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Sometimes it can feel exhausting having to wrangle friends together to simply play board games. I know the feeling, every fortnight I host a games night and the organization and planning can be super stressful.
However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, today more and more board games are being released that are either purely solo play or offer both solo and group play – and the games are really good!
In this article, I have compiled a list of what I believe are the 10 best solo board games currently available. So, if you aren’t in the mood for rallying reluctant friends, or take gaming a bit more seriously than they do. Then there is sure to be a game in this list that is perfect for you!
Top 10 Best Solo Board Games
1. Mage Knight - Ultimate Edition
Players: 1 – 4
Duration: 60mins – 240mins
Even if you are new to the world of solo board games, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Mage Knight.
Developed by WizKids, this well-known board game offers an in-depth Role-Playing Game (RPG) experience that is just as much fun as it is challenging.
As the title suggests, players control a Mage Knight, a character in search of a conquest to control a corner of the Mage Knight universe ruled by the Atlantean Empire.
The game has the perfect mix of role playing, deck building, tile placement and traditional board game mechanics that really help to immerse you in the game and creates a well-rounded balanced experience (albeit far from easy).
Out of the box Mage Knight comes with over 10 scenarios that players can play through – which each scenario having replay value due to decisions players make along their path.
Unlike other self-proclaimed “ambitious” games, Mage Knight provides you with an impressive amount of customization options during your playthrough that really allow you to make your character your own.
Because this is the Ultimate Edition of the game, it also comes with three expansions (The Lost Legion, Krang and Shades of Tezla). This ultimately creates a solo board game that has a ton of unique content and remains fresh for multiple play throughs —I’ve played the game multiple times over the last year and have yet to have a game that feels ‘stale’.
If you want to add a few other players to the mix, the game can work in a multiplayer setting as well. Although, adding other players will increase the game’s length substantially (and potentially the difficulty if you decide to be adversaries instead of allies).
Playing solo, the game will generally take you up to three hours depending on which scenario you decide to play. Whereas playing with just one other person makes the average runtime 6 hours, with each additional player adding about 3 hours to the game.
That being said – you can break the game up into multiple sessions if you wish.
Bottom Line
There is a real sense of progression in Mage Knight which I love.
Each scenario is completely different and each Mage Knight character is unique and has a different play style.
In terms of solo RPG games, Mage Knight easily takes the cake!
Pros:
- Hugely personalizable gameplay
- Long play time with tons of replay value
- Wide variety of game modes and possibilities
- Ability to be solo and multiplayer
Cons:
- Cost might be prohibitive for some
- Not ideal for players who want a quick game
2. Onirim
Players: 1 – 2
Duration: 15mins
This card game is almost the complete opposite of Mage Knight. Its gameplay is short and accessible, providing about 15 minutes of gameplay per round.
Despite the short nature of the game, there is something thrilling about having to race against the game itself that keeps me coming back for more.
Even though the base game might seem a bit repetitive, the fast-paced nature of the game keeps it fresh and interesting.
Onirim requires you to think fast, encouraging players to use their creativity and intuition in order to win.
It’s worth noting that this particular release of the game comes with 7 expansions providing a huge variety of play through options and variations. Simply pick the game you like best and roll with it.
A bit of a bug-bear of mine is that a good portion of the game comes down to luck, so there is less reliance on experience and skill – which may put some more hobbyist gamers off.
By far the biggest advantage of Onirim is that it is quick and intense. With each round only taking 15 minutes, it is easy to pick up the game while on a break or before leaving for work.
Something I love about the game is that if you choose to approach it from a casual perspective, you will still have a great amount of fun. If you want to play with other people, the game has a cooperative mode that is just as fast-paced as the solo play.
Those already familiar with the Z Man range of card games will really appreciate Onirim. The price is also very affordable, meaning the game has huge value for the price.
Bottom Line
Onirim is a brilliant quick play card game that is super easy to learn and play.
The game has a heap of expansions and variations that keep the game fresh and its super cheap to buy.
Pros:
- Easy and accessible with quick play through
- Comes with 7 expansion packs
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Reliance on luck won’t appeal to hobby gamers
- Base game can be a bit repetitive
3. Robinson Crusoe
Players: 1 – 4
Duration: 60mins – 120mins
As far as themed games go, you’d have to look hard to find something more detailed than Robinson Crusoe.
