Not every board game requires a group of players to be fun. Many modern titles have dedicated solo modes that provide engaging challenges, deep strategy, or immersive storytelling. Whether you enjoy planning long-term strategies, building decks, playing Marvel superheroes, facing AI opponents, or simply relaxing with a creative experience, there are plenty of options to keep things exciting.
Solo-friendly board games come in many forms, from expansive campaigns to quick and strategic card games. Some are cooperative games that let a single player control multiple characters, while others feature automated opponents or dedicated solo gameplay for challenging in single-player form. These six excellent board games stand out for their solo play, depth, and replay value, making them excellent choices.
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6
Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs
Gloomhaven: Buttons & Bugs delivers a condensed version of the popular Gloomhaven experience, tailored for solo play. Players take on the role of a hero who, after a magical mishap, is shrunk to the size of an insect and must navigate dangerous encounters in their new form. Each scenario is played on a single card, keeping the mechanics easy and accessible while maintaining the depth of decision-making that fans of Gloomhaven appreciate.
This version is ideal for those who enjoy tactical gameplay but prefer a quicker, more compact experience. At $27.50, it also offers a more affordable way to explore the Gloomhaven universe, along with the lighter setup. Players aged 10 and up can enjoy this simpler version of Gloomhaven with 20-minute sessions. It provides an engaging one-player challenge with the essence of the original game.
5
Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is widely considered one of the best strategy board games, and its solo mode is just as rewarding as the multiplayer version. In this game, players take on the role of corporations working to make Mars habitable by raising temperatures, creating oceans, and building cities. The solo mode challenges players to complete the terraforming process within a set number of turns. To succeed, it requires us to carefully plan our approach and focus on resource management.
Thanks to its mix of card drafting, engine-building, and strategic decision-making, Terraforming Mars offers plenty of replay value, which keeps us coming back for more. Each session feels unique, as different strategies and corporate abilities influence the game’s outcome. When friends want to join the game, it becomes even better, transitioning easily from a solo experience to a five-player game. It’s a great investment for anyone who enjoys strategic gameplay.
4
The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game
The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game is a cooperative living card game where players embark on quests across Middle-earth. Each scenario presents different challenges that require deck-building skills and strategic play. With every expansion, the game provides more versatility and options. The revised core set includes updated content and quality-of-life improvements, making it easier for new players to jump into the experience.
The solo mode offers tons of challenges, requiring players to manage resources and allies effectively. With its strong narrative elements and deep strategic play, the game immerses players in Tolkien’s world with familiar characters and places. Avoid the corruption of the Dark Lord, Sauron while traveling across the famed Middle-earth with your allies. A great option for adults and teens who love the epic saga.
There are tons of expansions for The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game, which add thousands upon thousands of cards that evolve the game in new ways.
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3
Scythe
Scythe is a visually impressive and highly strategic board game that includes an official solo mode using an Automa system. Set in an alternate 1920s, the game puts us in control of factions competing for dominance through resource management, combat, and economic expansion. The Automa deck simulates an AI opponent, creating unpredictable challenges and keeping each game fresh.
With distinct factions and multiple strategies to explore, Scythe offers both a rewarding solo experience and great gameplay for up to 5 players. Its engine-building mechanics and unique decision-making system keep gameplay engaging. Unlike some games, Scythe’s solo gameplay is very much like its multiplayer experience.
2
Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale
Cartographers combines strategic gameplay with creativity, allowing players to draw their own fantasy maps. As royal cartographers, players sketch terrain while completing objectives and avoiding monsters that disrupt their plans. The solo mode retains the core mechanics, offering a bit more relaxing yet engaging challenge. It comes with randomized goals for each session, which keeps it fresh even after several playthroughs.
The game’s mix of puzzle-like strategy and artistic freedom makes it a unique gameplay experience for solo players. However, it is not a solo-only game. In fact, it allows up to 100 players, thanks to its flip-and-write style where each player takes their turn. With simple mechanics but plenty of depth, it’s perfect for those looking for a quick but thoughtful game.
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Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Marvel Champions is a cooperative living card game, very much in the same vein as The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game. This game also works exceptionally well for solo play. In it, we take on the role of Marvel superheroes, each with unique abilities. Customizable decks and hundreds of cards ensure almost endless combinations. The game features scenarios against powerful villains, requiring players to balance different abilities.
With a constantly expanding roster of heroes and villains, the game offers near-boundless replayability. The strategic deck-building and fast-paced gameplay make it a great choice for both casual players and hardcore fans of the franchise. With an average playtime of an hour, it is a great game for solo players and groups of up to four.
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