23 Best Solo Board Games in 2023

Looking for the best solo board games? I’ve been there – seriously, the second I found out it was a thing I was on the prowl.

Now, there’s nothing like sitting down with your friends and family and engaging in epic battles, strategic conquests, and collaborative adventures – but sometimes it’s great to hangout with YOU.

That’s where the world of solo board games comes into play, offering an array of experiences designed to captivate, challenge, and delight the lone player. Whether you’re seeking strategic conquests, immersive storytelling, intricate puzzles, or creative challenges, these solo board games offer something for every taste and preference.

So gather around, fellow gamers, as we embark on a journey through the best solo board games that promise to transport you to new worlds and provide countless hours of solitary enjoyment.

Terraforming Mars is BY FAR my favorite board game on this list. When I sold everything I owned to move to a new country, I packed up one of these bad boys in a packing cube and it’s given me countless hours of computerless entertainment.

While this game is fun to play with others, it’s totally fun to play on your own too. You’re a corporation and your goal is to make Mars livable by collecting resources and taking actions. It’s an engaging game that can waste an entire evening (seriously, I’ve went hours long) or be played a little quicker.

What I like best about it is that it’s fairly easy to pack up and take on the go with you. Seriously, currently living in Mexico – I have my copy with me!

Horrified: Universal Monsters stands out as an absolute gem among solo board games.

Though designed for group play, Horrified thrives as a solo adventure too. As a player facing iconic monsters, you’re tasked with saving a village from their chilling grasp. This game offers a gratifying challenge that can span a cozy evening or a swift session.

The game’s transportability is a standout feature, it can be conveniently packed for on-the-go play.

Welcome To Your Perfect Home is a great solo board game choice if you’re someone who likes to play games like The Sims 4 but wants a little offline time. Delve into the world of city planning, where you’re not just a bystander but the mastermind behind creating the ultimate neighborhoods.

What truly sets this game apart for solo players is its strategic depth and engaging gameplay. The challenge of optimizing your suburban landscapes for maximum points becomes an engrossing puzzle. Each flip of the deck presents new opportunities and constraints, keeping your solo adventures fresh and exciting.

While some solo games lack interaction, Welcome to Your Perfect Home offers a different experience. You’ll compete against an AI opponent, adding a layer of competition and unpredictability that keeps you on your toes.

Soar into the captivating realm of avian enthusiasts with Wingspan—a remarkable solo board game that brings the beauty of birds to your tabletop.

What truly distinguishes Wingspan as a must-play for solo gamers is its blend of strategic depth and serene gameplay. The game invites you to curate a habitat teeming with diverse bird species, each with its own distinct abilities.

From its captivating artwork to its engaging gameplay, Wingspan offers solo players a tranquil yet mentally stimulating experience that stands as a testament to the beauty of nature and strategic game design.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of urban development with Suburbia—an exceptional solo board game that places you in the role of a city planner shaping a thriving metropolis.

It’s basically SimCity without the computer, allowing for an intricate balance between strategy and city-building creativity. As you strategically select and place tiles representing various establishments and residential areas, you’ll witness your cityscape flourish and evolve.

Suburbia is a great game to play solo, it’s entertained me through manya coastal power outages. The game’s interplay of economic considerations, population dynamics, and tile synergies ensures that no two urban landscapes are the same.

Step into the intriguing world of deduction and mystery with Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective—an exceptional solo board game that transforms players into amateur sleuths.

You’ll find yourself engrossed in solving intricate cases as if you were a true detective in Victorian London. The game presents a series of captivating mysteries, and your solo journey is enriched by the freedom to explore various leads and locations at your own pace.

Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective fosters your analytical skills and attention to detail. As you follow the trail of evidence, you’ll feel the thrill of solving each mystery.

Embark on a solo adventure of survival and self-discovery with Friday—a uniquely engaging solo board game that captures the essence of Robinson Crusoe’s story. What sets Friday apart for solo players is its clever blend of deck-building and strategic decision-making.

