Top 10 Solo Board Games 2013: (TOP 30 PART 3) from Box of Delights

[@mathelernennidda7534]

Thanks for another wonderful video. You're voice and your way of systematically explaining even the complicatest games are great gifts. Keep it going!

[@BoxofDelights]

thank You :)

[@pastorpainter]

Brilliant! have a wonderful and joyful Christmas.

[@ryarto]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Ricky - I own the top two and they are a lot of fun!

[@Hendar23]

Mage Knight is total genius. It's a masterpiece and I don't use that word lightly. Three player games are great fun too as long as everyone knows how to play.

[@jrushe01]

Mage knight no 1 :) - my son so happy with this - I am liking look of a touch of evil will but that on the shopping list - great video ricky especially coming up to Christmas

[@whatsonrightnow]

Great list Ricky. Thanks for sharing. Now I have several more games to add to my wishlist. Happy Holidays!

[@TheNimral]

I just feel so happy for Mage Knight being the number one... I can't help it, but if it is possible to fall in love with a boardgame, that's my case. Great vids Ricky! And merry Christmas for all.

[@dkyzar]

I had a feeling Mage Knight would be number one and I agree. Would love to see more Mage Knight playthroughs and also another Robinson Crusoe with the expansion?

[@KabukiKid]

I'd love to see more Robinson Crusoe playthroughs too. :-) I really enjoyed the first scenario series.

[@Mifoi]

Wow, I love your videos for the awesome content and for your deep analysis in WHY you do what you do. I mainly watch your videos to figure out if I will buy the games which is very helpfull to me. Thank you so much for doing all these videos, it is greatly appreciated! :)

[@jeffrhind175]

Awesome! Thanks for making this list!! A few titles in there I am going to pick up. A Touch of Evil I have been overlooking now I may need to get that one first - even before Cruel Necessity.

[@kevinerskine3299]

Great job Ricky!! My top three were the same as yours (Well I had 2 and 3 flipped, but close enough). I don't want to ruin it but I was really glad to see #4 make the list. It's a game that a lot more people need to know about. Hopefully with your list they'll see what we see. Thanks for all you do. And Merry Christmas!

[@BoxofDelights]

thanks Kevin!

[@JPFalcononor]

Great list with many good suggestions...but I am surprised that War of the Ring did not make your list. You showed in your playthrough earlier this year what a great solo experience the game offers. I know it was impossible to include everything so I'll give a plug for the game now....

[@davelandrytube]

Thanks! Great series of videos- should keep my wish list well populated

[@bbblackwell]

You've done us a great service with this list -- some unique choices mixed in as well. Freedom: The Underground Railroad is one of my favorite solo games. Gives a unique feel, and you don't have to love the theme to enjoy it; though if this historical period and subject matter interests you, it's a must-have!

[@BoxofDelights]

Brian Blackwell Thanks Brian , I've heard great things about it, but not picked it up yet... maybe it should be on my wishlist :)

[@dimitarnikolov3340]

Excellent list! Your top 3 are my favorite games. I need to check out some of the other games on your list. I wish Hoplomachus was easier to find. In any case, happy holidays and keep making your great videos!

[@pandabomb112]

Wow! Surprised to see marvel DBG in there would have thought SoTM (#20) would have been there. Might have to check it out. Great videos Mr. Royal.

[@matmarkovic]

I can't say I'm surprised by Mage Knight being number one :) It's an amazing solitaire game, but I enjoy co-op multiplayer even more, especially when fighting Volkare. I actually learned the rules form your playthroughs which helped me teach it to my friends. Multiplayer takes quite a long time but it's well worth it. The longest game so far was a three player city conquest which took 7 hours to complete but the reward from beating the game brings immense satisfaction. It's non-repetitive and no matter how good you are the game can beat you with ease if you get too cocky. Great list, I really enjoyed watching the videos.

[@TheDragonScholar]

Thanks for these videos! I just got back into board and card games late last year, so this gives me an idea of some titles to check into. Thanks also for your Mage Knight series -- they helped me a lot when I first learned of the game.

