Best Solo Games 2025: Top 10 Must-Try Picks
These top solo games are perfect for lone players. Let's explore which one suits your solo gaming needs best!
Finding the best solo board games ain’t easy. We sift through countless games focusing on replayability, enjoyment, and ease of setup. Some board games claim to be solo-friendly, but only a few truly nail the experience. We’ve battled tentacled horrors, nurtured endangered birds, and even tried our hand at terraforming a planet (and trust us, that task’s no walk in the park). Our picks promise thrilling challenges and immersive adventures, even if you’re playing alone in your living room, shouting at a cardboard villain while your cat judges you. Ready to roll the dice solo-style?
On this list:
10 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars offers a robust solo experience, where you can channel your inner Elon Musk and terraform the Red Planet. This game is packed with strategy and deep decision-making. We played this one during a rainy weekend, and it was like tending to a small sci-fi garden. You’ll collect resources, play projects, and make decisions that impact your progress. While it’s great for groups, the solo mode is where it shines when you want some me-time with an engaging board game. It’s like knitting, but with space and cards.
9 Scythe
Scythe is a game of conquest and exploration in an alternate history 1920s. The solo mode is tough and rewarding, with a clever AI opponent. We often refer to the AI as ‘the Terminator’ because of its ruthless efficiency. Solo players will appreciate the game’s beautifully detailed components and deep strategy. It’s like chess, if chess had hulking robots and farming. My patience was tested, but the sense of achievement? Rich and rewarding. You’ll be hooked after your first encounter with the dieselpunk glory.
8 Friday
Friday is a solo-only game where you help Robinson Crusoe survive on a deserted island. Played this while craving coconut water, it’s a card game that pits you against hazards to improve your deck and survive. The theme makes for an engrossing experience, like watching a survival reality show where you’re the only contestant. It’s quick, engaging, and provides a satisfying challenge that fits in your bag. We appreciate its portability, making it ideal for solo gaming on the go.
7 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a massive campaign-driven game perfect for solo adventurers with a love for storytelling. It’s like Dungeons and Dragons on your own terms. The game is heavy on components, but it pays off with gripping narratives and tactical combat. We’ve spent countless evenings immersed in its world, solving puzzles, battling foes, and uncovering secrets. This game will gobble up your weekend, and you’ll love every minute of it. It’s a hefty investment, both in time and money, but oh-so-worth it for solo RPG fans.
6 Wingspan
Wingspan is a lovely game about building a bird sanctuary. In solo mode, you play against the automa, a surprisingly challenging AI. We enjoy the peacefulness of this game, which is as relaxing as a picnic in a bird park. With its stunning components and educational aspect about birds, it’s hard not to be charmed. Solo play offers a good balance of strategy and simplicity, making this a favorite for those quiet afternoons with a cup of tea.
5 Spirit Island
Spirit Island puts you in the role of island spirits defending against colonizers. The solo variant is fantastic, allowing players to explore deep strategies and combos. We played this one while listening to tropical storm sounds, and it felt epic. The cooperative nature is engaging even in solo mode, as you manage powers and resources to keep the island safe. It’s a puzzle wrapped in a mystery, all set against a vivid backdrop. Spirit Island is complex but rewarding, perfect for strategy enthusiasts.
4 Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight is a fantasy-based strategy game that’s perfect for complex solo gaming. The game offers a rich blend of RPG elements, deck-building, and tactical movement. We played it on a lazy Sunday, and it felt like embarking on a grand quest without leaving the living room. It’s challenging and has a steep learning curve but is rewarding once you get into the flow. Mage Knight makes you feel like a one-person army, and the solo scenarios are tailored to test your strategic prowess.
3 Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a living card game that embraces the horror genre. Perfect for solo players who enjoy story-driven experiences. We felt chills running down our spines as we faced Lovecraftian horrors. The game mechanics allow for a highly customizable adventure, with rich stories and mysteries to solve. We love how it combines deck-building with narrative twists, making each game feel unique. Perfect for those dark and stormy nights when you want to test your nerves.
2 Newton
Newton is a brainy game where you dive into the Age of Enlightenment and explore advancements in science. Played solo, it lets you explore strategies with no pressure, which we found refreshing. It’s perfect for fans of strategy and history. The solo experience is almost meditative, as you balance multiple tracks and objectives. We found it a great way to flex our mental muscles on a quiet evening. The game’s depth keeps solo players engaged with its clever mechanics and thought-challenging gameplay.
1 The 7th Continent
The 7th Continent commands attention with its unique exploration and survival theme. Designed for solo play, it’s like being marooned in your own serial adventure. We felt like explorers on a quest, facing the unknown with each card draw. The game is immense, and the adventure book mechanics make each game a new story. If you enjoy puzzles and exploration, this game will take you on a wild ride through uncharted territories. It’s perfect for those who love detailed solo explorations.
0 Viticulture: Essential Edition
Viticulture: Essential Edition earns the top spot for a reason. It’s not just delightful but captures the heart and soul of winemaking. We felt like master vintners managing our own vineyard. The solo mode is competitive yet relaxing, making it our favorite. It’s strategic without being overly complex, perfect for new and experienced players alike. The game balances resource management with the charm of producing wines. It offers satisfaction with each vintage you create and the solo automa is well-designed to challenge without overwhelming.
