Towards the end of last year, I discovered something surprising — jigsaw puzzles are actually pretty great. It all began during a COVID quarantine, when my wife and I started doing puzzles to pass the time. Even after we weren’t confined indoors, we continued to find joy in piecing together a good puzzle every so often. So when Wilmot Works It Out, the sequel to 2019’s standout organizational game, came out this fall, the timing couldn’t have been better. It’s hands down the most delightful gaming homage to jigsaw puzzles I’ve come across.
In this new adventure, Wilmot has traded the hustle and bustle of his warehouse for the comfort of his own home. Subscribed to a weekly puzzle club, he tackles these challenges much like he did his inventory in the past. The game features a whimsical soundtrack and even a charming storyline about the postal workers who deliver these puzzles. Unlike its predecessor, there’s no ticking clock to worry about; it’s all about the puzzles and the serene enjoyment they bring.
Starting small, these puzzles might only have 9 pieces, and they don’t get much larger. The catch? Each delivery includes extra pieces meant for different weeks, adding a layer of complexity. This approach cleverly avoids the usual daunting feeling when faced with a mountain of pieces, yet it offers enough intrigue for you to figure things out on your own. After all, one of the most rewarding aspects of puzzle-solving is its self-directed nature — whether you choose to go for edge pieces first, group by color, or chase down one elusive piece.
Even though these puzzles aren’t physical, piecing them together in Wilmot Works It Out is irresistibly satisfying. As you connect the correct pieces, they merge into one, unlike anything you’ve experienced. You’ll need to rely on the artwork to lead you, because all the pieces share the same humble square form as Wilmot — conveniently oriented so no rotation is needed. After a few “seasons,” the initial simple artwork evolves into complex designs that challenge your pattern recognition and even deliver quirky jokes through the art itself.
In essence, Wilmot Works It Out brilliantly captures that exhilarating “AHA” moment — when you find the piece that fits perfectly and everything falls into place.
For those interested in diving into this playful puzzle experience, Wilmot Works It Out is available on both PC and Mac.
