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Back to the old days where there are still no available video games, people opt for board games. They were certainly the hype back then. Even up until now in this modern age, they are still everywhere. Of course, introverts tend to favor these more than games where they should be around many people. Actually, many board games are usually for multiple players. However, there are also numerous ones that are designed for one player only. Today, we’re going to share the top 9 must-have solo board games that you can play anytime and anywhere.
| Product | Brand | Expert Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Scythe by Stonemaier Games |  | |
 | Gloomhaven by Cephalofair Games | | |
 | Arkham Horror: The Card Game by Fantasy Flight Games |  | |
 | Mansions of Madness, 2nd Edition by Fantasy Flight Games | | |
 | Mage Knight by WizKids | | |
 | Sub Terra by Inside the Box Board Games | | |
 | Sagrada by Floodgate Games | | |
 | Tapestry by Stonemaier Games | | |
 | Terraforming Mars by Indie Boards and Cards | |
How to Pick the Right Board Game for You
Before diving right into the said list, let’s first talk about how to pick the right board game for you.
Of course, there are certain things to consider when picking a board game that’ll give you the best gaming experience you’ll ever have. For this reason, think carefully first about the game’s design or theme. By doing so, you know that you’ll be able to enjoy the game because it sparks curiosity and excitement within you.
Moreover, take note of the game’s difficulty level. Do you think you can or willing to commit to it? At the same time, what’s the game play duration? If you’re someone who relies on board games to ease the stress out during breaks from work, you surely don’t want a game that lasts for hours.
On the contrary, if you’re really into board games and designate a leisure time for it during the weekends, for example, then you won’t enjoy one that only lasts for minutes or just an hour.
Top 9 Must-Have Solo Board Games
Our Top Pick!
OUR TOP PICK: Scythe Board Game
Product Name: Scythe Board Game
Product Description: It is a time of unrest in 1920s Europa. The ashes from the first great war still darken the snow. The capitalistic city-state known simply as "the factory," which fueled the war with heavily armored Mechs, has closed its doors, drawing the attention of several nearby countries. Scythe is a board game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and Valor. In scythe, each player represents a fallen leader attempting to restore their honor and lead their faction to power in Eastern Europa. Players conquer territory, enlist new recruits, reap resources, gain villagers, build structures, and activate monstrous Mech.
Brand: Stonemaier Games
Availability: InStock
- Design
- Quality of Components
- Playing Variability
- Playing Replayability
Overall
Summary
This area control game will have you acquiring land and influences amidst various challenges. In order to achieve your goal, you’ll collect resources, conquer new territories, build things, and recruit militia. Additionally, you can choose the difficulty of this game based on the type of challenge you want. Its “Automa” feature will allow you to play solo. Moreover, the gameplay lasts for about 115 minutes. For these reasons, this is indeed the top pick for the must-have solo board games!
Pros
✔️Offers random elements to keep it fresh and new every time you play it
✔️High-quality components
✔️Value for money is excellent
Cons
❌Very detailed rules that take time to fully comprehend
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Runners-Up
Gloomhaven
A top contender for the must-have solo board games is Gloomhaven. It’s a fantasy-themed, campaign-based tactical skirmish board game. It can be played by one to four persons ages 12 and above. Moreover, this is designed by Isaac Childres and is published by Cephalofair Games in 2017.
In this game, the setting takes place in the medieval town of Gloomhaven, hence the name. The player will take on the role of a mercenary with special skills who’s in a series of main as well as side quests. It’s a game with a branching story of almost 100 scenarios. For this reason, you can definitely choose on how the story will continue on!
Take note that the character’s actions are represented by cards in this game. Additionally, the game duration lasts for about 60 to 120 minutes.
✔️Persistent changing world
❌Stickers used in the game are a bit sticky
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a living card game of eldritch mystery. It means that there’s a regular release of expansions to make the game more thrilling. In addition to this, it can be played by one to four persons ages 13 and above. Moreover, this is designed by Nate French and Matthew Newman. It’s also produced by Fantasy Flight Games in 2016.
In this adventure-horror game, the setting takes place on the fictional town of Arkham. The player will take on the role of an investigator with specific strengths and skills. There are tasks that needs to be completed by solving mysteries and gathering clues. At the same time, you’ll earn points at the end of every task which you may then use to upgrade your deck.
Since this has a horror theme, expect cultists, strange creatures, and haunted houses! Additionally, the game duration lasts for about 90 minutes. Indeed, this is one of the truly must-have solo board games!
✔️Great atmosphere, twists, turns
✔️Good level of challenge
❌Very detailed rules that take time to fully comprehend
Mansions of Madness, 2nd Edition
Next on this list of the must-have solo board games is the 2nd Edition of Mansion of Madness. This is a tabletop strategy game that can be played by one to five persons of ages 13 and above. Moreover, this is designed by Nikki Valens and is also published by Fantasy Flight Games in 2011.