As Robinson’s loyal companion, you’ll guide him through battles, hazards, and challenges to transform him from a hapless castaway to a skilled survivor. The game’s mechanics cleverly simulate Robinson’s growth and development, providing a rewarding sense of progression.

This game is actually built to be played solo and it’s PERFECT for travel. It’s a compact game that’s incredibly easy to pack and play. It’s a great choice for solo gamers seeking a unique and thematic challenge that stands out in the world of solo board games.

Embark on a solo mission to save the world with Pandemic. It’s a great pick that plunges you into the heart of global disease outbreaks and cooperative strategy.

Pandemic’s allure for solo players is the ability for you to really take on a role to save the world. It fosters strategic thinking and adaptability, as you navigate a shifting landscape of infections.

The game’s engaging mechanics and narrative draw you into a suspenseful world, making each solo session an immersive race against time to save humanity.

Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest with Cascadia—a remarkable solo board game that invites you to create diverse habitats and embrace the beauty of nature.

What sets Cascadia apart for solo players is its seamless blend of tranquility and strategic engagement. As you shape your ecosystem by placing habitats and wildlife, the game unfolds as a peaceful yet intellectually stimulating experience.

The game’s beautiful artwork and calming gameplay create a harmonious atmosphere, making it a standout choice for solo gamers seeking a tranquil yet thought-provoking solo gaming experience inspired by the wonders of the natural world.

Embark on a solo journey through the lush rainforests with Canopy—a captivating solo board game that immerses you in the beauty and biodiversity of a tropical ecosystem.

Solo play in Canopy brings a sense of discovery and curiosity, as you uncover the mysteries of the rainforest and observe the interactions between species. The game’s engaging mechanics and thematic elements create an educational and entertaining solo experience that celebrates the wonders of the natural world.

With its innovative gameplay and captivating theme, Canopy stands out as a top choice for solo gamers seeking a unique and immersive journey into the heart of a vibrant rainforest ecosystem.

Embark on an unforgettable solo expedition with The 7th Continent—an immersive board game that plunges you into a world of exploration, mystery, and survival.

The 7th Continent stands out for solo players due to its expansive storytelling and open-ended gameplay. As you unravel the mysteries of a cursed land, you’ll engage in an unfolding narrative that adapts to your choices and actions.

Solo play in The 7th Continent offers a deeply personal journey where you’ll face challenges, make critical decisions, and shape the outcome of your exploration. The game’s innovative mechanics, survival aspects, and intricate puzzles provide a level of engagement that keeps you immersed for hours on end.

With its captivating storytelling, dynamic exploration, and solo-focused design, The 7th Continent is a remarkable choice for solo gamers seeking a deeply immersive and customizable adventure that invites them to shape their own destiny on a mysterious and uncharted continent.

Immerse yourself in the world of miniature urban planning with Tiny Towns—a captivating solo board game that challenges you to build a thriving town on a compact grid.

As you strategically place building tiles to create patterns and combinations, you’ll experience the satisfaction of watching your town flourish and evolve. It offers a delightful balance of strategy and creativity. It encourages players to adapt to changing circumstances and optimize their spatial planning skills, resulting in a deeply engaging solo experience that offers countless hours of enjoyment.

With its elegant mechanics and solo-friendly gameplay, Tiny Towns is an exceptional choice for solo gamers seeking a compact yet intellectually stimulating gaming experience.

Embark on a solo journey of rebuilding and discovery with Ark Nova—a captivating board game that transports you to a post-apocalyptic world where you must reconstruct a once-thriving community.

As you gather resources, construct buildings, and make choices that shape the fate of your settlement, the solo experience reflects the challenges of leadership and resource management in a dynamic world. Solo play in Ark Nova offers a sense of agency and responsibility, as you guide your settlement through trials and triumphs.

