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Are you looking for a challenge? In Finland we have a saying that variety is the spice of life. If you have done puzzles for some time, maybe you feel bored or you want to know what puzzle world has to offer outside of the regular selection.
I'm not too keen of challenge puzzles but I definitely done them. I want to share three challenge puzzle series I have tried myself. And yes, series. That's the best part. If you really like something, there will be more to challenge yourself with.
Let's goooooo!
Krypt Puzzles - The Real Challenge Puzzles
One solid color puzzles... the *Krypt puzzles. Okey there is also one gradient in the series but all other ones are just on color. There is green, pink, black, golden, silver and the list goes on. The one I have done is *Golden Krypt.
Originally, I wanted the green one. To celebrate Käärijä's almost won Eurovision. But only golden one was available in a local store and I really wanted to try one so that's how I ended up with golden. I have been later told that it's the hardest one from the series...
I filmed my whole process to Youtube. It was so hard that I had to make two videos. I think it took me over a month to get it finished. Mainly because I was so defeated that I wasn't even trying anymore...
With every Krypt, there is also a cheat sheet inside an envelop. I didn't even open the envelop until the end. I can say that is definitely not cheating to use it. But I won't give more clues what it actually is - just in case you don't want to see it before you finish a Krypt puzzle.
If you want to start with an easy Krypt puzzle, it would be the *Gradient Krypt. If you want to jump in at the deep end, I can recommend this golden Krypt I did. I have not done any other Krypts (yet) as I did not find the process too much fun. Maybe one day it will get another chance.
"Impossible" Puzzles - Hard But Not Impossible
This is a series from Clementoni. I have done their Moomin Impossible puzzle. Impossible might be an overstatement but this puzzle is my slowest 1000 piece puzzle. For me it looked much easier than it was. I really enjoy theme puzzles and Moomins are from Finland so this was fun!
This challenge puzzle I could do again. Even this Moomin one. I also have another Impossible puzzle waiting on my to do pile; *Minions. It's hard to say if they are equally challenging. But I will keep you updated when I get the Minions done!
Clementoni has a great quality so no false fits or any other stupid qualities are messing up with these puzzles. You can fully focus on the challenge itself. I guess some puzzles are challenging just because of bad quality.
Other brands have also their own similar Impossible series. At least I remember seeing something that was called Impuzzible. I don't have any experience of other brands similar series so I don't have too much to say about them.
Wasgij Puzzles - Fun And Puzzling
*Wasgij puzzles are owned by Jumbo. They have few different versions of their puzzles but they are mainly known for the puzzles that don't have exact reference image. The image on the puzzle box is like "before" situation, and your job is to puzzle "after" situation.
I find Wasgij puzzles rather easy. Okay okay, I have only done one, *Winter Games! My second one is still waiting on my to do pile. I don't have that kind of imagination that I would think what the after situation is. I look at the pieces and put it together.
Most Wasgij puzzles are colorful which helps a lot. And (to my knowledge) all of them are 1000 piece puzzles. Funny story, I never realised that Wasgij is a jigsaw written backwards. I was trying to pronounce the name on my Youtube video and one of my subscribers pointed this out. But it kind of makes sense with the logic of this puzzle.
I already mentioned Eurovision before and I will do it again. The second Wasgij puzzle of mine is Eurovision themed. I'm waiting for May when it's time for Eurovision this year so I can do it while watching the show.
Eurosong Contest! is the name of my second Wasgij. I don't think they have the right to use Eurovision's name. But it even has our own winner Lordi on it. Super excited. Wasgij puzzles are welcomed change to our puzzle selection.
If you are a speed puzzler who looks too much the reference image, these are perfect practise to look more at the pieces. Challenge puzzles also do good for your "mental toughness" that is very much required quality for competitions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links in this article are primarily to US Amazon. If puzzle is not available in US Amazon but available in Amazon DE, the link is directing to the latter one. Those puzzles that are available on both sites, the Amazon DE links are listed below for my European readers.
*Krypt Puzzles, Ravensburger
*Wasgij Puzzles, Jumbo
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