My Top 10 Solo Games of All Time

[@ericw4377]

I like the way you talk about the games...very straightforward, clear, and to-the-point. Nice work and I've added some of these to my list for the future!

[@musicforall1859]

I am currently playing solo Wingspan and Terraforming Mars. Love them both. Very enjoyable.

[@mezawockee5050]

Great video, I like the fact that you focus on solo games and not on 1 player playing 2 hands. Also really appreciate that you show some gameplay for each game.

[@mathjoker]

No kidding. I can't stand lists that include Gloomhaven etc. Multi-handed coop is not a real solo game.

[@nickvandam1214]

I appreciate the preamble explaining general preferences. Those restrictions remove some of my favorites, but made room for some I've never heard of. Thanks for the video.

[@gyroh6593]

Gonna look these up. As another poster mentioned, I love that you show small footage of the game. I could play any solo game, but I personally have a thing for a game that uses very little room on your table so that I can quickly access things on the game. The footage you show gets me a feel for the game’s size.

[@mickeymyers13]

Great vid. You have a natural sports commentator voice, it's incredible. If ESPN did board games you'd be the tv host for sure :)

[@RobsGamingTable]

Haha, thanks!

[@thehank5368]

7 out of 10 are in my collection as well! Currently going through your Shadows of Kilforth live playthrough video, preparing for my first game. I missed two of my favorites in the list: Friday by Friedeman Friese (pure solo deckbuilding, plays very fast like Hostage Negotiator) and Aliens Legendary Encounters. Thanks for the list and video's, great quality, very entertaining and it might have given me the last push to go for Too Many Bones as well...

[@JohnClarkW]

I was happy to see Spirit Island on your list, a lot of people duck it because they feel it is too heavy. There is a PC version on Steam that speeds up gameplay, and the developer of it also did a very good version of Aeon's End. I have been interested in seeing more Mage Knight and Cloudspire, so thanks for the additional content on both of those.

[@IAcePTI]

My favorite is Robinson Crusoe Adventures on the Cursed Island

[@sasurai0872]

Howdy! Just saw your list, excellent delivery! Some games I've not heard of, such as Shadows of Kilforth or Cloudspire! The latter shocked me when you started off saying its a MOBA board game. Amazing picks, looking forward to more of your content!

[@jessyjkn]

Fantastic explanations!! Very succinct.

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing. I really liked the video length. Great summaries and great list.

[@matthewmccloud5257]

First time watching, but definitely not the last! Great list! Personally, I would replace a couple of selections with Robinson Crusoe and Nemo's War. Also, no one thinks of Euros when they talk solo, but A Feast for Odin has a super simple and elegant solo mode that most definitely makes my top ten, maybe my top five. Friday used to be up there, and it's likely my most played dedicated solo game, but it probably clocks in at eleventh or twelfth now.

[@RenbroNL]

What's your number 1?

[@SeekerLancer]

Nemo's War is so incredible. No other solo has come close for me.

[@jcandye1]

That's awesome, thanks! I downloaded these games to Tabletop Simulator. I'm excited to try some! :D

[@Nickjs311]

Glad to see Hexplore It getting some love!

[@Python22966]

Great list thanks ! You should give a try to Arkham Horror LCG. It will definitely be in your next Top 10 list.

[@cyberleish]

I agree but would always play it two handed

[@mgranvee8549]

Nice list. If you haven’t already, I would try Dawn of the Zeds. Great solo game.

[@michaelwardle7633]

Nemo’s War is one of the best true solo games around.

[@yannlaliberte8407]

Great list so far, and yes MageKnight will be the best ever game for me.

[@mathjoker]

It's amazing how old this game is too.

[@everydayasmr6341]

Thank you for the recommendations. There are 3 or 4 titles that fit well in my collection of solo games.

[@DaletheCasualGamer]

Thanks for the list Rob!! You've got my top two near the bottom of your list ... but they are still on there! Marvel Champions and Aeons End. :)

[@CanadianMerc]

Great video Rob, look forward to more of these styles of video in the future!

[@jeisenmann1]

Hey does anyone know how I can get the newest version of "Fury of Dracula"?

[@DavidHargis]

Fantastic video. Well done and straight to each point. Thank you.

[@ShoAndTech]

Was looking forward to this!

[@markambs9914]

Thanks for the great video. I actually have played and own every game u mention and yes i love them all. Mage Knight too is one of my top games but i will also solo coop games such as Eldritch Horror which is on my top solo game.

[@marcoalterini1879]

Mage Knight !! I would take it to my grave.

[@kosterix123]

What? Why?