With its compelling storytelling, strategic depth, and solo-friendly mechanics, Ark Nova stands out as an exceptional choice for solo gamers seeking an immersive and challenging post-apocalyptic adventure that tests their decision-making and resource management skills.

Embark on a solo odyssey of trade and exploration with The Guild of Merchant Explorers—a captivating board game that immerses you in a world of commerce and discovery.

The Guild of Merchant Explorers uniquely captivates solo players by seamlessly blending strategy and narrative. As you navigate a dynamic world map, negotiate trades, and complete quests, the solo experience mirrors the challenges of a lone merchant navigating a bustling market.

Solo play in The Guild of Merchant Explorers offers a rich blend of decision-making and strategic planning, as you juggle opportunities and risks. The game’s immersive world-building and solo-friendly mechanics create an experience that transports you to a vibrant marketplace where you can shape your destiny.

Embark on an enigmatic astronomical journey with The Search for Planet X—a brilliant board game that challenges you to decipher the secrets of the cosmos through deduction and discovery.

As you analyze clues and piece together the celestial puzzle, the solo experience simulates the thrill of a lone astronomer uncovering the mysteries of the universe. The game’s innovative companion app ensures a seamless solo experience by guiding you through the gameplay mechanics and assisting in tracking deductions.

Solo play in The Search for Planet X offers an intellectually stimulating adventure, as you seek to unveil the hidden planet amidst the stars. The game’s immersive theme, interactive components, and solo-focused design create a satisfying and thought-provoking experience that mirrors the excitement of scientific discovery.

Embark on an epic journey through a mystical realm with Legacy of Yu—a captivating board game that offers solo players a unique blend of adventure and storytelling.

As you shape the fate of the world through choices and actions, the solo experience immerses you in a dynamic story that evolves based on your decisions. The game’s innovative legacy mechanics ensure that your solo journey leaves a lasting impact on the game world, creating a deeply personal and engaging experience.

With its captivating narrative, legacy mechanics, and solo-friendly design, Legacy of Yu offers solo gamers a truly remarkable and immersive experience that invites them to become part of a living legend.

Embark on a creative urban journey with My City Roll and Build—a captivating board game that offers solo players a unique combination of city-building and storytelling.

My City Roll and Build stands out for solo players due to its innovative roll-and-write mechanics and evolving campaign. As you shape your city through dice rolls and strategic decisions, the solo experience mirrors the progression of a dynamic cityscape over time. The game’s campaign structure ensures that each solo session builds upon the last, creating a sense of continuity and engagement.

Solo play in My City Roll and Build offers a satisfying blend of strategy and creativity, as you adapt to new challenges and opportunities with each chapter. The game’s evolving narrative, roll-and-write mechanics, and solo-friendly design make it a standout choice for solo gamers seeking a thoughtful and evolving city-building experience that reflects their choices and decisions.

Embark on a thought-provoking journey of introspection with What Next?—a unique solo board game that invites players to explore their own lives through meaningful questions and creative expression.

As you contemplate thought-provoking prompts and express your responses through drawings, writing, or other forms of creativity, the solo experience becomes a journey of self-discovery and reflection.

The game’s open-ended structure encourages players to delve into their own thoughts and emotions, making each session a deeply personal experience.

Embark on a whimsical horticultural adventure with Floriferous—a captivating solo board game that brings the joy of gardening to your tabletop.

Solo play in Floriferous offers a soothing and meditative experience, as you create vibrant flowerbeds and adapt to changing weather conditions. The game’s artistic design, soothing gameplay, and solo-friendly mechanics make it a standout choice for solo gamers seeking a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing solo gaming experience that allows them to craft their own floral masterpiece.

With its emphasis on relaxation, artistic expression, and solo-friendly design, Floriferous provides solo gamers with a delightful and immersive journey into the world of gardening and beauty.

