Top 10 Board Games Equally Great Solo and Multiplayer | I Love These by Myself or with Others!

[@darin-ka]

I’m obsessively playing Obsession for the last month or so 😂. It’s great for solo, has variety of AI opponents and so many additional options and expansions that it doesn’t get stale and keeps me coming back to it. I like how difficulty is increasing gradually with each “boss” in standard and extended mode. BTW it’s your playthrough convinced me to try it so thank you thank you very much 😊

[@TotallyTabled]

I love to hear my playthrough helped you find a game you enjoy. I completely agree with you. The solo is designed very well, especially with the different difficulty levels. It is a terrific game that is finally getting the attention it deserves, which is wonderful to see. Thanks so much!

[@JoshuaLivie]

Do you play with the expansions?

[@133sinister]

Great idea to discard coops from the list!

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, yeah, I was like "I've already done my top 10 co-ops list" so they had to go. I try not to mention the same games over and over again, but that is the problem with top 10 lists. I'm probably going to start making a few non-top 10 type lists so I can talk about more great games that aren't necessarily in my top 100 of all time. Anyway, thanks for checking out the list!

[@ronaldbell7429]

Dune: Imperium can be both solo and competitive. It's a great game both ways :)

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, it is a good choice. My wife really likes it, so I save it to game with her. I've also had a few killer games of it at 4. But I'll definitely get it out for solo soon, especially to try out the new expansion. Amazing game. Thanks Ronald!

[@andrethannhauser6302]

I like playing Dune Imperium Solo. But I probably wouldnt put it too high on a solo list. The reason: Confrontation/conflict is key to the game and checking/knowing what each opponent is able to do. With the automas, that is not the case because they dont need to pay ressources for their actions. That can (and often enough does) lead to the following situations: a) turn 1 a faction draws a card for a spot NOBODY could ever efford at the beginning (especially highliner) b) if one faction constantly draws the cards for the better spots that faction can (and sometimes does) win without you having a chance. It's the spots that need you to pay spice or water that lead to a tense game. E.g. when you are the only one having enough ressources to efford a spot you can wait one action and do a more critical action first. That is impossible with Solo play. Most Dune Imperium plays are really close (even multiplayer) and as the Automas do random stuff, in the end it's almost 50% luck. So I play that game Solo to test the factions and cards but not to know in the end that I deserved to win/lose.

[@pauls3585]

I'm happy you had Heat on your list. I have only played it solo and it is fun

[@TotallyTabled]

@@pauls3585 Heat is great! Lots of fun at all player counts. I can't wait for more maps. Thanks for watching!

[@18xxTrainingBZ]

Thank you for the kind words about Borgo Automa solo rules in 51st State Ulitmate edition.🤓

[@TotallyTabled]

It's really awesome! 51st State has jumped up my top solo list because of this new mode and how satisfying it is to play. Thank you for your amazing work and thanks for checking out the channel!

[@jaybear7272]

I think Everdell would be one of the top games on my list. The Mistwood expansion’s solo mode is just brilliant, and elevates the solo game to being on a par with the fantastic multiplayer version. And I’d also echo others here who say Pax Pamir 2nd Ed - absolutely wonderful game.

[@TotallyTabled]

Everdell is a good call. That works great for this list. I just don't think solo Pamir lives up to 4-5 player Pamir. Solo is fun (and I'll do a playthrough on the channel at some point because I do like it) but man I've had some great multiplayer games of Pamir. Amazing game. Thanks Jay!

[@victorgonzalez2927]

Pax Pamir 2E Dune: Imperium Dwellings of Eldervale Outlive Gaia Project Lockup AuZtralia Anachrony Mage Knight Xia: Legends of a Drift System

[@browe]

Some great choices here. From your list I'm particularly a fan of Pax Pamir 2E, Dune: Imperium, Anachrony, and Xia.