[@rachidtabti]

As usual, brilliant and enjoyable videos, can't agree more with Mage Knight as being the best solo game, I love this game!

[@johnbrown6230]

Very good list.Thanks! Are you planning to do a more up to date list?

[@johnjackson2834]

Great Vid, thanks. It would be really useful if you listed the ten games - or top 30 - in your notes underneath the vid, for a quick reminder after watching the vid :)

[@kiddith]

Hoplomachus is no where to be found. Trying to find a place to pick that one up, it looks like fun. Thanks for another great video!

[@bookaddict777]

Wholeheartedly agree with your choices for numbers 1 and 2, Rick. They are mine as well.

[@GrandElemental]

I will second this, both are gold for solitaire play! And Robinson is also a fantastic co-op, so much depth and story packed in two hours. No other game manages this. Still, Mage Knight is my favourite game of all time! I'd shy away from co-operative scenarios and 5-player game (enabled by the expansion) because they greatly increase the game length, but with 1-3 players it is really the most strategic and varied epic fantasy adventure there is. It replaced Descent and Runebound in my collection. =) The only one in the list I greatly dislike is the "D&D Adventure System" or whatever it is called. I had Wrath of Ashardalon for a week, I played four times and... it just has so many flaws and didn't convince anyone in my playgroup. While I love dungeon crawls, this one just falls flat for me, and since there is only one person I know that actually enjoys the game, I saw no reason not to trade it away. We were both happy that way. =D Anyway, thanks for the awesome list, RickyRoyal! There are so few of this kind of lists out there.

[@Chris4ever92]

So i got Mage Knight... ITS AWESOME! I starting to get a nice hang on the rules and your videos are so helpfull. I owe you one for responding to my question, ordered the expansion will probably arrive in a few days and when this game will get a bit dull (can't predict so in the immediate future) will get WoTR. Will recommend you everywhere.

[@kellyb2923]

I'm so relieved to see that I have these! That means I wont have to go buy anything. Ricky, we share the same top 3 solo games. That makes me a happy cat. And yeah, Mage Knight has always been better solo than multiplayer. Glad to see someone else agreeing with that as it is a sentiment I've held since trying it with my mates and have felt a bit bad about it. Now, not so much :)

[@joeldalangin2427]

Mage Knight remains my #1 . Thanks for showing me how to play it!

[@niltonbalbi8139]

very nice review indeed! it helped me a lot. I'm a LOTR LCG fan all the way. but right now I'm trying to find something different. I'm starting to think I'll head for pathfinder, but the mage knight seems to be amazing! my brother has Robinson and it is just incredible. what a game! thank you for this amazing video.

[@boneshiqua]

Great selection of games. I would like to see you do a play-through of AToE and to see how you play it solitaire to make it quicker. Keep up the excellent videos.

[@steftymo]

Thanks Ricky, top 3 as I expected. May have to look seriously at Legendary now. Haven't you cost me enough already ;-) Merry Xmas to you and your family.

[@Marccp]

I did two player Mage Knight, and I do like the extra element another player adds. I'd be very hesitant to play with more than 2 as the amount of time it takes for each player to take their turn is pretty long. It's a spectacular solitaire.

[@McRino1]

I've played a 5 player game... Luckily with 4 good friends as there was a so much downtime at the beginning, as time went on though people got into the idea of planning their go ahead it started to flow a bit quicker. But I agree great Solo game, I just wish each characters deck was a bit more, individual, as until you start levelling up the characters all feel pretty similar

[@MUGENKAZKI]

loved the legend of drizzt sure wish they put the image of the action on those skill cards like gears of war did

[@vectordream121]

Hey Rick, Just want to say I really appreciate your vids. Good job on the list. I think we have similar tastes since I have about half the games on your top 30. I also agree that Mage Knight is #1! One of my most favorite games.

[@kevinerskine3299]

Oh and I had been interested in #6 from your series, but seeing it this high It's a must buy!

