Since the lockdown (which, if you want to feel really old, started almost a whole 5 years ago by the way) we’ve seen fewer and fewer puzzle game Kickstarters and crowdfunding campaigns. I blame people going back to in-person escape rooms. No bad thing, but my puzzle game “pile of shame” definitely needs a top-up.

Which is why when I spot not one but four Kickstarter campaigns from puzzle game creators I know and love pop up in one season, I think that’s worth celebrating. Especially when these creators have proven themselves over time with consistently good puzzle games.

So if you’re looking for your next puzzle game to get excited about, here are our top picks for puzzle crowdfunding campaigns you should check out right now.

Spencer is Puzzling: Squirrels Gone Wild

At the time of writing, Spencer is Puzzling’s newest tabletop puzzle game, Squirrels Gone Wild is not quite 100% funded and honestly that’s wild. Almost as wild as the squirrels have gone. Here at The Escape Roomer received an early prototype and we adored this lighthearted, silly puzzle romp about squirrels. It has some really unique puzzles including some of the most impressive bonus content we’ve seen in a game in a long time. We think you’ll love it. Walk don’t run to back.

“Scamper into a charming tale propelled by clever puzzles, endearing characters and an irresponsible amount of squirrel puns. In Squirrels Gone Wild, You’ll be tasked with helping Chester the squirrel scour through an adorable, silly and devious scrapbook that belongs to his (possibly, slightly unhinged) ex-squirrelfriend, Lucy. This scrapbook is packed full of happy memories, sentimental artifacts, AND BETRAYAL!”

Back Squirrels Gone Wild on Kickstarter for £27 GBP

GIF from the Kickstarter homepage

Scarlet Envelope: Christmas Postcards

Following the success of Scarlet Envelope’s core games, and last year’s successful Christmas card campaign, the Scarlet Envelope duo have returned with a whole new set of Christmas cards for 2024. The coolest part? All backers will be involved in helping create one of them from scratch. Whilst we haven’t played these yet, the cards we received (and sent) last year were a huge hit with puzzley friends and family members alike. I’m thrilled that the team have designed whole new ones, and can’t wait to solve these around the Christmas tree this year.

“Say hi to a set of five festive postcards, each with a cheeky little puzzle in an escape room style. Clever visual, logic, and word puzzles from award-winning designers meet cute hand-drawn illustrations. The result? Only the most extraordinary Christmas Cards!”

Back on Kickstarter for £14 GBP for 4

Image by Scarlet Envelope

Ministry of Lost Things: Lint Condition

From another of our favourite designers, Post Curious, comes a brand new puzzletale game – The Ministry of Lost Things. We know a bit less about this game than the others in this list, but I think the reputation of Post Curious and the absolutely gorgeous pastel designs really speak for themselves. This comes hot off the press after their earlier Kickstarter game, The Morrison Game Factory which is maybe one of our favourite games ever.

“Become a scout for the Ministry of Lost Things and embark on a journey into a parallel world of forgotten treasures and misplaced memories. Uncover secret messages, meet charming characters, and reunite a lost item with its human companion. Featuring a whimsical narrative, tangible components, and beautiful artwork, this cooperative tactile mystery will engage players of all experience levels.”

Image (c) Post Curious on Kickstarter

Back on Kickstarter for £21

Holiday Hijinks Collection

And last but not least as an honorary mention on this list comes Holiday Hijinks. Why only an honorary mention? We’ve played all of their previous games and they were fine, but just fine. Not quite noteworthy enough to write up full reviews of them. But I admire the ambition of creating super, ultra-portable escape room games that you can slip a few into your pocket for a long journey on. Whilst the original collection has some flaws, the new collection looks to have addressed many of them and is well worth keeping an eye on. Especially with Christmas around the corner. These could make some excellent stocking fillers.