a tiger’s head.

The finished product will give you the intricate beauty of the tiger. You can choose to frame the stunning photographic view and hand it on your wall after completing the puzzle.

Although the Madd Capp tiger jigsaw puzzle has only 550 pieces, it offers a formidable challenge to both beginners and seasoned pros. You and your loved ones will have an exciting time assembling the pieces.

Aside from the thrill of putting the pieces together, you can also learn fun facts. All you need to do is flip the fold-out puzzle image to the other side to access the fantastic wealth of facts. For instance, did you know that owls cannot chew because they do not have teeth?

You will get so many fun and other amazing facts from the Madd Capp tiger 550-piece jigsaw puzzle.

Anyone can attempt to solve this puzzle, but be prepared for the journey ahead. Even the most avid puzzle geek will require more than a few hours to finish the Madd Capp tiger 550-piece jigsaw puzzle. But when you finally complete the puzzle, the results will be worth it.

Key Features
  • Semi-gloss, photo-realistic animal image
  • A unique, animal head-shaped border
  • Random cut, interlocking puzzle pieces
  • Educational fun facts and puzzle image
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 550
  • Brand: Madd Capp
Pros
  • Big and beautiful
  • Challenging puzzle
  • Excellent color reproduction
  • Can be framed
Cons
  • Too tough for young children
Buy This Product
Madd Capp TIGER 550 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

The Bgraamiens line puzzle is a 1,000-piece puzzle that will challenge even the most skilled puzzle solvers. Multiple lines run in different directions on the front, creating beautiful chaos. On the back, you have letters to help you group the tiles and orient them correctly.

This black-and-white line puzzle is as challenging as a puzzle can be. Even the most skilled puzzle builders can get frustrated with their first moves. However, as they progress, the process can easily lead to hours of relaxation.

You don’t need the talent of a puzzle master to solve the Bgraamiens line puzzle, but you need patience and plenty of time. If you want to multitask while solving puzzles, stay away from this black-and-white puzzle. It is also a great gift if you wish to infuriate your puzzle-solving friends.

Can it be infuriating? Yes, but the end product is rewarding. When putting the nearly identical 1,000 pieces together, you will realize that the goal isn't to create a picture. Your primary objective is to discover the linear patterns that the lines represent. Seems complicated? You haven’t had half of it until you begin solving the puzzle.

If you find the puzzle too hard, check the back of each piece for hints. Each piece comes with a letter. The letters show you the general location of a piece and how to orient it correctly.

Those who want complete bragging rights can try to solve the puzzle without checking the back of the pieces. It is not impossible but be prepared to spend weeks or even months putting the pieces together.

What do you say? Challenge accepted?

Key Features
  • Includes 1000 extra large puzzle pieces
  • Solid and bend-resistant
  • High-definition puzzle poster
  • A unique design of puzzle pieces
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: Bgraamiens
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • High-quality material
  • First-class reproduction
  • Genuinely challenging
Cons
  • Might be too tough for some children
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Bgraamiens The Lines -1000 Pieces Black and White Jigsaw Puzzles

The Bgraamiens twisted 3D colorful 1,000-piece square puzzle will deliver if you want a challenging puzzle. Ardent puzzle builders will find the unique features of this 3D puzzle exciting.

First, the borders don’t just fall into place like standard puzzle pieces. You need to pay some attention and time to find the parts that fit with others. You can check the poster for guidance, but you will find it challenging until you are halfway done.

The pieces are of good quality, although they might not stay put if you have to remove a misplaced bit. So you want to be careful when making rearrangements, so you don’t undo your progress.

One exciting feature of solving the Bgraamiens twisted 3D colorful 1000 pieces square puzzle is the constant switching of emotions. At some point, you would feel like nothing fits anywhere. The next moment, you are excited because everything just fits right.

If you are getting this puzzle for a friend, be prepared to get reports of how challenging it can be. Solving this puzzle can be frustrating, especially at the early stage, but after a while, they will get the hang of it, and you can share experiences over drinks.

Many people find the lettering at the back of the pieces helpful in solving the puzzle. If you like, you can take the first few hours to sort the puzzle pieces into groups based on the lettering. Then you can solve each group individually or allocate each group with your puzzling solving partners.

