Solo board gaming has grown from a niche in the hobby to a thriving community. Tens of thousands of enthusiasts now gather in dedicated Facebook groups and subreddits. This side of our hobby appeals to those who struggle to co-ordinate game nights with friends or simply want a peaceful gaming session, and it offers a unique experience.
Designers now regularly include solo modes in their games. My experience of single-player board games has shown that playing at your own pace creates a different gaming dynamic and relieves the pressure that you can sometimes feel when playing with other players.
Why Solo Board Gaming Is Worth Your Time
Solo board gaming provides advantages that group sessions can't match, beyond just avoiding cancelled game nights.
The freedom of playing at your own pace
Solo play frees you from group pressure. Complex decisions need time without other players' impatient stares. Your gaming schedule becomes flexible - you can play a turn, take a break or put the kids to bed, and come back hours later without letting anyone down. The game waits for you exactly where you left it.
No scheduling conflicts with gaming groups
Adult life makes game night coordination tough. Solo board gaming eliminates the hassle of trying to line up everyone's schedules. On top of that, it fits perfectly into those 30-minute breaks in your day that would be too short for a regular game session.
A different kind of challenge
Solo games challenge your mind differently than multiplayer experiences do. The game's mechanics and your decisions become the sole focus without social dynamics at play. Sometimes you'll still have bad luck, but at least other players' choices can't be blamed - it's just you versus the game. This creates a unique "fog of war" element that makes decisions deliciously challenging and people often find this solo challenge refreshing and engaging.
The perfect way to learn complex games
Solo play helps you learn games faster. You can play as multiple players and it's often the case that if you've taught yourself the game, if you do play in a group, it's way easier to do the teach. Group sessions run smoother as a result and you all have a great time.
You can also try different strategies without worrying about how others might react to unusual tactics in group play.
Types of 1 Player Board Games to Consider
Solo board gaming presents unique experiences through several distinct categories.
True solitaire games designed for one player
Games designed exclusively for solo play remain relatively uncommon despite the boom in solo gaming. Under Falling Skies, Friday, Coffee Roaster, and Hostage Negotiator stand out as prominent "true solos," though they stay niche compared to adaptable multiplayer games.
Multiplayer games with dedicated solo modes
Most solo board gaming comes from multiplayer games that feature well-designed solo variants. Anno 1800's dedicated solo campaigns conclude with sandbox modes that let players continue their adventures. Kingdom Legacy: Feudal Kingdom delivers an impressive "legacy" experience where players build and enhance their kingdom through resource management and card upgrades. I, Napoleon creates a meaty 3-4 hour experience that keeps solo players hooked with its "just one more turn" feeling.
Cooperative games played solo (one-handed or multi-handed)
Cooperative games make a natural transition to solo play since players already team up against the game itself. Players can tackle these games "one-handed" by controlling a single character or "multi-handed" by managing multiple roles. Aeon's End shines with a single character and needs minimal rule changes. Marvel United and Solar Storm were built for multiple characters but adapt smoothly to solo play. Many enthusiasts find that controlling two characters creates a better experience than the three positions suggested in official solo rules.
Games with automated opponents (automas)
Automas create the illusion of playing against another person through card decks or dice. Designer Morten Monrad Pedersen coined this term during his work on Viticulture. These systems range from simple to complex. The Automa Factory creates efficient opponents that provide challenging competition without resource management. These automated opponents select actions based on card draws, which leads to varied gameplay without needing a human opponent.
Building Your First Solo Board Game Collection
You don't need a huge investment or gaming experience to start your solo board game collection. A careful selection of games can build an engaging library that grows with your interests.
Gateway solo games for beginners
The best way to start is with games that have simple rules but keep you engaged. Cascadia makes a great first choice with its 10-15 minute playtime and easy mechanics - perfect for a coffee-break session. Onirim, a card game with beautiful artwork, gives you a great entry point to solo gaming. Players who love sci-fi will enjoy Under Falling Skies which delivers quick, varied gameplay that changes each time you play.
Best cheap-er single player board games
Players on a budget have many choices. The Button Shy collection features 18-card wallet games like Sprawlopolis and SpaceShipped that won't break the bank. Here are some great budget options:
- Maquis - a worker placement resistance game
- Warp's Edge - a bag-building space combat game
- Friday - a classic solo adventure
Where to find reviews and recommendations
BoardGameGeek lists like the "People's Choice Top 200 Solo Games" help you find trusted reviews. Reddit's r/soloboardgaming community puts together beginner recommendation threads and created "r/soloboardgaming's List of 10 Games for Getting Started". Gameplay videos show you better decision-making moments than reviews do. Solo review sites like Beyond Solitaire give honest opinions without publisher influence.
Essential Solo Gaming Strategies and Tips
Solo board gaming needs more than just great games—smart organisation and the right approach make all the difference. I've found many ways to boost my solo sessions over the last several years.
Setting up the quickest play space
A dedicated gaming area can substantially improve your solo experience. Solo gaming enthusiasts say that a permanent gaming table lets them keep longer games set up between sessions. On top of that, a quality chair becomes crucial, especially for older players who might feel uncomfortable during long gaming sessions.
Good storage solutions can speed up setup and teardown times. The sort of thing I love is how a neoprene mat protects your table and gives you a smooth gaming surface. Under-table storage keeps dice and pencils right where you need them.
Tracking your progress and scores
Recording your games adds real value to solo gaming. BG Stats is an app that comes with special features for solo players. You can mark "non-players" like automas or dummy players with a robot icon. This app helps you see how you're improving while keeping accurate player counts.
High-score mode lets you track achievements without messing up your win/loss records. You can mark difficulty levels as "variants" to give context to how well you're doing.
Avoiding common solo gaming pitfalls
Rule confusion is the biggest problem for solo gamers. To curb this, here's what works:
- Create a turn sequence sheet with all phases clearly marked
- Move a token along the phases to track your progress
- Read rules again after playing when everything's fresh in your mind
The right time to modify rules for better solo play
Without doubt, official solo rules sometimes need tweaking. Many designers believe good solo modes shouldn't feel "tacked on". Therefore, you should adjust player counts, difficulty levels, or even create custom variants if the official rules don't give you enough challenge.
Solo gaming lets you customise everything—keep adjusting until you find your perfect mix of challenge and fun.
In the End
Board gaming alone provides a rich and rewarding experience that becomes more available each year. My time learning this hobby has shown that playing solo brings unique joys and challenges that go together with traditional group gaming.
Simple gateway games like Cascadia or Onirim help new players build confidence before they try complex titles. Many people think board gaming needs multiple players, but the growing world of solo play shows a different story. Players can choose from true solitaire experiences, cooperative games, or multiplayer titles with dedicated solo modes.
Solo gaming naturally fits into busy modern life. Players can pause mid-game without letting others down and take time to learn complex rules. They can enjoy their favourite titles whenever they want. A dedicated space, progress tracking, and adjusted rules create the perfect environment for solo play.
Note that solo board gaming isn't just a substitute for group play - it's a genuine hobby with its own distinct pleasures. The best approach is to start small, try different styles, and find what brings you joy. This captures the true spirit of board gaming, whether you play alone or with others.