Take note that the gameplay in this is fundamentally the same as in the first edition. However, the role of the keeper is replaced by a companion app that would run through Steam on Mac or PC, Apple iOS, or Android platforms. The main player will then take on the role of an investigator who must solve mysteries.
Additionally, this game which is under the adventure, horror, and mystery genre lasts for about 2 to 3 hours.
✔️Includes a conversion kit to integrate first edition game components
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Mage of Knight
Mage of Knight is a miniatures wargame using collectible figures that’s certainly one of the must-have solo board games! This epic fantasy game delivers an intense gaming experience for solo game players or groups of up to five. Moreover, this is designed by Jordan Weisman along with Kevin Barrett. It was launched in 2011 by WizKids, Inc. where Weisman is the founder.
For this adventure-themed game, you’ll have a gaming experience that includes upgrading your character, fighting monsters, and exploring the fantasy realm. Additionally, the game play lasts for about three or more hours.
✔️Composed of high-quality parts, guaranteed to last for years
❌A bit complex by nature
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Sub Terra
Sub Terra is created by Inside the Box Board Games. It can be played by one to six players ages 12 and above.
In this game, the player takes on the role of an amateur caver that needs to escape the terrifying cave full of unexplored network of subterranean tunnels. While doing so, he/she must survive the obstacles laid out from floods and cave ins to gas leaks and scree.
Take note that the character you’ll choose will have specific capabilities. Furthermore, new tiles are placed from a randomized stack of cave features. They determine whether you’ll be hit with a dead end or a range of new options. At the end of each turn, players face the reality of their situation, with a hazard card drawn to determine what danger causes them damage or cuts off their way out of the horror below.
Know that the cards are finite. However, when they run out, your torches flicker, and the air feels tight. For this reason, your chance of survival diminishes quickly.
Lastly, the game play lasts for about an hour.
✔️Lots of replay value
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Sagrada
Another one of the must-have solo board games is the Sagrada by Floodgate Games. It’s a dice-placement game that can be played by one to four players ages 10 and above.
In this game, the player will draft dice, representing the color and shade of glass, placing them in their window. At the same time, he/she must carefully follow the restrictions while adding his/her own artistic flair.
Bear in mind that the main goal here is to thoroughly construct a stained glass window that meets the demands of a fickle audience. With this, you’ll be known as a master artisan in Sagrada.
Lastly, the game duration lasts for about 20 to 40 minutes.
✔️Concept is fairly simple
✔️Lot of replayability
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Tapestry
Tapestry by Stonemaier Games is an epic civilization game. It’s designed by Jamey Stegmaier. Moreover, it’s designed to be played by one to five players ages 12 and above.
In this game, the player will create the civilization with the most storied history, starting at the beginning of humankind and reaching into the future. He/she will do so by choosing varying paths in terms of real-world events or people. At the same time, there’ll be an advancement on tracks such as science, technology, exploration, and military. Along the way, the player’s income will be enhanced, unique capabilities will be leveraged, points will be earned, and tapestry cards will be earned as well.
Furthermore, there are 16 unique factions, 18 painted landmark miniatures, 150 building and outpost miniatures, 43 tapestry cards, 33 tech cards, 3 custom dice, 2-piece custom insert in this game. Lastly, the game play lasts for about 90 to 120 minutes.
✔️Easy to learn
✔️High-quality components
✔️High-quality design
❌Rulebook is a bit limited
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
Terraforming Mars
Last but definitely not the least in this list of the must-have solo board games is the Terraforming Mars by Indie Boards and Cards. This is designed to be played by one to five players ages 12 and above.
This game’s setting takes place around the 2400s when mankind begins to terraform the planet Mars. The World Government on Earth teams up with big corporations to create projects to raise the temperature, the oxygen level, and the ocean coverage until the environment there is habitable. Moreover, as the terraforming progresses, more and more people will immigrate from Earth to live there. For these reasons, the player will be dealing with harvesting resources, establishing infrastructures, and building cities. At the same time, there are over 200 projects to complete where Victory Points will be earned.
Lastly, take note that the game play of this one lasts for about two to three hours.
✔️Great deal of replayability
✔️Offers so much variability in the game play
❌Very detailed rules that take time to fully comprehend because of the numerous options available
❌Has reduced product selection available for delivery to some region because of product demand
CHECK OUT: 7 Board Games for Ages 10 and Up –Top Family Picks!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Just like what you read in this blog post, there are many options for board games for solo players that you can choose from. We get it that playing whatever kind of game with others is fun. On the other hand, there are times when we feel like we only want our own company while doing something exciting. For this reason, many board games are designed to give you that experience! From war and horror-themed games to adventure ones, you’ll have the thrill in just choosing the one that’ll hype you up!
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