After a boat crashes on the shores of an island, players find themselves fending for their lives on a deserted island, learning how to make food, shelter and weapons, among other things.
From the beginning, the game demonstrates its commitment to theme, immersing players in a completely believable storyline.
Depending on which missions you choose (6 come with the base game), the game offers a great deal of scenarios that will have players discover an underground city, explore a cursed temple or retrieve sacred treasure!
At its heart, Robinson Crusoe is a survival game which has a really great sandbox and open world feel. I like it because you don’t feel caged in or forced into certain situations. The game leaves all choices up to the players at how to approach each scenario.
There are 4 unique characters you can play as that each have unique abilities and skill sets (carpenter, cook etc). This means there are a variety of ways to play and you will have a completely different experience each time.
The inclusion of multiple characters in the story also means that 3 other players can join you in a cooperative setting if you wish!
In a market full of games that are focused on conquest, domination and wars, it is refreshing to play a game that is more about basic survival skills.
This is definitely the perfect game for those who are more interested in the detailed world building aspects of RPGs!
Bottom Line
Robinson Crusoe is one of the best survival RPG board games available.
The appeal of the game is that all actions are completely up to the players – with a huge open world feel (well constricted to the island of course)
Just fought off a violent animal from your camp? Do you rest? Move elsewhere? Repair the damage?
The game is completely up to the player and that’s what makes it so great.
Pros:
- Four different characters to choose from
- A variety of different missions
- Incredibly immersive
- Detailed game play
Cons:
- Price might be prohibitive for some
- Game is incredibly hard and unforgiving
- Not a great game for new gamers
4. Scythe
Players: 1 – 5
Duration: 90mins – 115mins
Have you ever dreamed about what would have happened if World War II had never occurred?
In Scythe, you can actually play in this alternate reality. Set in a 1920s Europe that is recovering from the first world war, the capitalistic city-state called “The Factory” has closed its doors and players are forced to confront the civil unrest that is burdening their countries.
However, this depiction of the early 20th century isn’t what it seems—The Factory is largely inhabited by huge armored mechs that police the state and form the backbone of the society.
The premise of the game might seem a bit contrived, but it is perfect for history nerds looking to live in an alternate timeline – or just sci fi fans in general!
In Scythe, each player takes the role of a fallen faction from the first World War who is trying to restore their reputation and claim their stake in the land that surrounds the Factory.
Up to 5 players can join in on the action, but the game has enough content that you can easily be entertained as a solo player.
Something that makes this game unique when compared to other war-based board games is that there is a streamlined action-selection mechanism, allowing the game itself to be quick and not rely upon the round-based systems that other games use.
This system does a great job to speed up the action in multiplayer situations, but doesn’t affect single player campaigns.
Scythe also keeps a relatively consistent playthrough time of 2 hours regardless of how many players you have! This is impressive when compared to other games like Mage Knight above.
Though the game is incredibly detailed, it is also very complex, barring players not already familiar with the German-style board games that it takes inspiration from. This means it is not the best game for new board gamers or players who want to play a more laid back casual game.
Scythe is probably the best solo engine building game. Every aspect of the game has an engine-building component to it.
Players can upgrade actions to become more efficient, build structures that improve their dominance on the map, hire new recruits to enhance character abilities, activate mechs to defend against invading opponents, and expand their territory to gain more resource gain.
The engine-building aspect creates a greater sense of momentum and progression throughout the game. The order in which players improve their engine adds to the unique feel of each game, even when playing one faction multiple times.
Bottom Line
Scythe is an incredibly detailed engine-building game that gives players a huge amount of freedom to choose their own fate.
While it is a bit complicated – once you get the mechanics down it’s easy to get addicted to the gameplay and the multiple options available to you in upgrading your engine.
Pros:
- Unique and detailed storyline
- Perfect for fans of German-style board games
- Streamlined action-selection mechanism
- Brilliant engine building game
Cons:
- Price might be prohibitive for some
- Might be too complex for casual gamers
5. Terraforming Mars
Players: 1 – 5
Duration: 120mins
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to colonize another planet? With the Terraforming Mars Strategy Game, you can get a glimpse into what that is like!
