5 Board Games I Prefer Solo

[@mattlowder]

I'm a massive solo gamer. I think people who aren't are missing out. If I play twice a month with a group for 6 hours, there are 28 other days each month, hundreds of days a year, where game's I've paid for are sitting around. More publishers are making official solo rules and the BGG community makes (sometimes) variant even better. Get your money's worth from your collections, people!!!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah I love how often games have good solo modes now! And some of the ones on board game geek are honestly outstanding

[@donnakeferlis1649]

You make an excellent point.

[@JonTalbain777]

I got back into games at the onset of Covid, and I will not get anything anymore without at least an interesting official solo option, but somehow I am not interested in purely solo games without the multiplayer aspect. I tried a few touted designed for solo games (Maquis, Black Sonata) and they just didn't hit for me. Any recommendations you are passionate about? Some favorites of mine not mentioned here are Mage Knight, Ark Nova, Paladins OTWK. I just ordered Teotihuacan (my first T game!) as I heard it has the best solo of the lot and am looking forward to another heavier Euro.

[@jacobramirez5974]

@@JonTalbain777 Roll Player (w/Monsters & Minions exp) is fantastic solo!

[@JonTalbain777]

@@jacobramirez5974 Already got it lol! And I agree, a very fun solo puzzle, esp for those who remember rolling up characters for D&D. Thank you for the suggestion though! I even got RP Adventures, despite some middling reviews, though I have yet to start it. There is an expansion KS coming that may fix some of the issues so will probably wait for that. So many games...

[@BadAndy3]

I love solo gaming! My favorites are Mage Knight, Spirit Island, Robinson Crusoe, Nemo’s War, Black Sonata, Maquise, Too Many Bones and the list goes on and on.

[@mydemon]

As much as I love the brothers Murph together, but oh boy I wasn't expecting to love them so much separately too! Its a more relaxed a chill vibe. So much fun!

[@TheWood005]

Mage Knight is one of my favorite games, but I could not imagine playing with others. I get so into it, sometimes before a city assault, I need to take an hour break, take a walk to think through what exactly I want to do.

[@setlight]

I'm designing a solo game right now and you just gave me a lot of insight! Thank you so much, love the energy, love the content!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Thanks for the kind words and good luck on the design!

[@jacobramirez5974]

Great vid, you hit it out of the park again! Love your enthusiasm and your explanations. I gotta check out a few of those I don't have. My fav solos are all Uwe - Caverna, Agricola, Fields of Arle, A Feast for Odin.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Uwe definitely rocks some amazing solos!

[@michaelbrand1173]

Caverna 200 points solo PogChamp

[@wishmeheaven]

Thanks. I really appreciate when content creators invest the extra mile to put a timestamps for their videos. The absence of yours made me to skip to where I see pictures of the games, and quite.. (I wasn't aware that Ex-Libris is for solo). My initial intention was to jump to preferable timestamps (if not all) and hear you sharing your thoughts. Nevertheless, I still hope that you will do this service for your viewers in following videos. Cheers!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Hey there! We try to remember to put time stamps with the upcoming number on our list so folks can know where the breaks are but we deliberately leave the titles of the upcoming game off of the timestamps. We’ll definitely try to remember to put the times the numbers shift in for the future so thanks for the reminder!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

4:52 I totally understand. I am not the fastest either, so you raise a great point. Solo would be the way to go, so you don't get frustrated!

[@Rivercat0338]

So many of my favorite solo games are puzzley. I was about to sell off Ex Libris but you've convinced me to give it a go.

[@nathanlanning5935]

Awesome list! I just started solo gaming this month - looking forward to adding these to the mix!

[@sergeantsuj5110]

My favorite by far is the Orleans: Invasion scenario, controlling 4 characters solo. Lots of replay-ability with different character combinations to ramp up the difficulty, and a very satisfying win/loss conclusion.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I’ve never played invasion solo, but I do enjoy the solo variance that there are in that expansion

[@jenaparsons]

If you like puzzley games solo, try out Calico. I much prefer Calico solo to multi-player. It’s a bit less random because you know which tile is going away and which tile you’ll have access to the next turn so you can be more strategic with your decisions. It’s also a super simple solo to run (no AI, just get rid of a certain tile). 10 scoring options in the back of the book which gives you objectives you need to beat in order to win (ex. rainbow button, one of each cat, and a score of X). Great game. Very relaxing

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I love me some calico! Though I will admit I actually haven’t tried it’s soloNeed to get on that!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

Just wondering: How is Sagrada solo? (To me, Sagrada and Calico have a lot in common. For example, they both have 2 attributes. Sagrada has the colors and the values of the dice; Calico has the colors and the patterns. Also, both Sagrada and Calico have restrictions in placing things).