[@TotallyTabled]

Lots of great stuff here. Most of it I prefer multiplayer or I just haven't played solo enough. I really want to try Outlive solo. I've been meaning to table that for a while. And I need more solo Xia and Gaia in my life. Ah, so many fun games! Every time I make one of these videos, my "to-play list" explodes. Thanks for watching, Victor!

[@sh-kr]

Removing Coop games from the list was a great idea, and congrats in advance on hitting 10k subs!!

[@TotallyTabled]

That is nice of you. Thank you. I really appreciate your long support and how you generously give your time to comment on videos and engage with the channel. I've been lucky to have such a supportive community to help push the channel to a larger audience so quickly. I'm very grateful!

[@jeffmackey2740]

What a great idea for a list. My list would have to include Through the Ages but the rest will take some thought. Thanks for putting this out.

[@TotallyTabled]

Are you playing Thru the Ages with a fan made solo mode or 2 handed? I've never tried it solo. Thanks for checking out the list, Jeff!

[@andymurry2005]

Very well put together list. I also enjoy Meadow, Verdant and Cascadia at all counts. All pretty chill games if you're in the mood for something lighter.

[@TotallyTabled]

Those are great picks as well. Meadow could have made my list. I really like Cascadia multiplayer, but the solo mode works great and is a nice relaxing time as you said. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@stephanec.1994]

Nice list! My number one would be Dune Imperium. I have a lot of fun solo and multiplayer.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, Dune Imperium is getting a lot of love in the comments. I understand that completely. The solo is very fun. I just prefer it multiplayer and since my wife likes it, I save it to play with her. Great game. Thanks so much!

[@TheZiggylives]

Your mention of Bloody Inn in this list just earned you a subscribe. Love that game

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks for the sub! I have two solo playthroughs of The Bloody Inn on the channel. It is a bit of a Halloween tradition. I always enjoy it. Hope you like the videos here. Thanks for watching!

[@tzgardner]

Some of my favorites are: Xia, West Kingdom Trilogy, Maracaibo, Sagrada, Tiny Epic Pirates.

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice. I definitely thought about Paladins. I need to play Maracaibo a few more times solo, but I've enjoyed it at 2. Thanks for watching!

[@petergross7235]

I liked the solo from the Maracaibo expansion. I did not like the original solo that came with the base game.

[@pipsinspaaace5282]

great list I've played both 51st state and Ark nova solo. Still need to try them both multi

[@TotallyTabled]

Both are great at 2p. High recommendations from me! Thanks for watching!

[@alois257]

Tiny towns is a great choice! Love this game. It may be my favourite puzzle game.

[@TotallyTabled]

Definitely! This is an evergreen game for me. I bring it out multiple times every year and never get tired of it. Thanks so much for checking out the playthrough!

[@nanibly]

Wow, I appreciate the thought process you took to build this list!

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@notboardatall-yw6vh]

Thanks for making this list! I have about half of these games, will look deeper into the other ones now. As always, great content. Let's go 10K!!

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, thanks. I appreciate that. I'm blown away by all the support and I hope I can keep the channel fresh. Why must life keep getting in the way of gaming? :) Have a great day and thanks for checking out the video!

[@morgaknightgames]

I'll second your pics for Lost Ruins of Arnak, Obsession, and The Bloody Inn. I'd also add Raiders of Scythia, Oak, and Abomination to my list of non co-op games good at solo and other player counts. We have similar tastes!

[@TotallyTabled]

Oooh, I haven't played those three. Now I'm very interested in checking them out. Is Scythia very similar to original Raiders, because I've played that. Thanks Morga!

[@morgaknightgames]

@@TotallyTabled I've only played Scythia so I can't personally compare. However I picked it up after a few comparison videos that recommended it if you didn't already have all of Raiders of the North Sea.

[@TheTrendz24]

The intro had Carnival Zombie, was sad for it to not be on the list as I love it solo and multi. Also been loving Lobotomy 2 solo and multiplayer as well. Thanks for this list also, I’m dying to try obsession now.