Those looking for a solo board game that will give them an incredible value for their money will appreciate this title. With over 200 different projects to complete in the game, you’ll have plenty of things to do over a long period of time.
In my time playing the game over the past month, I’ve only used 137 of the projects! However, the enjoyment I’ve gotten from the game thus far is enough to recommend it as one of the best solo board games I’ve ever played.
The game is easy to understand and play, but don’t let this fool you—the difficulty comes from having to balance all of the moving parts. For example, being able to keep track of your territory while working on the three global parameters (temperature, oxygen, ocean) isn’t the easiest task!
In terms of the games on my list, this is one of the ones that I don’t believe translates well to multiplayer scenarios. When I tried to play with friends, I found myself feeling more stressed out than happy about the competitive elements of the game.
For example, my favorite thing about the game is that it gives you the ability to explore Mars and customize the planet in any way you see fit. However, when I feel pressured by other players to make specific actions in favor of finishing the game first, it becomes difficult to appreciate the fine details that the game promotes.
One area that the game does have a bit of a let down is its component quality. The cards are a bit ugly and the player mats are a bit flimsy (however there are 3rd party options available) and due to its price – it is only a minor let down.
Bottom Line
Terraforming Mars is a brilliant strategy Euro game that absolutely nails its sci-fi theme.
It’s incredibly fun to play solo and even though its component quality is sub par, it is a game that offers a huge amount of fun and replayable content for a small price.
Pros:
- Creative and immersive sci-fi game
- 200 different projects to play with
- Affordable price for an expansive game
- Engaging solo gameplay
Cons:
- Not great for multiplayer
6. Hostage Negotiator
Players: 1
Duration: 20mins
Hostage negotiator is a quickplay card game where you play as a (surprise surprise) hostage negotiator and are tasked with saving hostages from a deranged criminal as well as apprehending or eliminating them before the time runs out (20mins).
You win the game if you are able to save at least half the hostages and eliminate or apprehend the abductor before the time runs out.
The games rules are super simple and the game is quick to set up and play.
The base game comes with three different abductors which each have their own unique demands and threat levels as well as special rules related purely to them.
The game has some reliance on luck as it utilized 2 custom dice with success and failure markers that determine the success of your negotiations.
However, there is some skill involved with abilities that have strategic consequences like increasing the number of dice, killing a hostage, saving a hostage or ending the round.
There is also the strategic decision of which cards to purchase from the market place and when to play them.
The game also offers the ability to give in to the abductors demands which provide certain benefits and penalties which last through the remainder of the game.
Bottom Line
While the theme of hostage negotiator won’t appeal to everyone. The game does a great job of creating a realistic hostage situation.
The game perfectly balances luck with skill based decisions to really make the game super intense – especially with the hard 20minute time limit.
Pros:
- Stressfully Intense, yet fun experience
- Affordable price
- Quick set up and play time
Cons:
- Theme not suitable for everyone
7. Tiny Epic Galaxies
Players: 1 – 5
Duration: 30mins – 45mins
Sometimes playing board games isn’t necessarily about having overwhelming complexity at every turn. Tiny Epic Galaxies is a card game that provides you with the experience of a sci-fi adventure without having the complexity and brainpower that many RPGs require.
The accessibility of the game not only makes it easy to play, but also very fitting for multiplayer situations with younger family members!
Though, admittedly there is some intense multiplayer action to be found, I am including this game on the list because of its equally good solo experience.
Each playthrough will take you about 40 minutes, making this a great contender for someone who has never played a solo game before. As you collect more planets and increase your cosmic armada, you’ll run into more challenges, forcing you to choose your battles wisely.
If you’re a beginner board gamer, or simply looking for an easy-going game, Tiny Epic Galaxies is a great choice.
There is virtually no learning curve and is a great game to teach older children!
Another benefit of this game is that its design is very compact, making it easy for you to bring wherever you need to go. It is also one of the most inexpensive items on this list!
Bottom Line
Tiny Epic Galaxies is a brilliant quickplay game that is both portable and easy to learn.
While simple to play, the game still has enough of a challenge to keep things interesting.
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Accessible gameplay
- Multiplayer option
- Compact design
Cons:
- Might be too simple for seasoned gamers
8. This War of Mine: The Board Game
Players: 1 – 6
Duration: 45mins – 120mins
Those familiar with videogame culture probably already know about the acclaimed title This War of Mine.
