Image: MomJunction Design Team
Board games have a nostalgic value attached to them and remind many of their childhood with friends and family. We have come a long way from playing ‘Snakes & Ladders’ and other simple board games. Innovation has taken over, and now we have the best solo board games designed for individual play that leave a lot of room for concentration and creativity. From themed single player board games to the ones that can be played two-handed, here’s our collection of entertaining board games that can vanish work blues, help you rejuvenate during holidays, and offer a joyful single player experience.
Top Picks
13 Best Solo Board Games
1. Best For Bird Enthusiasts: Stonemaier Games Wingspan Board Game
Image: Stonemaier If you are a bird lover, watcher, or researcher, this single-player board game by Stonemaier Games can keep you occupied for hours. The Wingspan board game design lets you play independently or with up to five players. This best-selling board game is card-driven and involves strategic skills. Perfect for a solo game as well as easy to play, this skill-building board game is suitable for anyone above 14 years of age. Start by drawing from distinct bird cards, where every single bird contains a complex combination in your many habitats, where you take actions.
Pros
- Suitable for both beginner and advanced level players
- High-quality cards and parts
- Easy instructions and three rulebooks
- Beautiful aesthetic
Cons
- May be time-consuming
2. Best For History-War Lovers: Stonemaier Games Scythe Board Game
This tried-and-tested relaxing board game is set in an alternate historical universe in the 1920s. ‘The Factory’ is a capitalist state that started a war with heavily-armed Mechs. Each player represents a fallen leader who has cards for hidden objectives, encounters, resources, and combat. Along with beautiful, scenic art, it has no elimination criteria nor can the factions get knocked down. Suitable for one to five players, each game session of this mind-boggling, engine-building solo game lasts around 115 minutes and offers a captivating solo experience.
Pros
- Keeps the flow of the game swift
- Has an easy selection mechanism
- Quality components
- Distinct miniature parts
Cons
- Instructions and rules may be difficult to understand for some
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 932 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
3. Best For Casual Gamers: Cephalofair’s Gloomhaven – Jaws Of The Lion Board Game
Single player board games should be easy to grasp, and you can expect that from the Jaws Of The Lion wargame, which is ideal for the beginner audience and adventure-seeking gamers. This is a prequel in the Gloomhaven universe. This thought-provoking game contains a practical set for combat where mercenaries can compete among challenges. It has upgraded and simplified tutorials, and a how-to-play guide for players to learn easily. This review video can give you more information about this cooperative game.
Pros
- Can be played as an extension to the Gloomhaven Cooperative Campaign
- Simplified rules for fast learning
- Features 16 unique monsters
- Multiple twists and turns
Cons
- Takes up a lot of table space
Quick tipIf you’re interacting with a group of people for the first time, playing board games can be an effective and fun way to break the ice.
4. Best For Star Wars Fans: Fantasy Flight Star Wars Outer Rim Board Game
Image: Fantasy Flight This is your chance to become an iconic legend as this board game outshines many solo board games out there. Cruise the outer rim, recruit characters from Star Wars, and try to become the most popular outlaw in the galaxy. Due to the variety of ways to win in this game, there is never a dull moment in this sci-fi game. It is suited for one to four players so you can embark on a solo journey too. To learn more about this tried-and-tested product, watch this short review video.
Pros
- Easy and intuitive
- Engaging visuals
- Seamless mechanism
- Allows to switch between characters
Cons
- Lengthy gameplay of three to four hours
5. Best For Island Adventure Lovers: Rio Grande Games Friedemann Friese Friday Board Game
If you are looking for the best solo board games, Friday by Rio Grande Games is a great solitaire deck-building game. Designed to play solo, this adventure features the character Robinson who you will be guiding through different challenges and helping him develop his skills. Many variants of his behaviors and actions are showcased in the stack of cards. The best part is that there is no other opponent, and you are the winner. Check out this review video to get more information about this entertaining game.
Pros
- A short playtime of 30 minutes
- Great for beginners
- Features cards with appealing images
- Portable
Cons
- Can seem repetitive
TriviaAn astronomer designed the first board game called The Royal Game of Ur almost four thousand years ago, and the game could predict the player’s fortune.
6. Best For Survival Game Lovers: Serious Poulp The 7th Continent Classic Edition
If single player board games are your specialty, this cooperative and solo game would provide a fun and engaging experience. As per reviews, this survival adventure game can be played by one to four individuals. The character is an explorer from the 20th century, and the game is a nostalgic reboot of game books with mild strategies and puzzles. You are posed with different challenges and adventures which leaves no room for boredom.
Pros
- Easy game flow
- Takes only 30 seconds to set up
- High-quality product
- Loads of scenarios to avoid repetitiveness
Cons
- Some might find the rules a bit hard to follow
7. Best For Decision Making: CGE Czech Games Under Falling Skies
If you are on the hunt for an amazing multi-mission game for single players, this one takes the cake. You can play many missions where you try to save a besieged city by fighting aliens. Your movements are smooth— thanks to random dice placements. The game leads to an exciting and rewarding experience as it involves many creative missions. This fun, solo game will make you hold your attention until you win, testing your ability to deal with challenges.
Pros
- Good replay value
- Involves decision-making
- The perfect balance of fun and difficulty level for beginners
- Tight gameplay
Cons
- May not offer enough variety
8. Best For A Quick Play: Facade Games Bristol 1350 Board Game
If you are trying to find the best solo board games that can be played in a shorter time, the Bristol 1350 Board Game is a good choice. It comes as a faux book box that is operational magnetically and contains cards with a medieval aesthetic. Combining strategy-making skills and luck, this best-selling game is a must-have, whether you want to play solo or call your friends as it can be played by one to nine players.
