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 board games that will make your work blues vanish and help rejuvenate during holidays.
13 Best Solo Board Games
1. Best For Bird Enthusiasts: Stonemaier Games Wingspan Board Game
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 can be played solo or by up to five players. It is card-driven and involves strategic skills. Perfect for a solo game as well as easy to play, it 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 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, 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, this mind-boggling, engine-building solo game has 115 minutes of playtime. 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
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 video can give you more information! 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
4. Best For Star Wars Fans: Fantasy Flight Star Wars Outer Rim Board Game
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. It is suited for one to four players so you can embark on a solo journey too. To know more about this product, watch this 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. His varied 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 video to get more information about this solo game. Pros
A short playtime of 30 minutes Great for beginners Features cards with appealing images Portable
Cons
Can seem repetitive
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 experience. 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. 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. Involving strategy and luck, this 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 your way 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 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 it on your family trips, it has a low complexity rating which makes it ideal 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
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. It is easy to follow as the game is driven by engaging stories. Are you up for the drums of koala cave, the skyscraper caper, or Blinky’s great escape? Pick your adventure and go on the unexpected yet exciting 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 solo game is suitable for 14 years and above and will let you have a fun 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.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Amrit S is not only well-versed and skilled in all forms of writing, but also has a passion for playing and winning 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 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.
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