[@rjkral]

What a well thought out and superbly presented video! Instant subscribe! 👍👍

[@sirfoofoo154]

You should start creating honorable mentions.

[@hatchimmmmm]

I like the fact that you speak fast 👍

[@shineLouisShine]

I enjoy the content and I like the fact that you also mentioned what you didn't like... Although... Have you played enough awesome solo games since then to do another list..?

[@steelman774]

For shorter games, I like Sprawlopolis, Crystallo, Multiuniversum, Friday or Onirim as regular solo games that play fairly quickly but are more involved than a roll&write game. They cover all kinds of eras and themes so maybe there’s something in there for everyone. If space is an issue give Palm Island a try. You can literally play it without laying any cards down. Just offering.

[@KellyBC]

Some great games listed here. I was going to ask for a top ten “under an hour to play” list, but the first game you mentioned was exactly that. :) It would still be nice to have a list of other games that were shorter. It does seem like you are mostly into the “heavy” games though - which is great! I just don’t always have the time to get one of them going and remember all of the rules.

[@joannabarry5236]

Well done. As I was watching I like if this doesn't have Mage Knight the list automatically is void. But it's #1 so well done.

[@Yematul]

Tiny Epic Quest. Costs about 1/4 of each game listed here and packs a decent punch for the price.

[@kevinerskine3299]

Good list Rob. Not sure why you draw the line at playing multi-handed. You're certainly good enough at games to handle it. I suppose you have lots of opportunities to play multi-player with others. I love Aeon's End, HexploreIT, and Too Many Bones but I can't imagine playing any of them with less than 2 characters. In fact, if I had to play them with 1 character, I'm not sure they'd make my top 30. I guess my theory is that I like playing as much content as I can when I play. So more characters = more fun. Of course on the other hand, I'm not trying to be coherent explaining things live while playing like you do. Very glad to see Mage Knight as your favorite. It truly is a masterpiece of a game for solo gamers.

[@guillaumegody5065]

7th continent and Mage Knight are also my 2 best solo game. Have you considered Euthia: Torment of Resurrection in your ranking or not? If not, would this game be in your top 10 ?

[@blairblack281]

you sir have excellent taste.

[@kobusbrits3523]

I got Gloom of Kilforth today and going through the rules now. Artwork looks beautiful. Excited!!

[@kosterix123]

Always get the second edition.

[@kobusbrits3523]

@@kosterix123 You mean of the rule book?

[@kosterix123]

@@kobusbrits3523 no you silly the game. I mean not gloom but shadows. not VOTDK but FOA. not AE but WE. Also holds true for books. second edtion has corrected typos.

[@kobusbrits3523]

@@kosterix123 What does VOTDK and FOA stand for? When it comes to editions, the latest isnalways best but in this game it is two different games with different themes, cards, stories, etc. Gloom is dark fantasy where Shadows is eastern :)

[@kosterix123]

@@kobusbrits3523 SoK is dark as well as being partly eastern. Darkest night 2 is the exception, worse than DN1. DDD is debatable, bigger box but mostly similar.

[@ryanduhaime399]

I’m super excited to get Too Many Bones once the pre-order restock delivers to Canada in the next week or so

[@dav1dgear]

From this list I can see you enjoy card based game and deck building

[@danddjacko]

I would agree with 7th Continent, only with the Kickstarter edition

[@andrethannhauser6302]

I would always try to play a game solo two-handed because it feels more epic and you would miss the part of interaction and support of heroes. Heck, after having played pathfinder skull & shackles two-handed I'm now half through the rise of the runelords campaign even THREE-handed. ;-) Keep in mind, thats the best way of experiencing more characters. Life's too short to use only one of your hands. ;-)

[@crowwick7652]

I see you have “This War of Mine” on your shelf. One of my favorite games. Rarely get to play it due to life priorities… family and work. Hope to get the two expansions at some point. I’d consider this a solo game that allows friends to tag along. At some point I’d like to get “7th Continent” as well.

[@RobsGamingTable]

Nice solo recommendation. My wife and I love playing This War of Mine together.

[@SCKhaymus]

As someone who is waiting for their tainted grail copy to ship in, I am sad to see it not featured here. What is is about this game that made it not in your top 10?

[@dumas8112]

Maybe the content of the channel is focused on epic adventure game like these on list, but sometimes playing a solo game that does require reading 40 pages of rules is fun and relaxing. I have several of the listed games and enjoy each. This week I received Calico and it is light, but “thinky”, designed for solo play, and the rules are short and straightforward. Besides the listed games, I suggest Snowdonia and Sword & Sorcery.

