In 2014, British studio Ustwo Games launched a successful series of isometric challenges featuring illusory geometry, spatial paradoxes, and an unforgettable calm atmosphere. The game instantly became a hit, beloved by adults and children alike. There were many sources of inspiration, but the influence of Dutch artist Maurits Cornelis Escher stands out in particular, with impossible staircases, endless arches, and logic-defying perspective.
Since then, the series has been associated with minimalism, silence, and inner peace. The name is no coincidence: “Monument Valley” is a real desert landscape with red rocks and unique geological formations on the border of Arizona and Utah in the US. The creators brought the majesty of nature into their architectural fantasies — towers, viaducts, and temples float in the void, defying the usual laws of perception while maintaining harmony and beauty.
The first game told the story of Princess Ida seeking redemption. The second was about a mother and daughter traveling across a crumbling world. Both were compact, visually pristine, and almost wordless. Back then, they proved that even on mobile devices, premium games could sell well during an era dominated by free-to-play titles.
Even after strong sales of the second installment, the studio was in no rush with the third part due to market shifts and the risk of failure, seeking alternative funding methods instead. A VR game and products for other platforms were released, and distribution deals with subscription services were signed. Following an experiment with Apple Arcade, they decided to sign an exclusive contract with Netflix Games. Down the road, they planned to develop it as a live-service game – aiming to regularly release new levels within the subscription. However, that seemingly did not pan out.
The third installment was released in December 2024 on mobile devices via a Netflix subscription (alongside the launch of the short film The Lighthouse), and in July 2025, the game made its way to PC and consoles.
The developers tell a standalone story about a young apprentice lighthouse keeper, Noor. After losing her home, the heroine embarks on a journey to restore light and order to a flooded world. As per tradition, the story in Monument Valley 3 is abstract and features minimal text. Everything is conveyed through design, animation, and character actions.
The game remains true to the spirit of the series: unhurried puzzles, visual paradoxes, labyrinthine architecture. You rotate platforms, rebuild the world, and align disparate elements to pave the way forward. Visually, it is slightly richer and brighter, yet still in the familiar style. The primary innovation is an emphasis on open water. Now, you must navigate between “islands” of puzzles by boat, and water occasionally floods scenes you have already completed. This provides a sense of a more connected world, although the structure remains linear.
Particularly memorable are the levels featuring interactive origami, as well as scenes where the heroine helps a mother reunite with her child. Occasionally, a mentor appears alongside Noor — accompanying her and helping hold down key buttons.
There is plenty to appreciate in the third installment, such as that same warmth and care. The spaces and puzzles are crafted with impeccable taste; it is a pleasure to get lost in them, taking measure, shifting angles and directions.
The level design delicately handles color, light, shapes, and contrast. This attention to detail pleases the eye, and every step feels meaningful, assuring the player that progress is being made.
Visual themes shift — each of the 10 chapters (four additional levels will be released in winter) introduces fresh locations, unusual architectural forms, and striking animations. It makes you eager to see what surprises lie ahead.
However, the puzzles have become simpler, and many solutions are all too obvious. There are a few trickier moments throughout the game, but after a dozen manipulations, the obstacle is cleared and the heroine reaches the coveted door. Some levels are practically a leisurely stroll designed to showcase the project’s splendor and purity. Moreover, having only a single viable solution dampens the motivation for a replay.
The music and sound effects provide a warm accompaniment to what unfolds on screen. Soft ambient soundscapes, piano flourishes, muted clicks, gentle chimes, and quiet cues. The audio design elegantly highlights the serenity of the experience.
PC controls were ported from mobile screens and adapted: light finger taps were replaced with mouse dragging and clicks. On the Steam Deck, the cursor snaps to interactive elements, and alongside analog stick movement, touchscreen input is supported. Nevertheless, the creators still believe the ideal experience is on mobile screens. Just one more noticeable difference is the depth of color saturation: on larger displays, the visuals appear brighter, and the game looks more striking overall.
Diagnosis
Monument Valley 3 is incredibly beautiful in every aspect: visuals, sound, atmosphere — another miniature work of art from game development. It offers 2–3 hours of pleasant meditation in a world where every corner is imbued with aesthetics, and puzzles unfold through sensory perception and mood.
The game retains the accessibility typical of its predecessors, but from a gameplay standpoint, it takes a step back. Due to its simplicity, tension is lost, becoming dull in places. Series fans will enjoy returning. However, those expecting evolution will find a lack of depth. It seems the focus was placed on form rather than mechanics development — perhaps due to the partnership terms with Netflix.
Monument Valley 3 is not mind-blowing, but it is capable of brightening an evening when you simply want to unwind. And on that evening, it will serve as a beacon amidst worldly hustle, illuminating the path to tranquility and inner balance.
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