[@jenaparsons]

@@JJ_TheGreat I’m probably not the best person to answer this question since I’m not a huge Sagrada fan. I’ve actually played it a fair number of times for it being a games I don’t care for (probably 6 or 7 multiplayer and 10-12 solo plays) but it’s just a little light for my taste. Calico gives more decision space than Sagrada in my opinion. It’s compared a lot to Azul and I like Azul better too. That being said, if you like Sagrada multiplayer then you’ll probably enjoy it solo. It gives a very similar feeling and the solo is also very easy to run.

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

The games that I most prefer playing solo are Spirit Island (2 spirits) and Wingspan! SI gives people AP and I just don’t have the patience for that. I feel like I can handle the explorers very well by my own!

[@Alittlefruitgoesalongway]

I second Spirit Island, though I usually play just 1 spirit at a time. I will play co-op with the right people, mainly anyone willing to make decisions and try things and not worry too much about a little blight. But with AP players definitely a no-go for me. Takes far too long

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Spirit island has been one of the games that I have been wanting to try solo, because I know so many people love it that way

[@VampguyN85]

I got wingspan on steam during a half off sale. It was my introduction to it. And I do enjoy it solo.

[@Wrycon-Inc]

Great video - great energy. It’s inspiring me to go back and solo play some games I’ve been meaning to.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Thanks so much!

[@neilz2869]

My top 5: 1. The 7th Continent 2. Imperium: Classics 3. Welcome to the Moon 4. Too Many Bones 5. Spirit Island

[@damaddestgamer]

Enjoyed Sleeping Gods solo. Also surprised by the Agricola solo 7 game campaign, was interesting.

[@MicBain]

Hadrian's Wall is awesome solo!

[@Cornchps827]

I was expecting HWall

[@ashleyhart3205]

I really want to try this one!

[@sherylw4599]

Ex Libris! I forgot it could be played solo! Now I’m psyched!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yaaaas!

[@matthewpeterson3926]

No particular order, railroad ink, overboss, viscounts of the west kingdom, New York zoo, horrified

[@jacktyler2880]

This is my first encounter with your channel, and I've subbed and liked. I don't boardgame much anymore, but I was a big wargamer in my heyday (AH, SPI, etc.), and I found that my desire for solo play depended on my mood. Sometimes I wanted the competition, and the tougher the opponent the better. Other times, I wanted to explore a historical alternative, or even just watch the lines ebb and flow with the changing fortunes, and on those days, I would avoid the others in my group. Having the opponent controlling the other side was like having a second conductor in front of the orchestra, he just screwed up everything you were trying to observe. Fun post. In the immortal words of Arnie, "Ahll be bach!"

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We’re glad you found us! Welcome and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@DonGilstrap]

I've never tried The Networks solo and now I'm really keen to do so.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yessssss

[@larrytedmcbride]

I have The Networks because you guys keep championing it. I bought it used after one your top 100s. I have yet to play it solo, but you make it sound ALOT of fun 😄

[@kylehynes2888]

Great list nick! Appreciate you and Mike so much!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Appreciate you!

[@rand0mgirly]

Great selection! I'm happy to hear of games that I haven't played before.

[@LinneasCabal]

Fantastic list. I own most of the games on the list (including Turing Machine which I have on preorder). There are a ton of games I prefer solo, and I'd say solo gaming is about 40% of my total gaming. The games I tend to prefer solo games that fall into a 2 main categories: 1. Super long and heavy euros - I prefer these solo because I can take my time and really puzzle it out and not have to worry about keeping others waiting 2. Games with area control or other more interactive elements - I get pretty stressed playing games with area control so I tend to avoid them multiplayer. However, playing them solo I am only competing against the AI (or my own score) so I find myself enjoying them much more.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah I am definitely always more comfortable beating up on an AI then I am on a person in a game

[@Wonderflonium]