[@kosterix123]

exactly. Epic stuff is best consumed on mobiles.

[@marie-joseeboucher7949]

My two favourite solo games are : 1. Goblivion (Jean-François Gauthier) and 2. Friday (Friedemann Friese). The two are similar deckbuilding solo games : Friday is simple, and Goblivion has more diversity and is Excellent ! Must try Goblivion

[@franciscofranco8023]

Rob!! Pretty much only a solo gamer here. I was wondering if you can spare a minute to explain why no tainted grail? I almost pulled the trigger last night (albeit impulsively) but i was sold watching your tutorial ply through. Our taste in games are very similar. Thanks

[@Rodinov_Claw]

I own TG, and in my opinion it is a solid solo game, but I think it doesn't fit into Rob's list is because TG is a campaign style game, that commits your hours to see it through from start to finish. Replayability therefore has a varied mileage. Furthermore, as it is narrative-driven, it is probably best experienced with a group of players, rather than solo because some of the narrative decision expects certain conditions to be met, and sometimes playing solo doesn't open up that option. Once more, it goes back to how many times you want to go through 40 hours of gameplay....

[@RobsGamingTable]

For this list I only considered games I played solo. Besides the tutorial, I only played Tainted Grail co-op. Because it is similar to 7th Continent, but with a theme that appeals to me more, I am sure it would have made my top 10 if I spent some real time playing it solo. I am sure I would love it solo, but just haven't taken the time to play it again. Too many great games and not enough time. 🙂

[@harrisjessop1679]

Loved the video, some of those you mentioned I have never heard of. I will end up getting a couple of them, because of the way they look. Do you play any sports games?

[@FaisalAli-jh2gu]

Mage knight... why I'm not Surprise It deserve number one, You Might wanna play this war of mine, This game experience is something else.. If you don't have it that is.

[@patrakis]

A 13 minutes video? Is that you Rob? Nice top 10 though. My favorite player count :)

[@RobsGamingTable]

Even though it was only 13 mins, I think it might have taken more work that one of my 6+ hour streams. 😉

[@TimeSlayer3]

Hi Rob, I think your list covers the more known and accepted solo game greats. I'm wondering why TWOM isn't in your top 10 solo, such a great game. My list would also include Kingdom Death Monster, Cthulhu Death May Die, Dawn of the Zeds, Shadows of Brimstone, Reichbusters and, from Quebec, Canada, Goblivion and Dinoblivion. I'd love you to play one of those on your channel!

[@RobsGamingTable]

Thanks for the list of games to look into. The reason TWOM was not on the list is because I have not played it solo yet. I didn't consider anything I haven't played solo up to this point. I do love TWOM very much though. 😁

[@kevinerskine3299]

Some of these like Kingdom Death Monster are unplayable as one character so that explains that.

[@jasonharris1636]

Well done & good on ya, mate! Love your channel! 🇦🇺🍺🐨🇦🇺🍺🐨🇦🇺🍺🐨

[@bobscott248]

great video. There is a lot of game videos out there. What I never see is just were these games can be bought. were do you recommend?

[@RobsGamingTable]

That is a loaded question. 😁 I would recommend you start with looking up your local board game hobby stores and cafes. They usually can order any of these games from publishers/distributors even if they don't have it on the shelves. Of not, maybe they can recommend other games that might fit your tastes.

[@sophielasfargeas1878]

Great list! I would be interested in a top 10 solo games list including only quick games to play. I already know I would love mage knight but it's way too long with little children around :'(

[@steelman774]

Sophie Lasfargeas, I like Sprawlopolis, Crystallo, Multiuniversum, Friday or Onirim as regular solo games that play fairly quickly but are more involved than a roll&write game. They cover all kinds of eras and themes so maybe there’s something in there for everyone. If space is an issue give Palm Island a try. You can literally play it without laying any cards down.

[@sophielasfargeas1878]

@@steelman774 thanks a lot! I'll try Onirim then. I already have many solo games but I want to diversify ;)

[@ryusuikarate]

I didn't get aeon's end because too many people said that true solo wasn't a good experience. Which of the mages are good true solo experiences in your opinion?

[@bdup159]

Wow I'll definitely be checking out shadows of kilforth

[@aristidesjunior5116]

Minha lista: 1. Mage Knight 2. Gloomhaven 3. Robison Crusoé 4. Spirit Island 5. Gaia Project

[@RobsGamingTable]

Great list! I plan to play Gaia Project and Robinson Crusoe this year.

[@aristidescostajunior]

@@RobsGamingTable ... e eu vou procurar conhecer os jogos de sua lista. Abraço.