[@Saio89]

I'd love to see "A Touch of Evil" play though. I know some others have done their own but I enjoy your pace and explanation of the rules. It helps me decide if it is a game I'd like to pick up, and as a bonus I already know how to play! Also you have to give Robinson Crusoe another play through. Now that you have more experience with the game I'd like to see how your strategy changes!

[@BoxofDelights]

i have some plans for Robinson ... and AToE is still high on my wishlist :)

[@lantreducapitainenemo]

Very interesting Top 10. I already own 6 out of 10 of the list and i think that i will try A touch of evil.Thank you to help me discover new great games

[@biglar155]

Great list Rick! I "stumbled" into board gaming when I saw your #1 game on Amazon about a year ago. I watched your play-through and bought it. Like you, I believe it's the ultimate solitaire game. My only problem is, I got started in this hobby with the best game I'll ever own! What do I do now?!?!? :)

[@scottintexas]

What game was it?

[@matthewtobin01]

I always wonder if Ricky Royal worked in Las Vegas or Las Vegas. I've never seen anyone that handles cards (and I just saw chips like those used in the casino) worked so smoothly!

[@micahforest2012]

Excellent video, as usual. Thanks RR for this.

[@ArcadEdio]

Are you planning on doing an updated top 30? With all the recent amazing solotaire games to come out, it would be awesome to see your list for 2017 :).

[@BoxofDelights]

maybe !?

[@JonathanA]

Excellent job! I remain nonplussed by deck building games and I really am not keen about trying #2, although I'm not sure why. Maybe too system driven? I do have #9, #8 & #6 on my Wishlist though. And I just added #10. I already own Ravenloft and, of course, your #1. I wonder about #4 though...

[@BoxofDelights]

www.chiptheorygames.com

[@vojtasjedyny]

Thanks Ricky. I really enjoyed your top list. What will you do next? Merry Christmas!

[@boxoneedles]

Currently Robinson Crusoe is my number one solitaire game but it looks I really have to try Mage Knight some day! Thanks for the great list.

[@BoxofDelights]

pleasure!

[@zarx81]

Great list! Now I have to check out the Robinson Crusoe game :)

[@vojtasjedyny]

You should, Ricky made great playthrough videos for "Castaways" scenario. Very fun game, but also quite tough.

[@daevv]

Great list! I own a few including 5 in your top ten. My top 3: 3. Robinson Crusoe 2. Mage Knight 1. Lord of the Rings LCG

[@Johnboy_nyc]

Awesome series! There is a box under my tree that looks like the right shape and size as Mage Knight and I'm forbidden to pick it up until tomorrow! Let's hope I'm right! :-)

[@Tiggermk4]

Surprised to see Sentinels of the Multiverse didnt make the top 10 as I find it a great solo experience , and I think some DVG games (Hornet leader 2 is my favourite) should be in there too ...i would probably swap #1 and #2... but cant fault that those are your top two games. Both fantastic. Thanks for the videos, and have a great xmas.

[@jadehopebg7892]

Hey Rick, thanks heaps for the top 30. It's going to make my next purchases a lot easier! I really enjoyed your Merchant of Venus play-through too. I really thought I would have seen it in a top 30 but it wasn't there. What number would it have been, and what reasons are there that it didn't make the list?

[@BoxofDelights]

It was out in the late 30s/early 40s. The thing about MoV is the trading and player interraction... for me a much better mutlti-player game

[@lufasumafalu5069]

would love to see your take on DVG games that also focuses on solitaire like the Hornet Leader series..

[@BoxofDelights]

I've not yet delved into DvG games... I certainly must !!

[@lufasumafalu5069]

send mail to dan verssen in dvg games.. he will send evaluation copy for you. since your side is already used by many people from BGG as tutorial site, it would be beneficial for both sides..

[@superguinea]

well, i know what i'm buying myself for my birthday! mage knight, here i come

[@Chris4ever92]

Hey ricky, i love your videos. I really need your help, i don't know what should i buy first LoTR: War of the ring 2nd edition or Mage Knight. What would you recommend? I love both of them and will buy them both because of your awesome videos but i don't know what i should try first. Please advice me...