[@TotallyTabled]

Ah, yeah, I decided to not include co-ops so I shoved Carnival Zombie in the intro as my co-op example that plays great both ways. I've never played Lobotomy 2. And you can try Obsession on Board Game Arena for free I believe. You just need to sign in to get a free account. It is a great implementation. Thanks for watching!

[@gowensbach2998]

Just discovered you. Concordia is one of my favorite games and I have been thinking of how to play it solo. I had no idea there was a solo expansion! Another idea I wanted was to find a game that played out the rise and fall of the Roman empire. I kind of found it, and I have been working it out with some house rules and maps and pieces from a couple other games. Having a lot of fun with the project. Thanks again

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm glad you discovered Totally Tabled! Welcome. Sorry for the delay in responding, I was on vacation. Yeah, I've done a playthrough of the solo expansion on the channel, if you haven't seen that. It works fantastically well. Highly recommend, especially if you are a Concordia fan. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!

[@stogrady]

Thanks for this great list! I've actually bought a few of the ones features here based on your playthroughs (Heat and the Bloody Inn) and love all of the others here as well. Awesome stuff as always.

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks so much! I'm glad my videos have helped you find enjoyable games. Thanks for watching!

[@booklover2285]

Obsession is amazing! I just got Viticulture and played that multiplayer and solo. Tied with the automa. Terraforming Mars Ares Expedition I love multiplayer and solo! Still haven't beat the solo AI Thinking about getting New York Zoo while it's on sale

[@TotallyTabled]

I've not tried New York Zoo but it looked like a nice puzzle with great bits. And I really like Viticulture solo. I just played Obsession with a friend on Board Game Arena and it worked great. I've played it with my wife and a ton solo IRL, so it is awesome to have another way to play with more people! Incredible game! Thanks so much for checking out the video, Book Lover!

[@mrsamtheman80]

Great list! I would definitely include Spirit Island on my list

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm one of those weird people who is strongly in the 2p Spirit Island camp. When soloing, I still feel a bit awkward -- 2 handed feels a bit overwhelming, but one character feels a bit empty. I think I need more experience so I can handle two spirits. That seems ideal. Thanks!

[@mrsamtheman80]

@@TotallyTabled I was in that camp for awhile, but now I do true solo a lot also-great challenge to really learn a spirit well. I still think 2-handed might be my favorite but with Jagged Earth I had to take them one at a time, and now I enjoy doing so a lot

[@TotallyTabled]

That is good to hear. Maybe I should try that so I can get more comfortable with everything.

[@laurencesingh3948]

Hello there! I just want to say thank you for the great content you produce. I only discovered your channel a couple days ago when I was looking for a good solo playthrough of Darwin's Journey. Yours was fantastic. I watched your video then read the rulebook and had little difficulty getting through a game last night (beat Easy Alfred 151-120). I received my order of Obsession (with expansions) yesterday and plan on getting it tabled tonight. I will definitely check out your playthrough! My Fiancee is also interested in playing it so I'm excited that you list it as working well as both solo and multi-player. As for my top games solo or multi-player I would say #1 is The Great Wall. LOVE the solo play (although it's become a little too easy) and it really shines at three players. Planet Unknown is another good one, too. I like solo puzzle but enjoy the greater variety/randomness of tiles you can choose from when playing multi-player. The lack of downtime is also a plus in multi-player. Have you played/heard of Sabika? That's one that's been getting a lot of table time from me lately. The solo is absolutely magnificent. Highly competitive AI who doesn't feel too "cheaty" and requires minimal upkeep - less than any solo AI I've ever experienced. Not counting my first game (it was a learning experience) I'm 2 wins and 2 losses with no game being decided by more than six points (scores in the 93-117 range). Anyway, thought I'd just throw that recommendation out there.

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks so much, Laurence. I'm happy to hear my video helped. I hope you enjoy Obsession. It has grown on me with every play, so stick with it. I have not played The Great Wall but it sure looked interesting. And Sabika I have heard of but not really looked into that much. I definitely will do my research now. Thanks for the recommendations! And welcome to the channel!

[@idjester]

another outstanding video... well throught out, well explained, and well presented... we should all strive to make video this well done... great job again...

