Who says board games need a big group? Sometimes the best adventures happen when it’s just you, a table, and a game that pulls you into its world. Whether you’re solving mysteries, surviving post-apocalyptic winters, or farming in peace, solo board gaming gives you the freedom to play your way—no schedules, no waiting, no pressure.
If you’ve ever had to cancel game night because everyone’s busy, or just wanted a quiet evening exploring a story-driven game solo, then this list is for you. Here are some of our favorite solo (or single-player friendly) board games—grouped by theme or feel—so you can find the one that fits your vibe.
Best Single-Player Board Games to Try
Chill Vibes, Cozy Feels
Stardew Valley: The Board Game
Cozy Solo Gaming
Love the chill vibes of Stardew Valley? Now, you can bring the magic to your tabletop! Stardew Valley: The Board Game is a cooperative adventure where you’ll farm, fish, mine, and befriend villagers—all while racing to restore the Community Center and save the Valley from the JojaMart Corporation.
Each turn, the Season Deck throws surprises your way, shaping the world as you plant crops, explore the mines, and reel in the catch of the day. Solo play is just as fun as multiplayer, with special rules letting you mix and match profession cards for a more flexible strategy.
It’s a cozy yet challenging experience—some goals (like reaching the bottom of the mine) are tougher solo, but win or lose, the journey is rewarding. If you love farming simulation and resource management with a dash of luck, Stardew Valley is a perfect fit for your solo game nights!
Engine Builders, Animal Edition
Wingspan
Birdwatching, But Make It Competitive
Wingspan is a beautiful, engine-building board game where you can play solo as a bird enthusiast trying to attract the most fascinating birds. With at least 180 bird species, each with unique abilities, your mission is to create a thriving ecosystem.
In Automa mode, an AI opponent keeps you on your toes with quick, simple turns as you play solo. Plus, with the game’s stunning artwork, smooth mechanics, and satisfying combos, every playthrough feels like a competitive adventure into the world of birds. The more birds you attract, the stronger your actions become!
Wyrmspan
Dragons, Caves, and a lot of Hoarding
If birds aren’t exciting enough, how about dragons? Wyrmspan swaps treetops for underground lairs, where you excavate caves to create the ultimate dragon sanctuary. Just like in Wingspan, every dragon you attract makes your sanctuary more powerful, helping you dig deeper, collect treasure, and discover even rarer species.
The single-player game mode lets you enjoy the thrill of dragon hoarding without too much upkeep. The Automa AI runs on a simple deck of cards, taking quick actions after each of your turns. It competes for public objectives, snatches up dragons and caves for points, and occasionally blocks you from certain guild bonuses—just enough to keep you on your toes without slowing you down.
Finspan
Deep-Sea Research with a Side of Strategy
Finspan takes the Wingspan formula underwater, where you’re studying marine life across different ocean zones. Instead of forests and wetlands, you’ll explore the Sunlight, Twilight, and Midnight zones, discovering fish, collecting eggs, and forming massive schools.
This version keeps things fresh using vertical boards and a beginner-friendly, more streamlined system. The single-person game mode is quick, clean, and just challenging enough to keep you playing more. If you love the idea of running a high-tech marine research project (and honestly, who wouldn’t?), this game is a splash.
Story-Driven & Narrative Explorations
Sleeping Gods
A Solo Adventure Like No Other
Strap in, captain! Sleeping Gods is an open-world adventure where you command the steamship Manticore, lost in a strange world in 1929. Your mission? Explore islands, meet intriguing characters, and uncover powerful totems to find your way home.
While the game can be played with a group, Sleeping Gods also shines as a solo board game. No debating over decisions—just you, your crew, and a vast world waiting to be explored. Every choice shapes your journey, making this one of the most immersive solo experiences out there. If you love the thrill of an open-world game where you can roam freely, Sleeping Gods is calling your name!
Final Girl
Horror and Heart-Pounding Action
Ever wondered what it’s like to be the last one standing in a slasher movie? Final Girl puts you in the shoes of a horror heroine, facing off against a relentless killer in a cinematic showdown. This is a true single-player board game—no teammates, no safety net—just you, your wits, and the terror lurking in the shadows.
Mix and match different killers, victims, and locations to create a new nightmare every time you play. One night, you might be dodging a masked maniac at a summer camp. The next, you’re trapped in a haunted asylum, searching for a way out. The tension builds as you make crucial decisions—do you save the other victims or focus on gearing up for the final fight? Just be warned—survival isn’t guaranteed!
