Looking for a board game that doesn’t require a large group? Look no further than 1 player board games! These games offer the perfect way to work on strategy and critical thinking skills while enjoying some alone time. From the thrilling Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective to the beautiful and complex Spirit Island, there’s sure to be a game that fits your interests. With our expert picks for the top solo game boards, you’ll be fully prepared for your next game night, solo-style. Read on to discover your new favorite game!
🏆 Our Choice Recommendation:
- NEW STANDALONE IN THE SERIES: As members of the Baker Street Irregulars, players try to solve the most heinous...
- MYSTERY BOARD GAME: Solve mysterious cases by interviewing suspects, searching newspapers and walking the streets...
- COOPERATIVE GAME: Players work together as a team of detectives to gather clues and solve mysteries. The dynamics...
***OUR TOP PICK: Our solo board game top choice is Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective . This game provides players with immersive and challenging mysteries to solve, while allowing for flexible gameplay with a cooperative dynamic. With ten exciting cases, players will enjoy playing solo or with friends and family. The game is suitable for ages 12 and up and can be played in approximately 90 minutes. A great runner-up product is Detective: City of Angels , though it may not be the best fit for those looking for a purely cooperative game. For more detailed reviews on the other products, read below.
🏅 Best By Category:
MOST ADVANCED FEATURES: Mage Knight Ultimate Edition – With RPG elements, deckbuilding, and traditional board game mechanics, Mage Knight provides a complex and immersive gameplay experience with stunning artwork and all expansions included.
GREAT VALUE: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion – This expansion of the popular Gloomhaven game includes a new campaign, built-in tutorials, and scenario books, providing hours of gameplay at a great price.
BETTER FOR BEGINNERS: Detective: City of Angels – With a classic 1940s Los Angeles setting and a small learning curve, Detective City of Angels is the perfect game to introduce newcomers to the world of mystery and investigation.
How We Are Rating These Products:
1) 🔍 MYSTERY: The game’s ability to create engaging and complex mysteries that challenge players to solve them using clues and deduction.
2) 🎮 GAMEPLAY: The mechanics and structure of the game, including turn order, strategy, and overall player experience.
3) ⏰ PLAYTIME: The amount of time it takes to play the game and whether or not it feels appropriately paced for the player count and game type.
4) 🤝 COOPERATIVE: How well the game fosters teamwork and cooperation between players.
5) 🎭 THEME: The quality and immersion of the game’s theme, including the story, setting, and presentation of the game world.
If you’re in the market for a one player board game, there are several factors to consider when evaluating your options. The gameplay mechanics are key, are you looking for a cooperative experience or something more competitive? These games tend to have longer playtimes, so make sure you have enough time set aside to complete a full game session. Think about the level of complexity you’re comfortable with – some games can be immersive and require a lot of strategy while others are more straightforward. Additionally, the variety of scenarios and replayability are important factors to consider. Finally, think about the theme of the game and if it appeals to you, whether it’s an investigative game like Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, a dystopian conflict like Scythe, or even a classic whodunit set in 1940s Los Angeles like Detective City of Angels. No matter your preferences, there’s sure to be a solo board game that will provide a thrilling and engaging experience.
Additional Criteria:
- Number of Players – Range of players a game can accommodate
- Playtime – Average duration of a game
- Complexity – Level of difficulty in terms of rules and game mechanics
- Theming – The theme of the game or the game’s setting and story
Option #1. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Are you looking for a thrilling, mentally stimulating board game? Look no further than Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective . This game is perfect for those who love mysteries and want a challenge. You’ll have the chance to put your detective skills to the test as you try to solve ten different cases while playing as a member of the Baker Street Irregulars. Immerse yourself in Victorian London, gathering clues and interviewing suspects to solve the puzzle. And at the end, you can compare your skills to the master detective himself, Sherlock Holmes.
Buy It Here: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Option #2. Terraforming Mars
If you’re seeking a stumulating board game to play, either by yourself or with other players, Terraforming Mars is a great pick! With this game, you’ll assume the role of a company vying to create an inhabitable environment on Mars by competing for landmarks and accolades that are worth plenty of VPs. With more than 200 distinct activities that players can complete, each person must strategically utilize their one-of-a-kind activity cards to elevate the temperature, oxygen amounts, and expanse of the planet’s oceans. Intended for those aged 12 and older with between 1-5 players at a time, this game is particularly well-suited for aficionados of games that encourage building, but novices in this domain might discover it somewhat convoluted at first glance. In sum, Terraforming Mars is an excellent option for individuals looking for a provocative and engaging gaming encounter.