Obsession and Nusfjord, because there isn't really AI upkeep and I can focus on my turns

[@OurFamilyPlaysGames]

(Mik) Mage Knight and Too Many Bones are my go to solo games that I really like. Mage Knight was built for solo play in my opinion and it soars at it. TMB is my jam with a party with four Gearlocs, yes four! It's long, but so much fun for me. 🙂❤❤

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I have always wanted to try masonite! Just never had a chance to get it. And we recently got the original too many bones, and I have been meaning to solo it, mostly because I know how much you love it

[@MrJmarzetti]

Thanks for the video. I have only begun digging into some more complex solo experiences, mainly due to the time involvement factor. But, if you are looking for a couple quick puzzly games, I like Realm of Sand. It is a game that requires efficient use of elements in a tile laying race. The one I basically have given up on multiplayer, is Village Green. It's great solo if you are wanting a quick, breezy, almost Solitaire like game, but with a much better puzzle. Why I only want to solo this is for the same reasoning as with ExLibris for you. The graphics aren't the best, which make the cards difficult to read. I've had Ex Libris in my grasp a couple of times second hand for cheap, but passed because I had heard about the "broken" graphic design. Urrg....now try finding it. 😅

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I will definitely check our Realm of Sand!

[@donnakeferlis1649]

Realm of Sand - that's a good one! Another quick, puzzly one is Cottage Garden. Easy to run solo, fun, addicting... great way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

[@MrJmarzetti]

@@donnakeferlis1649 Thanks for the tip! 🤩

[@korbyndallas]

Great list. I own Ex Libris, but have never played it. 😮. Here are my favorite. 1. Too many bones 2. Lord of the rings lcg 3. Marvel champions 4. Aeons end 5. Spirit island

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We recently got too many bones, and it’s one of the games that I am planning on soloing next because I hear it’s so good that way

[@donnakeferlis1649]

My list would be a mile long. SO many I play (constantly). However, there's one I'd love to try but I'd need the expansion to run it solo. And that game is Keyper. I can't find the Keyper at Sea expansion though. Keyper gives me AP big time, so it's best I play alone!

[@TheBrothersMurph]

We’ve only tried a few of the Ley games, we want to try more

[@tommylundmark8175]

I doubt I'll ever play Paladins of the West Kingdom other than solo again. It's so easy for new players to get stuck in AP limbo and there's so little interaction between players anyway so you're not really missing anything by playing solo. The solo ai requires quite a lot of upkeep, though, but once you're used to it you can perform the ai's turns really quick and it does an excellent job at mimicking a real player.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah the robustness of paladins solo kind of turned me off of it. But if I played it more I know it would go smoother and faster

[@richardthomas881]

This won't be a surprise given its origins, but Dorf Romantik is my go-to solo game. It takes no time to set up (takes longer to pack away, to be honest!) and is just extremely chill. I don't even really worry about keeping track of the campaign, just see what score I can get today.

[@loadedstapler1459]

I love solo playing: 1. Xia: Legends of a Drift System 2. Sentinels of the Multiverse

[@Wrycon-Inc]

I just picked up a copy of Xia. Wasn’t sure if it played well solo. This is great to hear.

[@loadedstapler1459]

@@Wrycon-Inc I should've clarified the solo play rules come with the expansion "Embers of a Forsaken Star." I love the game so I think it's well worth it.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Always been curious about sentinels

[@loadedstapler1459]

@@TheBrothersMurph It's a co-op deck building game with boss monster ran by AI. It lends itself well for solo play but there will be times where you have a lot of abilities in play that can be hard for a single player to keep track of. The basic set is quite entertaining and gives you enough to decide if it would be worth for you to invest in the expansions.

[@Erlewyn]

My biggest issue with playing solo is setting up the game. Unless it's very, very quick, I usually lack the motivation to do so if it's just for me.

[@theperry500]

The one I'm having fun with ATM is "Hadrians Wall"

[@VampguyN85]

I haven't played too many games yet. I'm still exploring and collecting and waiting for kickstarter and gamefound fulfillments. My main solo games right now would be, Castles of Madking Ludwig (I just got my backing copy a few weeks ago), Dice Theme Park (just got it 2 months ago also off kickstarter), Maquis, and Mage Knight. I haven't played Clans of Caledonia solo in a year, but I do like it. I haven't learned to play my Arkham Horror LCG revised core set yet (I find it super confusing to self teach). Archmage solo was meh, I don't care for Sagrada solo. And now waiting on my copies of Everdell, Oros & Nightmare Cathedral to arrive for solo play. Gloomhaven was free on Epic games this week thankfully so I could finally try it. I pretty much only play solo these days. No one I know shares my interests.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Well hey looks like you’ve got some great solo games under your belt already so keep it up!

