Abstract: Systems and methods for level-balancing an online progression game, such as by determining a placement order for puzzle games (or, other game challenges) within the progression game, are described. In some example embodiments, the systems and methods access difficulty metrics assigned to puzzle games presented by an online progression game, select a cadence, pattern and/or sequence associated with placing the puzzle games within the online progression game, and place the puzzle games within the online progression game based on matching the accessed difficulty metrics to the selected cadence, pattern, and/or sequence. For example, the systems and methods may determine and/or assign difficulty metrics to puzzle games eligible to be placed within the online progression game by playing each of the puzzle games with an artificial intelligence game play simulator configured to play multiple instances of each of the eligible puzzle games, among other things.