Buy It Here: Terraforming Mars
Option #3. Scythe
Scythe is the ideal board game for both solo and multiplayer action. Boasting a fascinating alternate-history 1920’s Europe theme, each player assumes responsibility for a fallen leader fighting to regain their glory and lead their group to power in Eastern Europa. Players have exceptional autonomy, permitted to conquer territories, enlist recruits, gather resources, gain villagers, construct structures, and activate monstrous mechs. Additionally, the cardboard action boards are laminated, making game management a breeze, while encounter cards add to the overall ambiance. Combat plays a role in the game, but isn’t the sole focus, making it perfect for players seeking a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, players searching for a game with fewer items and turns might not find Scythe best suited to their needs.
Buy It Here: Scythe
Option #4. Spirit Island
For those whose tastes lean towards challenging board games that favor strategy, cooperation, and depth, Spirit Island is a must-have title. Its premise revolves around the collective efforts of players who each embody powerful spirits. Together, they must drive out colonizers who seek to invade and exploit their island. However, players should be advised that the enemy is working against them. The game requires between 90-120 minutes to play and offers a unique experience with separate elemental powers given to each player to help them in their mission. Spirit Island is both thematically rich and undoubtedly complex, with different adversaries to overcome. The game’s components are of excellent quality, allowing for smooth and easy setup. Every move matters as you work towards meeting the win conditions, and victory progress ensures the game remains rewarding for those tenacious enough to keep playing. That being said, this game may not appeal to everyone due to its complexity. However, for strategic game enthusiasts, it’s a great title to challenge their abilities and test their endurance against various gameplay scenarios.
Buy It Here: Spirit Island
Option #5. Too Many Bones
Are you in the market for an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind game that requires dice rolling? If so, allow us to present Too Many Bones . Boasting an impressive 136 individualized dice, along with edge-stitched neoprene mats and a bevy of character customization options, this game is tailor-made for experienced gamers who demand a challenge. Wield formidable loot, in addition to special troves, to obliterate foes that possess their own exclusive traits and abilities. That being said, if you’re short on time or shy away from arduous gameplay, Too Many Bones may not be the right fit for you.
Buy It Here: Too Many Bones
Option #6. Mage Knight Ultimate Edition
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate (and solo) tabletop gaming experience, the Mage Knight Ultimate Edition has got you covered. As the proud recipient of several gaming accolades, this self-contained game comes packed with everything you need to dive into the rich and storied world of the Mage Knight universe, including integrated rule text and all three expansions. Devoted fans are sure to delight in the new alternate paint jobs and 5 brand-new cards that come with this exceptional package. Even though the rules may seem intimidating at first, the wounds mechanic is a beautiful and elegantly simple solution that enhances the immersive experience of the game. This is not your average quick and easy board game, but rather a perfect challenge for those who want to truly lose themselves in the gameplay.
Buy It Here: Mage Knight Ultimate Edition
Option #7. Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Are you on the hunt for an enjoyable and collaborative activity to play alongside friends, or to indulge in solo? Marvel Champions: The Card Game has got you covered! With a selection of legendary Marvel characters to pick from, unite with fellow players in the effort to defeat some of the most nefarious baddies in Marvel’s universe. Every battle will present its own set of obstacles and unique occurrences, putting a premium on teamwork. The addition of new Hero and Scenario Packs ensures that gameplay maintains its high level of variability. However, keep in mind that you may find yourself grappling with the learning curve – although the game is undoubtedly a blast, it may take some time to get the full grasp on all of the mechanics.
Buy It Here: Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Option #8. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
For those seeking an independent game or extra content for Gloomhaven, the ideal choice is Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion ! This engaging and cooperative campaign game is based in the same fantasy world as its precursor and introduces four fresh personas for gamers to embody. With its incorporated tutorial and situation manuals, attendees can leap into the activity more smoothly than ever before. Perfect for both new and adept players, but may not befit individuals who are averse to improving their adversaries or playing with predetermined characters. Overall, an amazing and immersive alternative for buffs of strategic combat RPGs.
Buy It Here: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Option #9. 7th Continent Classic Edition
For adventure game book aficionados, the 7th Continent Classic Edition is an essential item. Each game offers a unique experience thanks to its many hours of adventure and unpredictable occurrences. The game is built to be played solo or with up to 4 players, making it an ideal choice for those hoping to relive cherished memories. However, those seeking a speedy game might not find it as the standard time for gameplay can clock in at 2-3 hours. In conclusion, this exceptional exploration and survival game is an ideal match for anyone who has a passion for storytelling and adventure.
