Best Solo Games of 2025: Top 14 Reviewed
Check out our top picks for the best solo games that promise hours of engaging solo fun and strategy!
Prepare yourself for a wild gaming adventure as we explore the best solo games that promise to transform a quiet evening into a thrilling experience. Choosing the right games for this list, we focus on engaging narratives, challenging mechanics, and replayability that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re into strategy, mystery, or adventure, there’s something for everyone. From managing a bird sanctuary to surviving cursed islands, these games deliver unforgettable solo experiences. Ready your game board, because these selections just might make you forget you ever wanted to play with others in the first place!
On this list:
14 Wingspan
Wingspan is a beautiful game with stunning bird art. It might make you feel like a birdwatcher. The mechanics are smooth and easy for solos, making it a top pick for best solo games. We played this on a rainy afternoon, just us and our feathered friends. The game becomes a relaxing yet engaging experience. You’ll find yourself strategizing which bird to attract next, while also enjoying the lovely bird facts. Try not to get distracted by all the colors. This game enchants new players and experienced ones alike.
13 Terraforming Mars
When you want to terraform a planet but can’t get your friends to commit, Terraforming Mars steps in. Solo play is challenging but rewarding. We spent an entire weekend trying to create a livable Mars. There are endless strategies with card combos and corporation choices. The feeling of turning the red planet green is satisfying. Although a lot to manage, it’s great for those who love deep strategy. Just be ready to lose track of time as you become the master of Mars.
12 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is one for those who love an epic adventure. We had the best time getting lost in its dungeons. As a solo experience, it’s immersive and expansive, throwing you into a fantasy world full of monsters. With a huge campaign and deep storyline, you’ll have hours of gameplay. The best solo games should keep you engaged and this does it exceptionally well, even if managing all the bits can be a challenge. Gloomhaven is an investment in time but pays off with epic tales.
11 Scythe
Scythe mixes strategy with action in a riveting alternate-history setting. The solo mode, using an Automa system, is brilliant. We found the solo experience to be almost like a puzzle, constantly choosing the best path to take on the battlefield. Each round has us thinking ahead and adapting to the changing board. The art and pieces are top-notch, adding to the theme. This is one of the best solo games for those who love strategy and beautiful components. Just watch out for those sneaky mechs.
10 Spirit Island
In Spirit Island, you play as island spirits protecting your home from invaders. It’s a great twist for those tired of the run-of-the-mill colonization games. Playing solo, we felt immersed in the role of a powerful spirit, with the responsibility of saving the island on our shoulders. The cooperative elements make it easy to play alone as you strategize to fend off settlers. It feels rewarding as waves of invaders are repelled. Definitely one of the best solo games for those who enjoy thematic depth.
9 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
If you ever wanted to live out your castaway dreams (or nightmares), this is your game. We tried to survive everything the elements could throw at us. In solo play, you feel every bit of the struggle against hunger, weather, and wild animals. The scenarios add depth and replayability, always keeping you on your toes. One of the best solo games for those who love challenges and storytelling. But don’t get too attached to your character, or those coconuts.
8 Arkham Horror: The Card Game
If you’re a fan of cosmic horror, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a must-play solo. We spent many nights battling the unknown forces in our living room. The story-driven gameplay with branching paths keeps it engaging. You feel every suspenseful moment as you battle for survival against mythos creatures. The deck customization adds depth, allowing you to tailor your strategies. Among the best solo games for those who love mystery, strategy, and a bit of terror.
7 Mage Knight
Complex and rewarding, Mage Knight lets you become a powerful hero. We often found ourselves strategizing our next moves late into the night. The solo mode offers a deep and satisfying experience, with loads of options to explore. Every decision feels important as you conquer and explore the lands. It’s intense, but for those who enjoy deep fantasy strategy, it’s one of the best solo games. But be warned, once you start, you might not want to stop.
6 Viticulture
Viticulture is perfect for those who dream of owning a vineyard. Solo play has you managing your winery, and we found it surprisingly zen. Each decision, from planting vines to hosting tours, feels like a cozy escape. The game has a great balance of strategy and relaxation, making it among the best solo games for those looking to unwind. The beautifully designed components only add to the charm of running your own little vineyard.
5 Chronicles of Crime
Chronicles of Crime is for those who fancy themselves as detectives. Solo play immerses you into solving mysteries and hunting for clues. We spent several evenings piecing together evidence and interrogating suspects, feeling like Sherlock Holmes. The app integration adds a unique interactive element that brings the story to life. It’s among the best solo games for those who crave mystery and deduction. Just keep an eye on the clock as time can slip away while solving crimes.
4 Onirim
Onirim is a small solo gem that packs a punch. It’s a card game where you’re stuck in a dreamworld, trying to escape through different doors. We found ourselves captivated by its simple yet challenging gameplay. Quick to set up and play, it’s a perfect filler when you have a few minutes to spare. Despite its size, it offers depth and strategy, making it one of the best solo games for new or experienced players looking for a pocket-sized adventure.
3 Everdell
The woodland adventure of Everdell is whimsical and charming. As a solo player, it’s a serene puzzle where you build a forest city. We enjoyed the art and pieces, which are just stunning. Each solo game felt like a unique story with strategy elements woven throughout. It’s among the best solo games for those seeking beauty and tranquility in their board game experience. Just don’t let the cute critters fool you into thinking it’s all easygoing!
2 Friday
Friday is unique because it’s a solo-only experience. In this game, you’re helping Robinson Crusoe survive on an island. We felt the pressure as card after card challenged our survival tactics. Simple to play but devilishly hard to master, it’s perfect for those quick solo sessions. Among the best solo games, Friday’s appeal is in its replayability and strategic depth. Just try not to get too attached to Robinson, he might not last long!
1 Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Marvel Champions is the ultimate for comic book fans seeking solo play. You get to play as your favorite Marvel heroes battling villains in epic scenarios. During our sessions, we fought off villains with awe-inspiring combos. It’s a playground for creativity with deck building and character abilities. The balance of theme and mechanics makes it one of the best solo games. Being able to feel like a superhero for an hour or two is unbeatable.
0 Under Falling Skies
Under Falling Skies is a great alternative for solo players who love strategic planning and sci-fi themes. It’s like Space Invaders on a board game! The game’s depth and clever mechanics keep you engaged and wanting to play over and over.