Marvel Zombies
A Zombicide Game of Superpowered Chaos
Marvel Zombies: A Zombicide Game lets you play as infected superheroes on a rampage! When Earth’s mightiest heroes turn into flesh-craving monsters, no one is safe—not S.H.I.E.L.D., civilians, or even other superheroes.
As a solo game, Marvel Zombies delivers fast, intuitive gameplay with just the right mix of strategy and cinematic action. You’ll run six characters, but the system keeps things smooth and engaging. Expansions let you mix and match heroes and enemies for fresh challenges. Whether planning carefully or embracing the chaos, this single-player game keeps solo play dynamic, tense, and endlessly fun!
Card Games with Big Adventures
Arkham Horror LCG
Face the Madness Alone
You’re in the 1920s in Arkham, a city drowning in secrets, paranoia, and unspeakable terror. You’ll take on the role of an investigator, digging through the shadows for answers that no one else dares to seek. But the deeper you go, the less certain reality becomes.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game throws you into a narrative-driven horror experience where every choice can mean the difference between survival and spiraling into madness. This solo board game scales well for one player, immersing you in a chilling, personal horror story where every decision feels weighty. Without teammates to save your skin, you’ll have to carefully manage your resources, plan your every move, and hope the ancient evils lurking in the dark don’t catch up.
If you love a good mystery and enjoy the thrill of going toe-to-toe with cosmic horrors, this living card game is a chilling, pulse-pounding mystery that will keep you coming back—if madness doesn’t claim you first.
Marvel Champions LCG
Be Your Own Hero
Marvel Champions lets you take on the role of your favorite Marvel hero and fight to stop evil masterminds from unleashing chaos. But you’re not just the web-slinging Spider-Man, the high-tech Iron Man, or the unstoppable Hulk——you also have an alter ego to manage!
Balancing your crime-fighting and personal life adds a fun, strategic layer that makes each game feel fresh, and the action moves fast. You’re in complete control when you play this game as a single player: making snap decisions, when to unleash a devastating combo, and when to retreat and recover. No waiting on teammates, no debating strategy—just you, your deck, and a showdown against some of Marvel’s biggest baddies.
The Lord of the Rings LCG
A One-Person Fellowship
Middle-earth isn’t going to save itself, and sometimes, it’s better to go on an epic quest without anyone slowing you down. The Lord of the Rings: The Card Game is about assembling your party of heroes and venturing into dangerous lands, tackling everything from goblin hordes to shadowy conspiracies.
What makes it great for solo play? You get complete control over your fellowship, crafting your deck to take on whatever trials lie ahead. Each scenario tests your ability to balance combat, exploration, and resource management. And unlike in real life, when things go terribly wrong, you can blame your deck instead of your friends (just kidding).
For those who love immersive storytelling and strategic deck-building, this is one of the best single-player living card games out there. Grab your sword, gather your allies, set out on an unforgettable adventure, and watch out for those Nazgûl!
There are many more that we can add to the list, but we don't want this blog to be too long:
- Spirit Island
- Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition
- Dune: Imperium
- Ark Nova
- Terraforming Mars
- Gloomhaven
- Aeon's End
- Gaia Project
- Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
- Lost Ruins of Arnak
From Solo to Cooperative Game
A lot of the solo board games listed above are actually super versatile—you can play them with friends too, which is perfect if you're in the mood for a group session. But playing them solo? That hits different. It gives you a fresh way to experience the game, especially if you're used to the usual co-op dynamic.
Why Play Solo?
Because you don’t need a full table to have a full experience. Solo board games give you the freedom to play on your own time, your own pace. Whether you’re chasing high scores, diving into deep stories, or just relaxing with a cozy game after work—there’s something magical about playing solo.
At Gaming Library, we believe that every kind of gamer deserves a great experience—and solo players are no exception. So go ahead. Find your favorite, brew some tea, and enjoy your next solo adventure.
Which ones have you tried? Which one’s going on your wishlist?
About Gaming Library
Gaming Library is your ultimate destination for board games, offering a diverse selection perfect for families, friends, and gamers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned pros. 🌟 We carefully curate our collection by sourcing the best titles from around the globe, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore hobbyist. 🎲 Our mission is to bring people together, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting friendships through the joy of tabletop gaming. Beyond the fun, we believe board games are a powerful way to develop essential skills and sharpen critical thinking—skills you can carry into everyday life. Explore our world of games and discover the perfect match for your next game night!