Buy It Here: 7th Continent Classic Edition
Option #10. Tainted Grail
Elevate your strategy game plan for Tainted Grail by incorporating the Monsters of Avalon expansion pack! Immerse yourself even further in the game’s dark fantasy realm with the inclusion of 20 expertly crafted miniatures that replace the in-game monster tokens. These stunning figures are housed in a high-quality protective box and are always at the ready for playtime. The Fall of Avalon version of Tainted Grail combines the Celtic mythology with Arthurian legends for a one-of-a-kind adventure experience suited for solo or cooperative gameplay. Keep in mind, however, that each chapter of the game can last between 2-3 hours, meaning this may not be the best option for players searching for a speedy board game.
Buy It Here: Tainted Grail
Option #11. Dune: Imperium
Dune: Imperium is a strategy game with an emphasis on themes, as it blends the mechanics of deck-building and worker placement. This game is inspired by the upcoming movie from Legendary Entertainment and offers players the opportunity to control the destiny of the Empire by either forging political alliances or relying on military force. The gameplay is snappy and while it can be played solo, the artificial intelligence may sometimes be unbalanced and unpredictable in certain areas. However, even with these few imperfections, Dune: Imperium is an excellent choice for those seeking an outstanding solo game or strategy enthusiasts who enjoy meticulously planning and analyzing their decisions. It’s ideal for game nights, family get-togethers, and anyone searching for an engrossing narrative-driven game.
Buy It Here: Dune: Imperium
Option #12. Detective: City of Angels
Detective: City of Angels presents a captivating experience of solving puzzles, conducting investigations, and navigating deceitful events in the 1940s LA. You get to choose if you want to take on the role of a determined detective who will stop at nothing to solve the case, or be The Chisel – whose main objective is to confound and mislead your opponents. What sets this game apart is its unique playing style and unprecedented variety in storylines that keeps you coming back for more. It is undoubtedly an excellent addition for anyone’s solo board game library; however, it may not suit those who prefer less intricate and tactical games. The game’s winning feature is how it draws you in with its compelling narrative as the detective story unfolds. It takes your problem-solving and decision-making skills to the limit as you gather clues, interrogate suspects and dive deep into hidden conspiracies. Meanwhile, as The Chisel aims to throw you off your detective game, they’ll use every tactic imaginable to deceive you – heightening the game’s suspense and unpredictability.
Buy It Here: Detective: City of Angels
Option #13. Arkham Horror
If you’re on the hunt for a challenging and captivating cooperative game, the solution might just be Arkham Horror ! This Living Card Game of Eldritch Mystery presents an incredible opportunity for 1 to 4 players and takes place within the locale of Arkham, Massachusetts. With a redone core set that features investigator decks helmed by premade characters, you’ll have everything required to dive right into the first scenario of the Night of the Zealot campaign. Additionally, the game offers incredible diversity, avoiding monotony with a slew of options for future campaigns. While the learning process may not be a cakewalk, this game immerses the player and is characteristically intricate – an ideal experience for either solo play or groups. Nevertheless, you should be aware that the final scenario is incredibly difficult and the packaging might be dented or tarnished in transit.
Buy It Here: Arkham Horror
Option #14. EXIT: The Game
EXIT: The Game transports the thrill and exhilaration of an escape room adventure straight to the comfort of your own living quarters. Allowing for a maximum of four players, each game presents diverse environments accompanied by intricate riddles and enigmas woven into the plotline. Fear not, as supportive cue cards are provided to prevent any daunting challenges from becoming an impasse. It must be noted, however, that these games are designed for a singular use due to the need to manipulate and destruct game components in order to successfully decode the puzzles. A sensational option for a jovial evening with loved ones, but be warned: this experience is sure to put your skills and wits to the test!
Buy It Here: EXIT: The Game
Conclusion
In conclusion, solo game boards offer a unique and engaging form of entertainment that can be enjoyed alone or with a group of friends and family. They offer the opportunity to immerse oneself in a world of mystery, survival, and tactical combat while honing problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Whether you prefer a cooperative or competitive game, there is something for everyone in this category. And with the array of options available, the fun never has to end. As a word of advice, always read the instructions carefully before starting a game, and don’t be afraid to try out new strategies and tactics to ensure that you get the most out of the gaming experience. Thank you for taking the time to read this and happy gaming!
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