Embark on a solo dungeon-crawling adventure with One Deck Dungeon—an engaging board game that invites solo players to conquer monsters and traps using just one deck of cards.

One Deck Dungeon uniquely resonates with solo players through its compact yet challenging gameplay. As you delve into dungeons, battle creatures, and collect loot, the solo experience mirrors the intensity of a lone hero’s journey. The game’s solo mode employs a clever dice allocation mechanism that offers a strategic puzzle, ensuring that each delve remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Solo play in One Deck Dungeon offers a satisfying blend of strategy and luck, as you overcome challenges and customize your character’s abilities. The game’s efficient mechanics, portable design, and solo-friendly gameplay make it a standout choice for solo gamers seeking a quick and satisfying dungeon-crawling experience that fits perfectly into their solo gaming sessions.

Embark on a creative journey of strategy and spatial manipulation with Gridopolis—an innovative board game that invites solo players to construct, strategize, and outwit opponents on a three-dimensional grid.

Gridopolis stands out for solo players due to its unique 3D gameplay and puzzle-like challenges. As you build and move pieces to outmaneuver opponents or solve solo scenarios, the experience offers a dynamic twist on classic strategy games. The game’s modular and customizable nature ensures that each session is a fresh and intellectually stimulating challenge.

With its dynamic grid, inventive gameplay, and solo-focused design, Gridopolis invites solo gamers to engage in a truly unique and visually captivating experience that challenges their strategic thinking and creativity.

Embark on a historical journey through the streets of Bristol during the plague with Bristol 1350—an engaging board game that offers solo players a blend of deduction and storytelling.

As you navigate the city’s streets and gather clues to uncover the source of the plague, the solo experience mirrors the challenges of surviving and solving mysteries in a time of crisis. The game’s solo mode employs a clever deck manipulation mechanism, ensuring that each playthrough presents a fresh and engrossing challenge.

Solo play in Bristol 1350 offers a blend of deduction and strategic thinking, as you work to unravel the city’s secrets and make crucial decisions. The game’s historical theme, immersive storytelling, and solo-friendly design make it a standout choice for solo gamers seeking an engaging and historically rich gaming experience that transports them to a bygone era.

Immerse yourself in the eerie and enigmatic world of Arkham Horror: The Card Game—a gripping board game that offers solo players a deeply immersive and narrative-driven experience in the Lovecraftian universe.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game uniquely captivates solo players through its engrossing storytelling and deck-building mechanics. As you become a investigator in the 1920s, exploring mysteries and confronting horrors, the solo experience mirrors the challenges of unraveling a complex and suspenseful narrative.

Solo play in Arkham Horror: The Card Game offers a captivating blend of strategy and storytelling, as you make choices that shape your character’s fate and determine the outcome of each chilling tale.

Final Thoughts: Best Solo Board Games

If you’re looking for the best solo board games, there are PLENTY of great ones out there.

My top pick is (unsurprisingly) Terraforming Mars, it takes you on an interstellar journey to reshape a distant planet. Its intricate strategy, resource management, and compelling theme make it a standout choice for solo players seeking a cerebral challenge that’s as rewarding as it is captivating.

I also whole-heartedly recommend Welcome to Your Perfect Home if you’re interested in city planning. Its intuitive mechanics, replayability, and engaging solo mode make it a delightful choice for those who relish in shaping their own worlds.

And then, of course, there’s Horrorified: Universal Monsters, which brings iconic horror figures to life in an immersive cooperative adventure. With its unique blend of strategy, teamwork, and suspense, it’s a must-play for those who want to feel the spine-tingling thrill of facing classic monsters in a solo setting.

The world of solo board gaming is a vast and vibrant one, filled with diverse experiences that cater to every taste and preference. As you set out on your solo gaming journey, whether it’s terraforming distant planets, designing your perfect home, or confronting legendary monsters, remember that the world of board games is always ready to offer you an adventure, even when it’s just you and the tabletop.