[@hatchimmmmm]

Xia forsaken star love to play it solo. Robibson Crusoe and nemo's war good solo games too

[@EricWoning]

Relatively light, but try out Villagers. I find it strangely addictive.

[@mistermastermind528]

Mage Knight is really that relevant huh... I've had my eye on that game for a few years now just because I wanted a board game that had minis. Ever since I've bought games that fit that description, I have not looked back on Mage Knight because the game is too complex. Watching these videos, however, it makes me think about it again.

[@cyberleish]

Look out for roll player adventures coming soon (hopefully), I really enjoyed playing the preview solo on TTS. From your list, I think mage knight interests most. Now you have played it would you add Destinies to this list?

[@TheFewzz]

I can never find TMB for sale in the UK it gets so frustrating. I would really recommend Gloom over shadows as its more or less the same game but shadows waters down the fantasy theme too much into a oriental theme or get both and mix them together :)

[@Antherage]

Hey! Good news, its in stock right now over there at the ChipTheoryGames store! The CORE box came in stock a little while ago.

[@patrickk.6641]

After the closing of the pm of the last cloudspire kickstarter (where it was possible to order everything tmb related) it should be back in stock pretty much everywhere. Maybe it will take a while to ship, but if you really want it is your best bet to head over to the CTG website. Discounts are only found during the pledge managers of CTGs kickstarters.

[@lucasmohallem8136]

Great List. You should give a try to Arkham Horror LCG. If you don't like deck building, maybe it won't click as much with you. But man, what a game....

[@yadayadayada]

You know it's a good list when MK is #1 on it.

[@nikosanagnopoulos7095]

Great list since I own from No1 to No5 with Mage Knight being my favorite too. Maybe I should buy Hexplore It next. Also I saw the playthrough from Euthia, still considering this because of the too much dice rolling.

[@johnpanagos5835]

Great list!!!

[@Zaloomination]

I actually want to get a solo board game for my 8 year old boardgamer who is homeschooled. Currently his favorite games are Battlelore 2e, 7 Wonders Duel, The Alpha, and Sheriff of Nottingham. Would love a list or even one or 2 quick recommendations for what you think are fun but not too insanely difficult or long board games for him. thanks!

[@LtKatana]

MK #1 , cheers brother!!! , TMB I know it's a good game but I just don't like art at all. 7th continent I just got the classic edition and I am very excited to explore it and try to survive.

[@RobsGamingTable]

Too Many Bones art didn't pull me in at first, but it grew on me after the gameplay hooked me. I like how it's different that the other art I see in most games. Enjoy dying on the island...uhh I mean playing 7th Continent. 😉

[@rosablue1000]

Great list. Nemo’s war is pure solo and provides a great challenge. You should give it a try.

[@chrisvanderlinden3718]

What?! You forgot about Arkham Horror LCG! 😰

[@dutch_blades]

I'm suspecting Mage Knight at #1, but we'll see! *EDIT:* Well deserved #1 spot! You might wanna check out Robinson Crusoe as well ;)

[@RobsGamingTable]

I have a used copy of the first edition of Robinson Crusoe I picked up a few months ago. I just need to take the time and learn it. I am looking forward to it.

[@jakubkoutny]

@@RobsGamingTable im just about to start lost city expansion (story driven campaign) :)

[@marcusgsuniga]

Love your energy and attitidue

[@mrjspancakehouse]

Any news on a new update 2023 version :)?

[@ilirtanku9722]

Im not much in single player games because i have my 9 year son that is ready to play with me.but im very interested in playing mage knight because i want a good game that can be played solo when im alone in the house.i heard it is good with 2 player too so i think i will purchase it.my only question for mage knight players is to purchase base game or ultimate edition?

[@MMP-lj5xp]

I believe 1st or second edition space hulk had a solo play to it, masmorra by cmon has solo play and their main line of Arcadia quest by cmon released solo play rules on their website for the base game. I very much like solo games with minis

[@danacoleman4007]

good video, sir!!!

[@kellinwinslow1988]

Having played board games for a long time one of the best times I've ever had playing a solo game was with Star Trek Frontiers. Similar to Mage Knight of course but I think Frontiers has a better theme and flows better. I love figuring out strategy and working out how to overcome a problem. I just have fun every time I play even if I lose. Gloomhaven is good of course but a bit too fussy at times. In some ways Sword And Sorcery is a better solo game. And of course Lord Of The Rings Journey In Middle Earth is great. The app is probably the best that's been made for a board game at this point. But really there are a bunch of good ones out there. Hell I'll even still play Descent solo from time to time.