[@teejleague3838]

We don't play solo games, personally, but I did recently get Orchard for Ben to try because he used to love Solitaire. By the way, I got Ben "Ex Libris" for Christmas. We absolutely LOVE it!!!!! It's been a huge hit. I knew he'd love the theme, but it's great the game has so much strategy & fun to it, too!!!!

[@jamescartwright1150]

Murph-tastic as always 🙂 Ark Nova is one I possibly prefer solo as it just takes so long to play multiplayer.

[@barbhirschfelder2881]

I love Ark Nova solo.

[@jediquigley2192]

I've only played Parks and Pandemic solo (I just played for 2 people😂) I mostly play with my husband or the kids as well. Some great solo options though.

[@BobbyReichle]

Not a huge solo gamer, but I love the multi-hand solo of Marvel United. It's so easy to set up and play multiple scenarios, and it also gives me that puzzle vibe. I definitely don't prefer it solo, but I don't really prefer any games solo, unless it's supposed to be like Onirim.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I have been meaning to try this one solo

[@ChrisCypher]

Spirit Island is my number one solo game. I was also surprised how much more I get into the world of Root when I play solo vs with people. There's a lot of upkeep but strangely don't mind it. But Networks I really disliked solo. It annoyed me how the number of cards taken changed so much from turn to turn (and seemed to always take SO many cards). I haven't tried it with people to compare, but for some reason its solo mode irked me more than most others. Maybe I should give it another chance(also thought about houseruling it a bit).

[@biznesstime83]

I actually try to minimize playing competitive games like wingspan solo if I know my gaming group likes them. I got hooked on playing both pandemic and evolution solo and eventually got to a point where it was less fun to play with the group because I have played the games so many more times than the rest of the group. My group doesn’t really play them so I have I’ve really enjoyed BaseBall Highlights 2045 solo and also pursuit of happiness.

[@paragongeth5599]

I've recently gotten into the Legendary Marvel deck building game, that has a great solo mode and tons of expansions. And if Marvel isn't your thing they do different Legendary variants from other IPs, X-files, James Bond and Aliens.

[@bigd7383]

Despite being in two different gaming groups I still manage to play more games solo than with people - Wingspan would definitely be on my shortlist as well....in fact, because of the Automa Factory I’d say that just about all Stonemaier games could make this list but my clear #1 for this list would have to be Kingdom Rush - one of the ultimate puzzle games!

[@DutchYoda]

Well... that no. 1 wasn't a big surprise 😉

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah if you’ve watched us at all over the last few years, you kind of knew it was coming

[@msmilder25]

One of the biggest games I own, I prefer solo: This War of Mine, love the game, love the theme, I enjoy the scavenging and base-building aspects on top of the grim storytelling. Now, I'd love it if this were a genuine multiplayer game, where players each control their own characters, but that's not how this game works. This game lets the player/players control multiple people, but it's a shared decision making process...and really, that mechanic should never be used multi-player. Eliminate the discussion and arguing, play it solo, where YOU make all the decisions for the group of survivors. Yes, any co-op game could honestly be played solo, sure, but most co-op games let players make individual decisions for their character, each with their own hand of cards or resources or player board...none of that is in This War of Mine, where all resources are shared...so it's really a solo game...that CAN be played multiplayer.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Oooo that sounds super interesting! Especially as a solo Game

[@whitneyalvey3646]

I second this, This War of Mine is one of my favorite games. I do enjoy playing it with my boyfriend as it can start some serious philosophical discussion, but I love it solo for letting myself be immersed and really have a good long think about problems I've been fortunate to never have to face. Definitely good in the game aspect, but it's just so much more than that. Love it.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

10:17 As for myself, I just have not gotten into solo gaming yet. If I were, Mage Knight would be my game of choice.