[@TotallyTabled]

Wow, thanks so much. I'm really happy you enjoy these videos. I appreciate your encouragement and kindness!

[@homosapsap]

Great list! Paper Tales is one that I enjoy both multiplayer and solo. The expansion comes with a solo mode that plays pretty much like a multiplayer game with little overhead.

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice pick. I think I've only played Paper Tales solo. I can't remember a multiplayer game and I do a really poor job recording my plays. What is your favorite multiplayer player count? Do more players add much to the gameplay? Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@homosapsap]

@Totally Tabled Unlike 7 Wonders, I haven't played this at all player counts. I've only played this solo and at 2p about 20 times, courtesy of the pandemic. The changes to the card drafting at those player counts make it tight and enjoyable, I've found.

[@TotallyTabled]

@@homosapsap Nice. I'll have to try it at 2. I like the game a lot. I'm a sucker for card drafting and I enjoy how quick it plays.

[@joellen5984]

A great list as always! Many of these are also on my favorites! One of my fave games is Gugong which I find great solo and multiplayer - in fact I searched out the deluxe big box at a pretty heft cost because I like it so much :-)

[@TotallyTabled]

I've enjoyed Gugong at 2 player and I believe I got a 3 player game in once years ago, but I've never tried it solo. Nice. I'm putting it on the list. Sounds fun. Thanks for the recommendation, Joellen!

[@olivertremel9869]

What I great twist on the solo theme! Love this list. It reminds me to play some of those very exciting games again and try out those I don’t know yet. Great list anyway! On Mars, Underwater Cities, and Paladins of the West Kingdom would probably make it on my list, although I didn’t play either of them enough in both modes (solo and multiplayer) to really rank them.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, those are great picks. I definitely prefer Lacerda's multiplayer, but the solo modes are well done. Underwater Cities and Paladins are pretty even. I need to play Paladins more at all counts. Good choices and some great games. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel for so long, Oliver!

[@petergross7235]

Great Video! I have four of tbose games on your list already in my own collection. And I can fully endorse your love for them. I am always looking for exactly thos type of game. A competitive game with or without other people. Of the games your mentioned I think I do prefer 1 or 2 players for most of them (with the exception of Heat).

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, they all play great with 2 players. I think I like Lost Ruins of Arnak and Bloody Inn at 3 better than 2. Or at least the same. Thanks for watching, Peter!

[@KellyLees-wl3im]

Great Video! I really enjoy Glass Road Solo and multiplayer.

[@TotallyTabled]

That's a good one! I didn't think of Glass Road but you are right - great solo and 2 player. I nearly put Hallertau on the list for the same reason. Thanks so much for watching, Kelly!

[@andrethannhauser6302]

Great list. It would also put like 80% of those games at least in my top20.

[@TotallyTabled]

A lot of all time favorites in there for me as well. I try to talk about new games, but it is hard to get away from some of these that I like so much. Games that play great at multiple player counts hit the table more and get more love. Designers are starting to catch on. Thanks for your long support, Andre! I really appreciate it!

[@JoachimErdtman]

Some of my favorite competitive multiplayer games that I also love solo: Rallyman: DIRT, Greenland, Neanderthal, Andean Abyss, Firefly: The Game, Leaving Earth, Merchants & Marauders, Obsession, and Vengeance.

[@TotallyTabled]

I completely forgot about Merchants and Marauders. The unofficial solo mode is so good! I think I vastly prefer the game solo due to the lack of downtime, which can be significant in a multiplayer game. Ah, thanks for reminding me of that one -- I'd love to do a playthrough on the channel. That game is so fun. The others I have not tried. Thanks for the awesome recommendations.

[@JoachimErdtman]

@@TotallyTabled yes, I agree that solo the game is pure perfection! It is kind of amazing that it's still just an unofficial variant. In multiplayer I've been experimenting with drawing cubes from a bag for each action. The downtime can get bad due to that annoyingly huge Port action, but with random action order it only becomes a problem if we draw the same player again.