[@odgregg]

Yeah. I have both of them and prefer Frontiers. Slightly smoother gamely, and the theme fits really well

[@kellinwinslow1988]

@@odgregg Yep, exactly. Even if you don't care about Trek I just think it plays a bit better. They are both good though. Solo and multiplayer both work well and the Kahn expansion adds even more to the game.

[@supersteve76]

I dont understand what the dummy deck is for other than acting as a timer. Is it just a timer? Is there a way to actually win or lose the game playing solo? Why cant you dedicate the dummy player to hunting you? place a mini for them on the board and use the 3 cards drawn to move towards and battle your Mage Knight. ??? I dont own the game and would like to buy it so Ive been watching playthrough videos. Or does solo play always result in a win with you looking up how well you won??? I havent seen any solo gameplay were the player lost the game.

[@ghazkullthraka1698]

Nice list! I’ll take a look at hostage negociator, And maybe cloudspire! This one i hesitated on kickstarter, finally didnt get it because of its puzzly aspect. Indeed, im already playing gloomhaven solo with 4characters, witch burns a lot of my daily energy... if cloudspire lighter than this i ll probavly get it. What do you think folks?

[@BGBarbarian]

They have a cream for that itch you get when you are alone lol

[@BoardnAK]

Great video...where'd you get those shelves in the back ground and what brand are they?

[@RobsGamingTable]

Ikea Kallax shelves. Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelKloepfer68]

I wish I had the capacity to spend the money you do for these games they look cool but I can never afford them

[@steverap8680]

Which Hexplore would you recommend now that 1/2/3 are all out?

[@Filthyanimal9]

Ordering Vol.4 on Gamefound- looks like a great upgrade all around!

[@ralphgraichen705]

Looking at your backdrop Rob, a stream of Star Wars Rebellion against Mel could be nice. And I think I should dust off Legendary and see how it holds up against time

[@danielbarkey2970]

Nice list, but please, please try Kingdom Death : Monster from Adam Poots. Survival, Civ-Building and the best Boss-Fights in all boardgames ... try it, you will love it!

[@ryannelson8128]

I've heard some people who really enjoy Coffee Roaster for a solo game. Have you tried it?

[@stewartking2292]

Hi Rob I like your channel. Here are some solo games I like. Friday, Aerion, Onirim, Nautilion give them a try

[@RobsGamingTable]

Thanks for the recommendations! I have played Friday and it didn't wow me, but I see why it's so popular. I will look into the rest. 😁

[@kevinerskine3299]

Seeing the stuff Rob usually plays, I can't imagine him loving any of these.

[@spinosaurs6]

I enjoyed Zombicide, not too complicated, nice and fun.

[@johninnaperville]

Hi Rob, your top 5 is very close to mine, although I never clicked as highly on Mage Knight. I like it but no where nearly as much as the others. I need to get it back to the table and give it another shot. I also add Gaia Project which has recently moved into my top few spots, not an exact ordering as I don’t have a Patreon group to require such. Thanks for the video.

[@henseltbrumbleburg3752]

Can't find a shop that sells Cloudspire in the U.K

[@Sean-or1bv]

Another homerun, Rob!!

[@jamescupelli6902]

Great recap... I would have added Dawn of the Zeds...

[@whiterabbit6341]

Great list. You might want to check out Nemo's War. It's made to be played solo only and has a unique theme. I think you would enjoy the game play, but I don't know if you find ships and subs interesting. D100 Dungeon by Martin Knight is also strictly solo. Even though it's a roll and write, that depends heavily on luck, it still has tons of variety, sets up in about 30 seconds, and is actually a lot of fun.

[@charlesl21]

What if you hate deck building games? No DVG solo only games? I would add b-17

[@apollonia6656]

I play solo games and I am getting fed up with boards and tokens etc that take the whole of the big dining room table, particularly when the game demands the length of time to stay there ! Hence, Hostage Negotiator is great......Mage Knight and Robinson Crusoe , both good games, are a hustle! Why complicate our play time with huge rule books, why waste time laying out bits and pieces only to have to do so again! Why......enough already.

[@zephro666000]

Rob have you ever played Arkham horror the card game solo

[@foodini666]

Great video

[@lorenzohot5234]

Great vid

[@misomiso8228]

Mage Knight still going strong! Think Spirit Island is a better game overal though!

[@HighbridgeD]

Unreal. Its like no one has ever played with the series of Four Against the Darkness books. I think this is the third list in a row where its not even mentioned. Too bad, you guys are missing out!