[@BoxofDelights]

are you playing mostly 2-player or solitaire ?

[@Chris4ever92]

I love playing both multiple players and solitare. What i like about War of the ring is the 2 player kind of play, and mage knight has cool multiplayer and some fine solo content. I just cant decide.. What do you think is the best one to start with? Which one holds the more comeback? Thx for answering man

[@Chris4ever92]

I dont have much experience in board games, mainly monopoly, risk but i love the complexity of those 2 games, so I'm in a sort of a dilema :(

[@BoxofDelights]

War of the ring is 2-player only. Mage Knight is better solo, for me, but 2-player is good too. Both are heavy-weight games. If you have no experience the risk it that it will put you off hobby-games for life, if you do not have fun and spend the whole time with your head in the rules. So I would not recommend either as a first game, in general. But, that might be a little patronising - you may well be one of the exceptions, having watched the video, who relishes such a challenge and knows what to expect. I would suggest WotR as at least you can share the experience with someone. Or I can give you an alternative LotR type game which might be better for you, and Mage Knight for its complexity and solo play..... It's a tough one to answer...watch both videos and see what you think !

[@Chris4ever92]

Thank you for your response, as always very good. Ill get Mage knight first, and if i like will purchase the expansion too, then lotr WoTR. Your videos are so inspiring can't wait for more rpg/fantasy board games. Always a subscriber.

[@Drekster2001]

Will you be doing a follow up on this top 10? I am curious how this list has changed after 5 years :)

[@BoxofDelights]

I may ... a new top 10 is overdue I think...

[@DonnaBrooks]

Off topic, but what is the title of the music you use @ 25:26 ? I know I've heard that before. Where did you get it? Is it from the built-in GarageBand/iMovie music clips?

[@BoxofDelights]

it is just iMovie stuff, so you're going to hear it all over the place... must find more free music clips...!

[@JaKamps]

I've got Legend of Drizzt, & have played Legendary. My friend has the LotR: the LCG, but I've yet to play it.

[@mrsamtheman80]

Ricky, thank you for the great list! I'm trying to remember the name of a game that is solitaire-playable, maybe one of you can help me. It is an air combat game set in World War 2 with the Royal Air Force versus Luftwaffe, and it models time of day, attacks on various sites in England in waves, and has solitaire play. There is a game board as well (I don't remember if there are cards, but there is at least a game board, so it's not a solely card-driven air combat game). I once saw a video on KZbin, possibly on Ricky's channel (but it may have been another one...although Ricky is my favorite board gamer on KZbin), but can't find it now and can't remember the name of the game...any thoughts on what it could be?

[@BoxofDelights]

mrsamtheman80 this ? boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/40209/raf-battle-britain-1940 You will find a link to Johannes "lonesome gamer" video here :)

[@mrsamtheman80]

Ricky Royal That is the one precisely!!!!! Thank you so much! :) Being in the Air Force, and suffering through a lack of deep air games in general (at least that I am aware of), I stumbled on that once and couldn't find it again...well, looks like it is going on my Christmas list! :) Thanks much! :)

[@BoxofDelights]

mrsamtheman80 I must try to find a copy myself... it's been on my wishlist for a while....

[@mrsamtheman80]

I found one in the USA from Noble Knight Games for about $50 (USD), not sure if they have more. Amazon has a few as well that are at about list price, not sure if any of them are in your area? I've tinkered around with the Vassal module and watched that series you recommend, it looks exciting! It appears that playthroughs of the German (Eagle) game are hard to find as well, so maybe that is ripe fruit to explore in LP? I know I'd watch an LP from you on either, though! You got me hooked to Mage Knight as a solitaire game, and since then I have followed closely :)

[@BoxofDelights]

mrsamtheman80 my copy arrived today ... see what you did ?! Man, those counters were tricky to punch out though... get a craft knife ready! Now it's waiting for a free weekend !

[@KabukiKid]

Robinson Crusoe is my #1. It is one of my 10/10 games.

[@yu84p]

It was a very interesting video. I would like to see a video of your best solitaire game of 2019.

