Puzzle pieces are the primary collectibles in Braid. There are 60 main puzzle pieces, 8 in each of Worlds 2 through 6, and 20 in World 1 (though these are collected in a unique way). Collecting all 60 pieces from Worlds 2-6 is necessary to unlock World 1 and complete the main story. These pieces are often found at the end of a puzzle sequence or in a cleverly hidden location. Once collected, they are assembled in Tim's house, forming a series of paintings that visually represent the unfolding narrative.
- Collection: Simply touch a puzzle piece to collect it. A counter will briefly appear on screen.
- Assembly: Return to Tim's house, and the collected pieces will automatically be added to the appropriate painting.
- Significance: Beyond unlocking World 1, the completed paintings offer visual clues and narrative context for the game's story.
Some puzzle pieces require complex multi-step solutions, often involving the unique time mechanic of the world they are in. Don't be afraid to experiment with your time powers to reach seemingly inaccessible pieces. Every piece is essential for progressing the main story, so prioritize finding them.