Pros
- Versatile
- Contains a neoprene playmat
- Easy to learn
- 20-40 minutes of playtime
Cons
- Too simple for advanced board-game lovers
9. Best Pirate-Themed: Renegade Game Studios Dead Men Tell No Tales
This cool game uses the classic action method where a single move decides what the player should do. The players can also give up their actions to other team members. Unlike various one-player board games, this game is designed for up to two to five players. If you love a good treasure hunt, you can battle for survival by using smart strategies in this game. It also allows you to track enemies conveniently with its special, cooperative flow.
Pros
- Contains seven characters
- High replay value
- Offers a fresh challenge each time
- Epic, masterclass visuals
- Kid-friendly
Cons
- Slow gameplay
10. Best For All Ages: Bag of Dungeon Board Game
The best solo board games are all-inclusive, like the Bag of Dungeon. It is a fantasy board game for one to four players to fight monsters and go on an adventurous quest. A great family game introducing players to fantasy tabletop gaming, you can spend some quality and fun time with your children. Not only can you carry this entertaining dungeon exploration game on your family trips, but it also has a low complexity rating, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners. Explore and try to make it out alive!
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- Takes less time to set up
- Easy to learn and play
- Simple but versatile
Cons
- Limited game characters and content
Quick tipIf you’re hosting a board game night, arrange for easy-to-fix food and have your coffee machine running to ensure you’re more focused on making the night fun and less on preparing food.
11. Best Brain Teaser: Ice Makes Age Of Civilization Board Game
This pocket card game is a small package but with a lot of deep strategies packed within. It is also great for solo game players. The Age of Civilization will give you an opportunity to empower civilizations, research, build places, and process plans for war. There are many new variations and strategies added to this handy version of the original game. With its latest gameplay mechanism, it has a high replay value.
Pros
- Suitable for 10 years and up
- Good for developing critical thinking
- Quality parts
- Small and compact
Cons
- Some might find the visuals plain
12. Best For Action Lovers: What Next? Pick-Your-Path Adventure Game
Considered the best single player board games, this action-adventure board game is also ideal for families. With more than 60 mini-challenges, this beautifully-designed game is an action-packed treat for one to four players. According to the reviewers, it is easy to follow as the game is driven by engaging stories. Are you up for the drums of the koala cave, the skyscraper caper, or Blinky’s great escape? Pick your adventure and experience an unexpected yet exciting gaming journey.
Pros
- Excellent artwork
- Engaging missions
- ‘Peril of Tower’ for added thrill
- Simple and clear instructions
Cons
- Less replay value
13. Best For 14-Year-Olds And Above: Giga Mech Maquis Board Game
This is a thematic, solo worker-placement game that has a quick playtime. One of the best solo board games out there, it has a variety of targets for you to accomplish. You can gather the French Nazi occupation and send them to different towns. They can fulfill goals and help you free your nation once and for all. This skill-building solo game is suitable for 14 years and above and will let you have a fun and challenging experience.
Pros
- Time-saving and fast playtime
- Comes with a variety of winning scenarios
- Pleasing and functional layout
- Convenient learning
Cons
- It is dominantly luck-based
How To Choose The Right Solo Board Game?
The following points will give you a clearer insight into how to pick a solo board game correctly.
- Game length: Duration is an important factor to consider if you are going to play solo. The playtime of these tried-and-tested board games ranges from a few minutes to hours altogether. If you have time to spare or if you are spending the weekend playing board games, long and strategic one person board games are a treat.
- Engaging and immersive theme: Solo games are designed by keeping one person in mind. Therefore, find solo board games that give you holistic yet easy-to-follow stories with rules that also won’t take too much of your time while setting up. And avoid complicated games that may take away your interest. You may also refer to customer reviews to know more about the nature of the game.
- Age-appropriate: Keep the age-limit specifications of the solo board games that you have in mind. Check if they are meant for children, strictly for adults, or are inclusive of all ages so that the game is neither too easy nor too difficult for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some benefits of playing solo board games?
Playing board games solo has many perks. First, it can be hard to gather a group or organize a game night as often when everybody is busy with their lives. Also, after one’s hectic schedule, opening up a challenging and fun board game can provide some quality alone time. You can play it in leisure by pausing and continuing whenever you like. Lastly, there are tons of innovative challenges and decision-making involved in solo games for critical thinking.
2. What is the average play time for solo board games?
Each board game for single players comes with a different gameplay duration, and these solo board games offer 30 minutes to three to four hours of playtime. It depends on how much time the player wants to spend on a board game or if they are ready to put that extra effort into advanced-level board games.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Amrit S is not only well-versed and skilled in all forms of writing, but also has a passion for playing exciting and nice board games. In this article, he has compiled a list of the best solo board games around to make your ‘Me’ time more enjoyable. He has done his research from multiple reliable sources to bring some of the most authentic solo board games that test and help build strategic and critical thinking in the most fun way possible. He has also specified the pros and cons for each product for a holistic understanding.
The Bottom Line
Playing board games can become a productive hobby as it stimulates the mind to think, reason, and implement action. Also, it can be a welcome change from your daily digital overdose. This assorted list of the best single player board games has something for everyone with varied preferences. For instance, the Stonemaier Games Wingspan is ideal for bird enthusiasts, while the Stonemaier Games Scythe may be best suited for history buffs. And the Cephalofair’s Gloomhaven – Jaws Of The Lion can be a good option for adventure-seekers. So, grab some snacks, play some ambient background music, and open your favorite solo board game for an adventurous, exciting, and rewarding time.
Infographic: Tips To Choose The Right Solo Board Game
Solo board games can be a great source of self-care as they positively affect intellect and cognition. However, there are certain aspects that you need to consider when selecting a suitable solo board game. So, check out the following infographic to learn the relevant factors involved. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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