[@UmouMais]

Great list! You got some nice recommendations there! Thanks

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@CptBumFlufff]

Great list man, thanks Shaggi ✌️

[@TotallyTabled]

Thank for checking it out 😃!

[@eruchii7200]

Need your best solo and multiplayer coop too please!

[@TotallyTabled]

Check out my Top 50 solo games of all time, which I just published. Lots of co-ops on that list. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@timothyosborne2434]

Cool video with some great suggestions...

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks Timothy! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@tommikosunen-lq6vo]

Kind of bummed that you discarded the coops entirely, maybe another video for those?

[@veljkoagatonovic4929]

Dune Imperium? I liked it a lot solo 😊

[@TotallyTabled]

Great choice! I have a playthrough of Dune as well! :) I really like it solo, but I LOVE it at 2-4 players. It is hard for me to pull it out solo because it is one of the first I think about when playing with my wife (she loves it) or my friends when we are at 3-4. Thanks for watching!

[@veljkoagatonovic4929]

@@TotallyTabled I know, I watched your playthroughs as learning method. Thanks for that though...and keep up the good work 👏

[@TotallyTabled]

@@veljkoagatonovic4929 Hey, thanks so much! I appreciate that!

[@DontGoJake]

Need a Totally Tabled Feast for Odin solo playthrough! Preferably with Norwegians expansion.

[@TotallyTabled]

It is coming soon. Mage Knight is next up!

[@donthatethegame42]

I've recently watched your playthrough of Distilled. Is it still too new to make the list or did it not make your cut line?

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, that's right. I haven't had a chance to play Distilled multiplayer yet. I'm hoping to soon because I think my wife would enjoy it. I imagine it would be a good one for the list, because the solo is great and there isn't a lot of direct interaction. I recommend Distilled for solo play, that's for sure! Thanks for watching!

[@ChubbyChoncc]

As Dune Imperium already mentioned, my vote would go to Keep the Heroes out! Really underrated game.

[@TotallyTabled]

I need to check that one out, I'm not familiar. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for watching!

[@leroygodzicki2266]

woodwork spirit of the forest Carnegie and Manhattan project energy empire for me

[@TotallyTabled]

It is not often that I have to look up a game I've never heard of before but I somehow have completely missed Spirit of the Forest. I have no recollection of seeing or hearing about it. Thanks for the rec. The others are good choices as well. Thanks for watching!

[@thesoloboardgamer6051]

I must invest in the solo mode for Concordia, I loved that game multiplayer....

[@TotallyTabled]

Yes! It is brilliant! One of my favorite expansions of all time. Thanks for checking out the video Solo Board Gamer!

[@michaelhill6453]

As ever, great video.

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks Michael!

[@PNG25]

For me Great western trail , wingspan, terraforming mars but with the marsbot.

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice picks. Wingspan is close for me. I'll have to check out the marsbot. Never tried that. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@andrethannhauser6302]

Where/what is the marsbot? TFM is my game #1 of all time BUT only 3-4 players. Solo it's interesting but too much luck with the card draws. I even simulate a drafting to let the deck cycle faster resp. to have more options concerning cards.

[@thesolitairegambit2556]

Fantastic video! I’m always glad when you upload new videos. I have played most of those games except for a couple but 51st State and Ruins of Arnak are my top favorites. I usually don’t like playing multiplayer games, 1-2 player count is my sweet number (lol) but the games i wouldn’t mind at higher count are: Architects of the West kingdom. Everdell. Flamecraft. Creature Comfort. Viticulture. Scythe. Cartographers 🫶🏼

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice list. I definitely prefer Architects at 4-5 players. So good, like a meatier Stone Age. Viticulture and Cartographers nearly made my list. Thanks Solitaire Gambit!

[@raquellee8985]

I’m enjoying Star Realms Frontiers both solo and multiplayer.

[@TotallyTabled]

I have not tried Frontiers, or really any of the Star Realms expansions. I wasn't aware you could play it solo. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the recommendation, Raquel!