Providing players with top notch action sequences that depict the crumbling of humanity through the horrors of war, This War of Mine: The Board Game does a good job of adapting the storyline for the tabletop setting.
In the game players take on the roles of civilians trapped in a multi-story war-torn city building, having to endure the cruelty and hardships that come with war.
The game utilizes a day and night phase that will have you searching through rubble, collecting scrap and building items during the day. While at night you have the opportunity to leave the building and avoid the snipers who are active during the day.
Night does not come without danger however, and you will need to move carefully with a strategy for escape in mind.
An innovative aspect of this game that distinguishes it from others is that it has a built-in “save” feature. Instead of having to manually place your pieces exactly where they were when you stopped playing, you can reset the board and make a note from where you left off.
This makes the gameplay even quicker by eliminating the need to have every piece on the board at any given moment.
Though the solo experience gives you a lot to work with, I also love that this game is just as exciting when you play in a multiplayer setting. With up to 6 players, this game is flexible enough that it is just as much of a private game as it is a party one!
Bottom Line
This War of Mine is a highly immersive and complex board game that has a way of letting you create completely personalized story lines with the many scripts that come with the game.
The game is dark and it loves to keep your head under water just long enough that the slight breath of air will keep you gasping for more.
Pros:
- Thrilling and realistic storyline
- Over 2,000 entries in the script
- Built-in save feature
- Works well as a solo or multiplayer game
Cons:
- Very dark theme
- Can be very complex
9. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Players: 1 – 8
Duration: 60mins – 120mins
It’s no secret that Sherlock Holmes is one of the most famous detectives in literature, having an exceptional wit that always keeps each story interesting.
With this board game, you can put yourself in Sherlock’s shoes to race around Victorian London in search of clues to solve some of his most famous cases.
Something that I enjoy a lot about this game is that the theme is incredible. For example, the newspapers containing information and story elements is one of the cleverest designs I’ve seen in any board game, while the dictionary that looks like a phone book is perfect for gathering suspects.
Like you would expect with a murder-mystery board game, there is a lot of reading materials and clues to go through. Sherlock often figures out his mysteries through his impressive literary skills and perception, so you should be prepared to do the same!
The nature of the game makes it quite slow, though, so don’t purchase this product if you are more into fast paced, high action board games.
Bottom Line
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a brilliant murder mystery board game that will put your analytic and observation skills to the test.
The mysteries you need to solve are all greatly thought out and once you find the solution you get a great sense of achievement.
Pros:
- Creative design
- Very immersive gameplay
- Great for mystery buffs
Cons:
- Not for those who like fast-paced games
10. Arkham Horror 3rd Edition
Players: 1 – 8
Duration: 60mins – 120mins
If you are someone who is interested in the detective aspects of the aforementioned Sherlock board game but still want a fast-paced experience, this game is for you.
Set in the roaring 20s, players are tasked with eliminating a foreign alien race called the Ancient Ones.
Though it has some of the criminal investigation elements that relate it to Sherlock’s universe, this board game adds science fiction plotlines inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft!
Each playable character comes with their own unique skills and weaknesses letting players choose how they would like to play the game.
This also helps it function quite well as a solo game, giving you many different ways to play the game and possibilities to explore character development.
My only gripe with the game is that it typically takes longer than the suggested gameplay duration. For example, my first gameplay took me 2.5 hours, much longer than the suggested “1-2 hours of gameplay” listed on the box. This might be a negative for some players, but I can’t fault a game for having too much going on!
Bottom Line
Arkham Horror is a game that mixes a great theme with elements of both action, dungeon crawling and investigation that works really really well.
The components and artwork are top quality and they do great justice to the Lovecraftian theme.
Pros:
- Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft
- Accessible for casual fans
- Works well in both solo and multiplayer situations
- A lot of content to explore
Cons:
- Game duration takes longer than suggested timeframe
Final Thoughts
The games in this article are my go to board games when I am looking for a bit of me time. Every game has its own benefits and draw and there is a game above for every type of situation or gamer – from the long drawn out RPG campaigns to the quick and short card gamer.
At the end of the day, the best solo board games for you will be whichever ones cater to your interests.
I hope this guide has been helpful and that you find a game that appeals to you in this list!