[@WithoutVlogs]

I really love spirit island as a solo game. However, every time I try to play it multiplayer, it feels like I have to look after a little brother who also wants to play in my room and I am responsible for him. The solo puzzle is just better.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Still haven't gotten around to trying this one solo! Need to get on that

[@tombosco6238]

1. Mage Knight (recently purchased) 2. Sentinels of the Multiverse 3. Samurai Spirit 4. Progress: Evolution of Technology 5. Flash Point: Fire Rescue Honorable Mention: Dungeon Roll

[@rolling.reggie]

I gotta try Wingspan solo, I tend to just go to the app or BGA now if I'm alone. But, I just miss playing it in person. I have been enjoying Marvel Champs the most at solo along with Enchanted Plumes lately.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Def try it solo if you’re missing the physical game! It’s a pretty easy to run AI

[@boazdror]

I've really enjoyed Long Shot the Dice game solo.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Oooh haven’t solo-d that one yet

[@helxis]

If you like good puzzles, check out Gaia Project for solo play. It is really smooth and has great depth.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

That would be added to my list; along with Mage Knight. I just haven't gotten into solo play, though. To me, if I am going to setup a game, I want to do it for more people. It takes a lot of time and energy to setup a game, so you have that.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Good call will do!

[@mabos555]

Thanks for the video, make more solo content. As for the network I'm curious more, how are the expansions? Is the solo mode in the box?

[@TheBrothersMurph]

The expansions are outstanding, especially the executives expansion. And yes the solo mode comes straight out of the bass game

[@mabos555]

@@TheBrothersMurph how many expansions total? The solo is beat your own score then?

[@stevenamamoto585]

I have played Aeons End hundreds of times solo and a handful of times with others.

[@christaggart5687]

I like Awkward Guests solo

[@ashleyhart3205]

I prefer Destinies solo. I can take my time exploring the world and I get to see each character's endings.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I think Mike will end up doing just that. It’s nice to be able to take as much time as you like

[@davidpepin3017]

My top five would be: Spirit Island Mage Knight Sleeping Gods Robinson Crusoe Last Bastion/Ghost Stories

[@GenXMoose]

Clank! in space has a good app to play solo. It's fun and a quick little series of games ala campaign style.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Good call!

[@jeppsummers]

1. Mage knight 2. Dune imperium rise of ix 3. Marvel champions 4. Wingspan 5. Terraforming mars

[@Dyskresiac]

Was hoping for Spirit Island love. That game is fantastic solo. I like it multiplayer just fine, but playing 2 spirits solo lets me combo off my own plans without having to alphagame someone else's turn. "True Solo" (one spirit) is fine. But the game really shines at 2+ spirits for one player.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I haven’t had a chance to solo that one yet! But from what I’ve heard I do think that I would probably prefer it solo

[@Dyskresiac]

@@TheBrothersMurph Not sure how much of a purist you are but the app is fantastic solo too.

[@patricksullivan6988]

I enjoyed plenty of solo games of Pandemic during the early months of the COVID pandemic. I think I might prefer the game that way (and best 3-handed).

[@TheBrothersMurph]

This is one that I have tried a solo a number of times over the years, and for some reason it’s just never done it for me unfortunately. Though it’s one of my favorite games multiplayer

[@cassiepius6267]

I love playing Arkham Horror lcg solo.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Niiiiiice

[@alois257]

Finaly someone who likes Ex Libris! ❤

[@sarumon17]

I fall into the category of people that just can’t enjoy soloing a game. The closest I’ve gotten is sprawlopolis while watching tv or maybe TM app vs ai. I think when I want to play something solo, I really lean towards rogue like video games: monster train, slay the spire, FTL.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

I REALLY want to try Speawlopolis

[@sarumon17]

@@TheBrothersMurph 3$ PnP. Although the cool wallet buttonshy games come in seems neat.

[@DrCy616]

What’s on the shirt? Looks cool

[@Poiuytrew.Q]

Do you often learn a game solo?

[@TheBrothersMurph]

It’s not the go to way to learn a game but I feel like we each have taken to doing more solo plays of a game early on as we learn

[@utahman06]

Marvel Champions for me. It’s got everything I love about the game and takes out my least favorite part (waiting for other people to take their turns).

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Yeah that game seems made to be solo played

[@bradjohnston8825]

Ark Nova: ARNO for me.

[@TheBrothersMurph]

ARNO freaking rocks!