Games that increase IQ focus on logic, memory, and problem-solving, like Sudoku, Chess, Crosswords, Lumosity, and strategic video games (e.g., Dwarf Fortress, RimWorld), which sharpen skills such as processing speed, pattern recognition, and critical thinking, especially when they push you outside your comfort zone.
League of Legends players have been found to be the most intelligent in an IQ survey of gamers, with an average score of 120.4. It's reported that playing video games can be beneficial for your brain and cognitive function. But if you've ever played a multiplayer game online, you may very well question that…
After controlling for genetics and socioeconomic factors, researchers found that kids who played more video games than average gained about 2.5 IQ points, with no similar benefit seen from watching TV or using social media (a win for active screen time!).
Scientists believe that certain hobbies or pastimes can help increase your intelligence
A 72 IQ is considered Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF), falling just above the threshold for intellectual disability (usually around 70), placing it in the lower end of the spectrum (70-79) and indicating slower learning and potential needs for support in daily living, though it's not low enough for an official intellectual disability diagnosis by itself, notes Quora user. It's in the bottom few percentiles of the population, requiring more time to grasp complex concepts but not necessarily severe impairment.
A 2024 study that surveyed 1000+ gamers in the West finds that LoL PC players have the highest IQ.
Below are four the best brain-training games that can help improve your intellectual thinking.
A glut of games
“There are more players today, but there are also more games per player. Since you can't spend as much time on each game, you're less likely to finish the one in front of you.” Not only did gamers have more time in the eight- and 16-bit days, but they had fewer games to complete.
Snoop Dogg has publicly stated he has an IQ of 147, a score that falls into the "highly gifted" or "genius" category, much to his own surprise given his self-described average school performance (straight Cs). While this self-reported score suggests exceptional intellect, IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, and success in life and business (like Snoop Dogg's multifaceted career as a rapper, entrepreneur, and media personality) reflects a broader range of intelligence and skills.
No, an IQ of 97 is not considered dumb; it falls squarely in the average range (90-109), indicating typical cognitive abilities, though some tests might place it slightly below the exact midpoint of 100. An IQ score of 97 means you performed better than 42% of people, and due to the test's margin of error, your score could be anywhere from the high 80s to the mid-100s, still within normal intelligence.
They include:
The best brain games are those that challenge your thinking while being fun, interesting, and easy to stick with. Popular options like Sudoku, Wordle, Lumosity, and even your favorite Sunday crossword can help keep skills like memory, attention, processing speed, verbal reasoning, and problem-solving sharp.
Build an exercise routine
A major benefit of regular exercise is that it helps your brain create new neurons and increases the number of synapses that connect brain cells. The result is a more efficient, flexible, and adaptive brain, which can spur stronger performance in your professional life.
People with ADHD often enjoy games offering novelty, clear goals, quick feedback, and opportunities for creativity or strategy, such as Minecraft, fast-paced card games (Uno, Exploding Kittens), cooperative/competitive video games (Rocket League, Smash Bros.), or strategy games (Ticket to Ride, Catan), which can improve focus, problem-solving, and impulse control through engaging, adaptable gameplay.
Here are 12 great options to try, including plenty of free brain games for adults:
Doing crossword puzzles, Sudoku games, jigsaw puzzles and other games that rely on logic, math, word and visuospatial skills are great ways to increase brainpower. These types of games require multiple cognitive abilities, which challenges your brain and improves processing speed and memory.
Sixteen personality types: The most common types among gifted adolescents were INFP, INTP, ENFP, and ENTP, which constituted nearly 50% of the gifted sample compared with 19% of the normative group. The most common preference among gifted adolescents is intuition.
Because there is no single standardized test that measures intelligence, determining the highest IQ ever will always be contentious. Bearing these caveats in mind, it is generally believed that the highest IQ score ever recorded is that of William James Sidis, who is believed to have had an IQ of between 250 and 300.
Another key activity for long-term brain health is creating art. Whether it's drawing, painting, sculpture, or crafting, creating art can engage and strengthen different regions of the brain. Research shows that art therapy with older adults resulted in increased brain volume and improved memory.
Lumosity is a leading brain training app, used by over 100 million people worldwide to play cognitive games that exercise memory, attention, problem-solving and more.
RaiseYourIQ is a revolutionary cognitive training app designed to enhance cognitive abilities, making learning and problem-solving in the real world more enjoyable and effective. Think of it as a workout for the brain that helps you grow smarter with every session.