[@ThatTrekBoy]

Merchant of Venus is a fun solo-player gamer also. Lot's of exploration & adventure! Mice & Mystics is great also!

[@BoxofDelights]

I must give M&M a try...its still sitting unplayed on my shelf ....

[@kestrel929]

Anxiously awaiting the 2014 edition...

[@BoxofDelights]

kestrel929 I hope to do a new list before the end of Jan .... So little time !

[@typedeaf]

Interesting. I just got into board games, and apparently I am at least 5 yrs behind. I have Friday, Onirim, Legendary, Pathfinder, and LOTR. Strongly considering Arkham Horror TCG and Mage Knight. Also high on my list to get is Mansions of Madness 2nd Ed and Gloomhaven. Since I am new, I am not yet burnt out on dungeon crawler themes. Legendary and LOTR are relatively new to me, and I think they are both very enjoyable and very solo friendly. The idea of playing as a second player in solo doesn't appeal to me. I hope you put out another top 20 list soon. I value your opinion.

[@BoxofDelights]

thank you ! And good luck in your gaming adventures! There are so many good games since this list. I'm not sure if I'll be doing any more TOP X videos though, we'll see....

[@mickaelremondiere6912]

Hi I am also a solitary player and I think some are missing, on my mind. But I also put Mage Knight as my number 1 ;) What about : - At the gates of Loyang - Dungeon Lords (with solo variant) - Dawn of the zeds (wonderful !) - Hornet Leader (or some Leader Dan Verssen Games collection) - Conflict of Heroes - Nuklear Winter 68' - Peloponnes - And .... and ... Roads & Boats :D Thx

[@BoxofDelights]

Mickaël REMONDIERE good list... but I have none of those games, so they don't make my list. Well, I had Dungeon Lords but traded it ... I kinda wish I kept it now, but no room for everything I guess :(

[@peteyandycreek]

Thanks for the vid! I'd be interested to know how you rate Sentinels of the Multiverse for solo play!

[@joeldalangin2427]

Mage Knight! Love it

[@JoshuaCJones]

Great stuff! Thanks a lot. Just moved a bit away from my group of friends and I have a nice collection of games I always play with them, but when I get the gaming itch and have no one else to play with, I'm lacking in that category. This was just what I needed! I love LOTR LCG, question, how did you organize the cards inside the box it comes with?

[@ChRiStRiDa7]

Just curious are coming out with any new too solo board games!??

[@BoxofDelights]

Maybe .... not sure , now I am a designer too ... not sure

[@luissss81]

Many thx for this video

[@jay_cadiramen]

How does the Lord of the Rings Card Game compare to Pathfinder the Card Game for solo play?

[@SnowDragonka]

Hello, first of all, great list, I mostly play solo, so this was a great help. Just one question if I may... would you think it's worth playing solo LotR LCG with just the base set and the saga expansions? I don't really have the time or money to buy it all and the saga stuff appeals to me, because it sounds like you can "play the whole story" kind of stuff. But I'm aware of LCG concept, so that's why I ask. Just to note, I hate managing multiple hands, I prefer playing just one character. Thank you :)

[@BoxofDelights]

SnowDragonka Yes, it certainly is, but the base set adventures do get very tricky with one-hand, but you will have a lot of fun using cards from the saga expansions. There are so many adventure packs, you will find plenty of variety without all/any of them.

[@SnowDragonka]

+Ricky Royal Thank you for such a quick response :) Think I can handle tricky, after those 50 games of GoW playing with 1 COG figure. And I love a good challenge in solo gaming, makes me want to play more. Thanks again.

[@Discalle112]

Any chances for a video series on marvel legendary?

[@BoxofDelights]

yes! It's on the "to-do" list :)

[@apollonia6656]

I was given Lord of the Rings deluxe edition about eight years ago and never opened the game ! Have you played this game as a so!o ? It is such a pity to have so many RPGs and wondering how to tweak most of them to play solo.....ending up with them being left on the shelves! Enjoy your videos. Thanks.

[@BoxofDelights]

Do you mean Knizia's game? or something else?

