Best Solo Board Games 2025: Top 12 Reviewed
We love solo games. They're perfect for when friends ditch you last minute. Let's explore our favorite solo adventures!
Embark on a thrilling solo adventure as we uncover the 12 best solo board games! Our focus? Games that keep us hooked, challenge the mind, and deliver countless hours of solo fun. We sought games that shine with solo play, testing wits, strategy, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re battling monsters, navigating cursed islands, or negotiating hostages, these games guarantee an exhilarating experience. From strategic empire-building to mastering card-driven quests, we explore games that capture the essence of solo journeys. So, grab your snacks and prepare for some quality solo time—you won’t need company for these adventures!
On this list:
12 Friday
Friday is a solo card game where you, as Robinson Crusoe, must survive on a deserted island. We had a blast strategizing and optimizing our decks to beat the challenges, all while laughing at Crusoe’s mishaps. Designed by Friedemann Friese, it keeps missing a key card or two tense. Perfect for those who love a good challenge, without the need for big groups or complicated rules.
11 Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight combines role-playing, deckbuilding, and wargaming into one grand adventure. Our buddy Jerry ended up face-first in the rulebook, but even he agrees it’s a solo-masterpiece once you get the hang of it. The deep and strategic gameplay means hours of solo fun for those long, quiet evenings.
10 Nemo’s War
In Nemo’s War, players experience life on the great submarine Nautilus, as Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s classic novel. This game made us feel like real explorers of the deep sea, and it was so fun, keeping us on our toes at every turn. The narrative-driven strategy provides a great adventure for anyone who loves a good story.
9 Hostage Negotiator
Hostage Negotiator puts you in the shoes of a hero trying to save hostages from captors. Intense? You bet! Our hearts raced with every decision we made, and the game’s replayability is through the roof, thanks to its card-driven mechanics. It’s so engaging, you’ll feel like Bruce Willis in Die Hard!
8 Onirim
Onirim is a solo card game filled with dreams and nightmaress—literally. We’ve lost count of how many afternoons we spent racing against time, hoping to find the right combination of cards. It’s compact, challenging, and a great puzzle for those quiet moments when you need a brain workout.
7 Under Falling Skies
Under Falling Skies is a classic ‘defend Earth from aliens’ game. Reminds us of those arcade days, minus the quarters. We spent hours defending our planet, strategizing over dice rolls, and enjoying the campaign that gets more challenging and fun with each game.
6 Coffee Roaster
Imagine being a barista. Now add a strategic twist, and you’ve got Coffee Roaster. This game has you perfect the art of roasting beans, solo-style. We loved the sensory experience and decision-making process as we fine-tuned our bean batches, hoping to avoid a ‘burnt’ finish!
5 Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North
Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North masterfully combines clever resource management and card play, with excellent solo play scenarios. We felt like true leaders, directing our Viking clans towards prosperity, while enjoying the clever mechanics and beautiful artwork.
4 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
Surviving on a cursed island is no joke. In Robinson Crusoe, each game feels like a different adventure filled with perilous choices. We shared tales of near escapes and disastrous falls-outs with the island’s wild inhabitants, making it a tough yet rewarding solo experience.
3 Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror lets you explore dark mysteries in a solo campaign, much like living in a Lovecraftian thriller. We enjoyed solving cases teeming with cosmic horrors, and its narrative strength really pulls you into the chilling story with every card played.
2 Sprawlopolis
Sprawlopolis offers incredible fun in a pocket-sized city-building game. Its small, yet mighty deck of cards creates endless strategic possibilities. We were hooked, trying to create a perfect city layout, while dealing with unexpected challenges. The best part? It fits everywhere, even in your pocket!
1 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is the best solo game because it captures everything a board game should be. The adventure, the strategy, and the pure excitement it brought to our group was unmatched. Whether you’re delving into dangerous dungeons or battling fierce monsters, every session feels epic. Plus, the tutorial is amazing for first-timers, making it accessible and deeply rewarding.