[@Bob-kc]

When discussing Ark Nova you said most of the time you are Topdecking cards. What does Topdecking mean?

[@TotallyTabled]

Ah, that just means drawing cards blindly from the top of a face-down deck of cards, as opposed to drafting a card from a row of face-up cards, for example. When you are topdecking, you don't have control over the cards you get, thus making the action more luck driven. Thanks for watching!

[@robertwest4596]

Everdell Solo is awesome

[@TotallyTabled]

I agree. Great game. Thanks so much for watching!

[@irfancandans9283]

My number 1 would be Mage Knight

[@donthatethegame42]

Do you find it good as a multiplayer? I've never considered that

[@TotallyTabled]

Mage Knight multiplayer. Not sure I would ever try that, but sounds interesting. Do you like competitive or co-op? It is so thinky, I would want to keep it solo personally. But obviously the designer thinks it should be a multiplayer game, based on how he wrote the rulebook. Thanks for watching!

[@caesarsihombing2822]

Oh gosh really want to play Heat... but still out of stock :( Btw my favorite is Marvel champions, never play with 3 player tho buts solo or 2 player is really fun.

[@TotallyTabled]

Uh, Heat is still hard to get? That sucks. Marvel Champions is a good one, but I excluded co-ops from the list. Lots of great co-ops fit this list for sure. It is one reason I love co-ops so much. Thanks for watching!

[@caesarsihombing2822]

@@TotallyTabled Ahh I see, really nice list, I'm lookin for list like this, coz i think most game that you can play solo and not coop is mostly too solitare and small interactions like wingspan. Thankyou for this. Really interested with bloody Inn, is the expansion mandatory?

[@TotallyTabled]

The Bloody Inn expansion is not needed. In fact, it doesn't work very well with solo. Base game alone is great, if you are looking for a quick card game. Thanks!

[@basc.8752]

Great video, I will check out 51st and Concordia. What is the game in your intro? Looks interesting, but didn’t make it to your list?

[@TotallyTabled]

Ah, yeah that is Carnival Zombie. I have a playthrough on my channel. It is a co-op so I left it off the list. Very interesting game. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Memmnarch1981]

great list, but you missed Marvel Champions, Frosthaven and ISS Vanguard :)

[@TotallyTabled]

In the introduction I mentioned that I decided to leave off cooperative games, since the whole list would just be co-ops. Also, I haven't played Frosthaven or ISS Vanguard yet. I'm hoping to table them soon. Thanks for watching!

[@craigandrews7544]

How’s Oranienburger Kanal rank here mate?

[@TotallyTabled]

I haven't played it 2-player yet. I'm interested to try it, but I have a strong feeling I'm going to prefer it solo. Obviously I can't know until tabling it, but this feels so much like a solo puzzle to me, I'm not sure how I'll feel about someone else blocking my actions and taking my structures. Have you tried it, Craig? I'd be interested in how people feel about it. Thanks for checking out the list!

[@NicholasLee0]

Have you tried Pax Parmir?

[@TotallyTabled]

Yes, definitely. Solo is really good, but 4-5 player Pax Pamir is divine. The politics and intrigue at high player counts can't be matched solo. It is one of my favorite games. Endlessly fascinating. I wish I could table it more. Thanks for watching the video, Nicholas!

[@NicholasLee0]

@@TotallyTabled just got a copy recently and within a week I'd played it solo three times. It's really easy to start a solo game. Not had a chance to get it to the table with others. Looking forward to it. In contrast, just had my first played of Arnark on BGA with 3P. Won with 80. Not sure if I was luckily, but I found it a bit easy.

[@TotallyTabled]

@@NicholasLee0 That's great! I hope to make a solo video about Pamir soon. It is very enjoyable and a great way to learn the game. If you can, try to get it to the table with 4 players who understand the game. So good. Thanks!

[@jamesmorgan1967]

@@TotallyTabled I'd love to see you do a solo video of Pax Pamir. Still have yet to get it to the table...