Quantum Conundrum is real brainer teaser of game. Not only are the puzzles tough, just thinking with the Interdimensional Shift Device (IDS as the kids call it) can sprain your frontal lobe. Remember, this is a game from the chief mind behind the Portal series. If you’ve played any of them you should have a good idea of what to expect. It’s a funny, mind bending adventure through a strange and deadly environment.

Sooner or later, one of these puzzles is going to stump you. Maybe one already has. So when that happens, if you’re not quite ready for a video walkthrough, why not try one of these spoiler-free tips? We’ll help you find a new approach without just handing you the solution. After all, you’re playing Quantum Conundrum for a challenge, right? That’s what we thought!

Before you can achieve a goal, you have to know what that goal is, and in Quantum Conundrum, your goal is generally to get out of the room you're in and on with your puzzle-solving life. That said, identifying the exit should is a solid first step for any solution.

It’s not the case with every single challenge, but generally the exit should be visible right away. Making that door your goal and working with it in mind will help you figure out what steps you need to take. Will you be going up or down? Left or right? And when you get there, what will you need to open the door? If you see pressure plates, be prepared to bring an object or two with you.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what a button or pressure plate does, look for the blue power lines that connect it to various devices. This can clue you in as to what you’ll actually be doing when you throw a switch, and what you need to do to get certain machines running. You can also trace these lines to find new places to explore.

Additionally, these lines start to glow as power travels through them. Not only does this make tracking them easier, it helps with setting up time-sensitive solutions. Watch the charge surge through the line to know when to activate the next switch, or use an IDS power, whatever the solution requires.

If there’s anything your uncle Dr. Quadwrangle likes more than (mad) science, it’s the sound of his own voice. Listening to your elders isn’t always easy, but this white haired weirdo is worth paying attention to. When he’s not cracking you up (or complaining about the umpteenth window you’ve smashed), he’ll drop you a hint or two.

The doc’s puns and wordplay often contains clues about the dimensions and objects you’ll need to escape your current predicament. In more convoluted platforming situations, he sometimes chimes in about where to jump from, so if you’re stuck in that type of puzzle, walk up to different ledges and listen for his voice. He’ll also speak up to help you with time-sensitive button pressing situations. If you’re stumped, and feel like you missed something he said, trying restarting the level and pay attention to what he says.

For the home of an insane inventor, Quadwrangle manor is tasteful, refined even. Overstuffed chairs, crisp wallpaper, and portraits of the Quadwrangle clan are scattered throughout. If you’re not approaching new objects and bits of decor as they’re introduced, you could miss out on fun bits of dialogue.

Your uncle’s comments about whatever you’re looking at aren’t just amusing, they can be illuminating as well. So don’t miss out on valuable hints, listen to him! Also, make sure to shift dimensions when you look at different objects, you might find a surprise.

More so than in the Portal games, Quantum Conundrum calls for the player to be fast with that dimension-shifting trigger finger. You’ll often have to use one power right after the other, or go in and out of a dimension to get the desired effect. The apex of this quick shifting is affecting an object in mid-air.

Sometimes you’ll need to toss an object while it’s nice and light, then make it heavy enough to weigh something down or smash through a window. Other times you need to shift dimensions while you’re in the air. When you can, use your powers to make landing easier, or to keep your target in place.

Sure, all the IDS’s fancy dimensions are fun, but sometimes no dimension at all is what you need to solve a puzzle. If you’ve exhausted every power in every possible combination, try using no power at all. It’s usually not the end all answer, but often you need a second or two of the normal world to get on to the next part of the solution.

If you’re in a jam, try switching to normal in between powers, instead of going right to the next one. It can help keep items you’ve arranged in the spots where you want them. So quit putting down normal, it’s a perfectly good dimension too!

Ever hear that quote about how the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a new result? Well don’t let Quadwrangle manor drive you crazy. If what you’re doing isn’t solving the problem, try something new.

Easier said than done, we know, but remember: Quantum Conundrum is more about logical problem solving than twitch, jumping puzzle gameplay. If you’re trying to pull off some overly complicated mid-air maneuver, or keep coming up short on a jump, you’ve probably taken the wrong approach. Try a new power, a new angle, or a mix up the order of your IDS operations.

Stuck? Not getting the timing right on a switch? Can’t the nail the angle on that last safe toss? If you’ve been trying over and over, heed our advice and just take a break. Go outside, walk the dog, take care of some errands, or just play a different game. Or don’t! You can always revisit another puzzle and beat your old time, or grab an Awkward Noise Generator (you know, those weird little robots) or Blueprint you missed.

We’re sure you’ve had marathon sessions in other games, dying on the same boss again and again, only to beat him on the first go after a break. It’s the same idea here! Trying to bulldoze your way through a puzzle game, especially one as mind bending as Quantum Conundrum, can make your brains feel like oatmeal. When you put down the controls for a while and then approach the challenge refreshed, you’ll surprised how quickly you crack a puzzle that had you tearing out your hair just an hour ago.

Beat Quantum Conundrum at a normal pace, grabbing whatever collectibles are convenient, and you’ll probably score a 50-60% completion rating. There’s no shame in that, the game has a Level Select menu for a reason. Going back to beat your score is a chief source of replay value.

To work your way to 100%, start by seeking out every Blueprint and Awkward Noise Generator. You’ll also need to work through the puzzles quickly, and with a minimum number of shifts. Check out the Level Select screen to see the goals you’ll need to meet to come in under par.

Quantum Conundrum is many things; cartoony, wild, off-the-wall, weird, but easy it is not. Are you trapped in a quantum quandary, or some sort of physics conundrum? There’s no shame in seeking further help.

Never fear, if these tips aren’t enough to solve your predicament, we’ve got an extensive video walkthrough. Or if you want more basic information about the game, check out our Quantum Conundrum review.