[@theblaznee]

You should do a new top 10 at least.. Lots of coop/solo games out since this video.

[@BoxofDelights]

+Jesper Rathsach I have a top 100 in progress .... :)

[@theblaznee]

+Ricky Royal How's it going Ricky? I need myself some christmas wishes :)

[@BoxofDelights]

+Jesper Rathsach you can find it here : boxofdelights.net :)

[@theblaznee]

+Ricky Royal 3 seconds to reply.. Dude!! :P.. Thanks!.. There's a new bookmark for me..

[@lavabeach]

If you had a choice between Mage Knight and Robinson Crusoe, which one would you buy?

[@BoxofDelights]

Robinson.... because I think I would get more enjoyment from playing this with more people :)

[@davidkok2489]

Merry Christmas everyone!

[@worstpiloteu1645]

Ohhh think you're going to like Legendary Encounters! Well, if you like the Alien franchise that is.

[@BoxofDelights]

WorstPilotEU oh, I do! :) check this link ... www.boxofdelights.net/2014-box-of-delights-game-awards/

[@eddielovelace7485]

Thanks so much for this. :)

[@palo569]

hello, would you recommend any good solo "sci-fi" solo games? cheers.

[@BoxofDelights]

palo569 oh definitely, in fact, we have one coming up very soon on Box of Delights... keep watching to see Omega Centauri in action !

[@NeilBlaiberg]

Surprised Castle Ravenloft made it that high. I have Drizzt and don't find it that great

[@kiddith]

I own all three. The character mechanics in Drizzt is bit over powering and I find myself playing that particular one least of all three. Castle Ravenloft, in my opinion, has the best well written scenarios and I find to be the funnest of all three. I would also recommend getting Ninjadorg's expansion cards from his website, or found on BGG, they add a bunch of replayability and fun.

[@vincivader]

Aha! I guessed your #1 ;) Good choice

[@retretlol]

Completely agree on number 1.

[@apollonia6656]

Yes, Reiner Knizia. L of the R:The Confrontation.Again, thanks.

[@BoxofDelights]

no, you can't solo that one.

[@michaeltremblay6148]

Did your top ten change since this video?

[@BoxofDelights]

Michael Tremblay most likey a yes... I must do a new list soon!!

[@doxaios83]

and the minute you review each title too!

[@BoxofDelights]

i really made it difficult for myself there!

[@odemus]

Mage Knight...the best game solitaire or otherwise!

[@doxaios83]

Maybe you should write the titles on the description.

[@BoxofDelights]

and spoil the surprise?!

[@apollonia6656]

I thought that might be the case. Nevermind !Thanks.

[@coras7]

While I really like your list and many of your choices, I am baffled as to how Navajo Wars was left off. Considering the types of games you like and even including a historical game, it's a travesty that it isn't considered or mentioned.

[@BoxofDelights]

I've never played :( It's on my wishlist though!! maybe next time ;)

[@coras7]

Ricky Royal Definitely. I am sure you would love it since you placed Cruel necessity so high. I am looking forward to your video covering it too!

[@xDIABOx]

You talked about the experience of playing a game and living a story and then choose MK as #1... it disappointed me. I had this game and I think it only shines in 2P one-on-one games. As a solo experience is a math exercise, and a boring one. I would rather play Runebound (that you've mentioned) with the Doom Track revised instead of MK. Just my opinion, 'though. I really like solo games as you and I have some of the games mentioned in this list.

[@fingerdrop]

need to work on that mic sir. Sounds is pretty terrible. Content is great tho!

[@BoxofDelights]

fingerdrop all donations gratefully received !

[@BoxofDelights]

yes, that is my biggest upgrade wish :( I am looking at new camera ideas...

[@MMODoubter]

Tsk, tsk.

[@BoxofDelights]

huh?

[@MMODoubter]

Ricky Royal WAY too high a rating for the Pathfinder card game. It's dull, repetitive and un-thematic. It's not garbage, but it's getting way too much praise on KZbin AND BGG.

[@BoxofDelights]

oh... marmite huh ?