Key Features
  • Made of sturdy blue chipboard on recycled paper
  • Backside markings to make assembly easier.
  • Intellectual game for adults and kids
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: Bgraamiens
Pros
  • Challenging puzzle
  • Fun for all the family
  • Delightful 3D image
  • Unusual piece shapes
Cons
  • Some blue dust comes off the back
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BGRAAMIENS Twisted 3D Colorful 1000 Pieces Square Puzzle

The Bgraamiens geometric colorful 1,000-piece mandala jigsaw puzzle is unique. It comes with a round mandala design with vertically aligned delicate patterns. The sharp colors and vivid scenery make this puzzle come alive when you are done setting the piece together.

Some unique features of the colorful 1,000-piece mandala jigsaw puzzle include its round shape and special puzzle cutting. While these features make the puzzle a beauty to behold, it also adds to the challenge, albeit in a fun way.

Made from sturdy recycled cardboard, the puzzle pieces are sturdy and should hold well even with repeated use. You can always dismantle the puzzle for another round of fun assembly.

One thing that makes the mandala jigsaw puzzle stand out from the regular puzzle types is its cutting. Not all sections are equal. Some areas would feel like a breeze, while others would require you to pay attention to details.

To make things easier, the back side of the puzzle pieces has letter marketing on them. These letter marketing will help you orient the parts and know the general area they fit. Of course, if you want a challenge, you can ignore the letters.

Most ardent puzzle lovers might ignore the letters thanks to the distinct design rings on the puzzle. This observation can help you figure out where to place each piece.

Construction is excellent as the puzzle pieces are made on thick cardboard. It also ships in a solid box with a large poster to guide your assembly.

Key Features
  • Round Mandala with different patterns and colors
  • Vivid color and beautiful scenery
  • Large puzzle pieces made of sturdy chipboard
  • Backside lettering to make assembly easier.
Specifications
  • Level of Difficulty: Advanced
  • Puzzle Type: Jigsaw
  • Materials: Cardboard
  • Number of Pieces: 1,000
  • Brand: Bgraamiens
Pros
  • Big and beautiful
  • Challenging puzzle
  • Sturdy construction
  • Family-friendly puzzle
Cons
  • It requires a lot of patience
Buy This Product
Bgraamiens Geometric Colorful 1000 Pieces Mandala Jigsaw Puzzle

How To Pick The Right Challenging Jigsaw Puzzle

Here are some things to look out for when shopping for the best challenging jigsaw puzzle:

Design and Cut

There are many designs to pick from, ranging from places, art, and cartoon characters. You should select an image you’ll enjoy working on, as putting a jigsaw puzzle together can take a while. If you plan to hang up the finished puzzle, then you should pick a design that you love to have in your home.

Jigsaw puzzles are so-called because they are puzzles cut by jigsaw. You want a puzzle that fits well when you’ve done it correctly. This fitting will make putting the pieces together more straightforward and faster.

Jigsaw Puzzle 2Size and Weight

Jigsaws come in all shapes and sizes. They could be small, regular, large, or huge. The small and regular-sized puzzles are suitable for adults. Large-sized puzzles are ideal for small children as they are hard to swallow. The big puzzles are great for group playing.

The weight of a jigsaw puzzle depends on the materials used and the thickness. Most puzzles are made of cardboard or paper, so they would not be too thick. Generally speaking, a jigsaw puzzle piece should weigh roughly 2 grams. That weight allows easy handling while ensuring the puzzle pieces would be blown away by light air.

Number of Pieces

You can choose from 250 pieces, 500 pieces, 1000 pieces, or even 2000 pieces. However, you should know that the more pieces you have to join, the longer it could take for you to solve the puzzle. You should also note that it is normal to have 1-3 pieces missing. It happens mainly in the packaging area of the factory. Having more than three missing pieces is not great, as it can affect the process and your satisfaction when you’ve combined all the pieces.

Jigsaw PuzzleDifficulty Level

Generally speaking, the more pieces a jigsaw puzzle has, the more challenging it would be to complete. Other factors that determine the difficulty level are the shapes of the puzzle pieces and the images printed on them. If a group of pieces has similar images, it can take you a while to know what fits where. You can start your puzzling-solving experience with a challenging puzzle set. However, we recommend starting with the simpler ones and climbing your way up the difficulty ladder.

Challenging jigsaw puzzles can give you intellectual stimulation and immense satisfaction when you finish putting the pieces together. The puzzles listed here will do that for you and more.

Cheers to a challenging, fun experience.