Best if you want stress-free 3D puzzles that reward observation over reflexes, with cozy Nintendo charm and perfect bite-sized sessions for solo play or gentle couch co-op.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker turns spatial puzzles into delightful dioramas you rotate and explore from every angle. Each compact stage is a miniature world—a haunted house, a volcano, a train—packed with hidden gems and secrets that reveal themselves only when you shift perspective. The genius is in the restriction: Captain Toad can't jump, so every puzzle is about finding the right path, manipulating the camera, and spotting what's tucked behind corners or beneath platforms. The loop is wonderfully simple: waddle through a stage, collect three hidden gems, grab the Power Star, and optionally tackle a bonus objective like finding a hidden Golden Mushroom or completing the level without taking damage. Levels take 5–15 minutes each, making this perfect for quick sessions between other activities. The difficulty curve is gentle but steady—early stages teach you to look around carefully, while later ones layer in timing challenges, enemies to avoid, and environmental puzzles that require planning your route before you commit. What makes this special for co-op is how the second player contributes without overwhelming the screen. Player two tosses turnips to stun enemies and interact with the environment, creating a natural helper role that's perfect for couples where one partner is less experienced with games. You're genuinely collaborating—pointing out hidden paths, discussing which order to tackle objectives—without the chaos of demanding platformers. It's the rare co-op game where talking through solutions together is the entire point. The learning curve is welcoming. Controls are just movement and camera rotation, with occasional interactions like pulling up turnips or activating switches. There's no timer pressure, no punishment for exploring thoroughly, and generous checkpoints mean mistakes don't cost much. Completing a stage is easy; finding everything and nailing the bonus objective adds satisfying challenge for those who want it. Replayability comes from hunting down every collectible and tackling bonus challenges, plus the DLC adds courses inspired by Super Mario Odyssey locations. Expect 10–15 hours to see everything if you're a completionist, less if you're just breezing through. It's not an endless puzzler, but what's here is polished, charming, and endlessly replayable in small doses.
2 local
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker does not support crossplay, supports up to 2 players locally, features co-op campaign mode.
Single Player • Multiplayer • Co-op • Local Couch Co-op • Shared Screen
Supports 2-player local co-op on the same system (shared screen). Player 2 assists by throwing turnips at enemies/objects while Player 1 controls Captain Toad/Toadette; progression is through the main adventure levels (and DLC) with optional co-op assist. No online multiplayer, no LAN play, and no split-screen modes.
Important details about which version to buy and where to play.
The Switch version includes bonus courses based on Super Mario Odyssey locations. The Special Episode DLC (released February 2019) adds eighteen additional challenges including five brand-new courses, extending playtime for completionists.
Switch version supports flexible play: TV mode, handheld, or tabletop with split Joy-Con for two players. Touchscreen interactions in handheld mode offer tactile puzzle-solving, while TV mode uses traditional controls. All modes work smoothly.
Excellent for accessibility: minimal text requirements, clear visual design, simple controls (movement + camera only), no reflex demands, camera inversion options, and no forced motion controls. Generous checkpoints and no fail states reduce frustration.
Click any screenshot to view in full size
If you enjoyed Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, you'll love these similar games. We've handpicked titles based on gameplay style, difficulty, atmosphere, and what players like you are enjoying. Whether you're looking for something with a similar vibe, more challenge, or the same multiplayer features, these recommendations have you covered.
Cooperative multiplayer games that emphasize teamwork and shared objectives, building on the social aspects of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
Two-player puzzle-platforming built around creating boxes to bridge gaps and solve bite-size stages; great shared-screen teamwork without stressful timing.
Couch co-op puzzles where you cut each other into shapes to interact with the world; constant communication, playful experimentation, and quick resets keep it cozy.
A gentle co-op platform-puzzler where two Yarnys swing, pull, and solve physics obstacles together; supportive design makes it ideal for pairs and families.
Command tiny squads to solve spatial puzzles and light combat; co-op lets two players split tasks, coordinate routes, and clear compact “day” sessions smoothly.
Chaotic-but-friendly co-op missions in an office sandbox: solve objectives any way you like—sneak, puzzle, or smash—making teamwork feel creative and low-pressure.
Logic and puzzle games that challenge your problem-solving skills in ways similar to Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
A top-tier 3D puzzle experience built on portals, momentum, and clever room design; solutions reward observation and experimentation more than fast reflexes.
Rule-bending puzzles where you rewrite how the world works by pushing words; compact levels invite tinkering, “aha” moments, and surprisingly deep logic.
First-person logic rooms with lasers, jammers, and connectors that scale from approachable to brain-melting; ideal if you want pure puzzles over action.
An island packed with line-drawing puzzles that teach through environment and pattern language; great for methodical thinkers who love quiet discovery.
Instantly accessible games that require minimal setup or tutorial time, easier to jump into than Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.
Tactical puzzle battles that play like chess: each turn is readable, rewind-friendly, and fast to finish, making it perfect for quick, satisfying problem-solving.
Clear objectives, snappy stages, and forgiving character options make it easy to jump in for a few levels; local multiplayer adds light teamwork and chaos.
Tighter, more focused experiences similar to Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker that deliver the same gameplay loop in shorter, more streamlined sessions.
Short, charming stages built around grabbing and stacking objects with a UFO claw; simple controls and quick clears echo the toybox puzzle feel of diorama levels.
We've included this game in 2 articles.
Captain Toad delivers stress-free cooperation through charming diorama puzzles with no combat or time pressure. Both players explore together as Toads, spotting hidden paths and sharing discoveries naturally. Its approachable design welcomes non-gaming partners perfectly, making it ideal for couples seeking gentle Nintendo charm over competitive chaos. Short 5-15 minute levels fit perfectly into relaxed date nights.
Captain Toad teaches spatial reasoning through perspective-based 3D puzzles that require rotating dioramas and planning paths. Perfect for ages 5-10, it develops STEM-foundational skills through gentle, repeatable challenges. Co-op mode enables parent/child collaboration, while optional objectives scale difficulty. Minimal reading and forgiving restarts make it highly accessible for younger players building visualization skills.
Common questions about this game answered by our team.
Easy to moderate. Completing stages is straightforward; finding all gems and bonus objectives adds optional challenge. No punishing difficulty spikes, just steady escalation in observation and planning requirements.
10–15 hours to complete everything including collectibles and bonus objectives. Casual playthroughs take less. Each stage is 5–15 minutes, perfect for short sessions.
Absolutely. Simple controls, no twitch reflexes needed, minimal reading, and forgiving design make it ideal for ages 5+ or first-time players. Co-op lets experienced players guide newcomers naturally.
Player two tosses turnips to help clear enemies and interact with puzzles while player one explores. It's collaborative and low-pressure, perfect for asymmetric skill levels without screen chaos.
Moderate. Hunting all collectibles and bonus challenges extends playtime, and DLC adds more courses. Best enjoyed in occasional short bursts rather than marathon sessions.
