Top 10 Solo Board Games to Play When You're Feeling Sick

I am feeling a little bit under the weather, which got me thinking about my favorite solo board games to play when I'm feeling sick. These are my comfort food games.
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00:00 Intro (11. Cafe) • Cafe Board Game | Solo...
00:32 10. On Tour
01:46 9. Tiny Towns • Tiny Towns Board Game ...
02:53 8. Maquis • Maquis Board Game | Fu...
03:55 7. For Northwood! • For Northwood! Board G...
04:56 6. Dorfromantik
06:13 5. Cascadia • Cascadia Board Game | ...
07:16 4. ROVE • ROVE Board Game | How ...
08:20 3. Coffee Roaster • Coffee Roaster Board G...
09:45 2. The Lost Expedition • Lost Expedition Board ...
10:52 1. At the Gates of Loyang • At the Gates of Loyang...
12:13 Outro (12. Hit Z Road) • Hit Z Road Board Game ...
Thumbnail image is from a photo I took of a card from the board game The Lost Expedition by artist Garen Ewing.
#totallytabled #boardgames #tabletop #solo #top10

[@highergroundgaming7202]

When I’m sick I just like watching videos like this or watching board game play-throughs with themes like Fortune and Glory or Nemo’s War. Also, campaign games are another thing I watch on KZbin when I’m feeling under the weather. 😮‍💨

[@neversummer5091]

I love the love for Loyang. The card manipulation on the solo is so satisfying.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yes! Loyang is such an amazing design. Only Uwe Rosenberg would add a solo mode with completely different mechanisms from the multiplayer game 14 years ago when very few games were playable solo. Incredible. This guy was so ahead of his time. Thanks for watching!

[@neversummer5091]

@@TotallyTabled It really makes you feel like you are pulling all the levers of a small business. Also, thank you for teaching me how to play Maquis!

[@paulinductivo581]

"Loyangception" 😅

[@jamesmorgan1967]

What a creative idea for a video! This is a solid list and it makes me want to get Maquis back to the table this week. Thanks for posting. (Hope you feel better soon!)

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks, James! I am feeling better -- it takes me so long to edit these, I have healed right up. I was actually thinking the same thing when I was making the list -- it has been a while since both Cafe and Maquis hit my table. Time to rectify that! Thanks so much for checking out the video.

[@mikehall9240]

Love your videos! You go over the game just enough without going too deep to make a solid overview and ranking. Thank you! Hope you are feeling better to make more videos! :)

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm glad you feel that way, Mike. Nice to hear my approach is working for you. And I appreciate the well wishes. I'm doing much better and back to working on a few videos -- but I'm easing back with a few lighter games. The Nemesis video took it out of me a bit and I need a break from editing 80-minute videos. 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@DaniCha]

Great list! A Gentle Rain is one on my "sick day" solo games list!

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm so excited that is coming back into print so I can get a chance to try it. It looks like the perfect game for this list. Thanks so much, Dani!

[@manu8dix]

Your timing for this video couldn't have been better! When autumn comes I always feel the imperious need to rest and recover from the whole year. So right now I am just looking for all the comfort (food, games, blankets and any stuff really) that I can put my hands on. At the Gates of Loyang came as kind of a twist to me, but it's maybe because I never played it myself and the diversity of choices look a bit overwhelming from the outside. I 100% agree on Cascadia, For Northwood and Coffee Roaster! There are two more games that instantly pop in my mind when I think of days feeling sick: - Evergreen : it has the nature theme, and the game experience is so flowing it feels almost hypnotic, so it's perfect when your mind is not 100% available. Also it can be set up in seconds, and the dual-layer boards are of really good quality so you can safely play in your bed if you can't get up - Creature Comforts : although it is a bit heavier to set up, the theme and lightness of the game experience makes it really great when you're not feeling well. The box really needs an insert though to reduce the effort bringing it to the table. I hope you get better soon! 😉

[@TotallyTabled]

Creature Comforts is a great one and I completely forgot about it. That's a perfect choice. I've heard so many great things about Evergreen. I really need to try that one. It certainly looks nice and sounds right up my alley. I appreciate that well wishes. These videos take me so long to make that I'm feeling much better. :) Thanks for watching!

[@emmahunneyball2990]

I hope you feel better soon! Some great choices here. I definitely agree with The Lost Expedition: so easy to set up and play, and also step away from for a minute if you need a nap!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks Emma! I started making this video last week so I'm all better now, or at least as good as I can get. I always have fun with the Lost Expedition. The way it all comes together is so clever. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Leilataj85]

I absolutely love these top lists of yours! Have you thought about doing more? Perhaps top 10 lunchtime games under an hour with teach or top 10 weeknight solo games? Just some ideas… clearly not specific at all 😂

[@TotallyTabled]

Thank you so much! I try to do at least one Top 10 list a month. I love those ideas and I will add them to my list of possible lists. :) I'm always happy to hear ideas. Thanks so much for watching!

[@michaelcrampton5560]

Video came at the perfect time. Sinus cold and luckily not Covid. I have been loving Eldritch Horror and setting that up on the table for a couple of days and just delving into the story to keep my mind off of how crappy I'm feeling. But love some of the picks that you mention.

[@TotallyTabled]

That's a great point. Games with story are a great choice, or even long campaign games. I could totally see that, especially if you can set it up once and just leave it out for days. I hope you feel better soon and good luck in your fight against Cthulhu!

[@CamObscura88]

I haven’t even watched yet but just love the concept of the video already!

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, I'm glad you feel that way. I had the idea and I was like, dang I really want to make that video even though I don't feel like it. :) I hope you enjoy the list. If it sucks, I blame the cold!

[@CamObscura88]

⁠@@TotallyTabledjust finished this and it’s a great list! I’ve played most of these but still need to check out At the Gates of Loyang and Lost Expeditions! My other favorite cozy “sick day” solo games are Beacon Patrol, Rolling Realms, Grove/Orchard, and Floriferous.

[@TotallyTabled]

I really want to try Floriferous. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@blocktaxman]

Perfect timing and excellent list!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! I'm happy you enjoyed it. With kids there is a lot of illness in my house and I find a lot of gaming happens during those times. I'm guessing I'm not the only one. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@DonnyRam1961]

Great video - thanks. Hoping to knock up the print and play version of Maquis in the next week or so and can't wait to give it a try. My 'go to' Button Shy is Skulls of Sedlec (Solo Monstrance) - easier on the brain than Rove I think. Lost Expedition is great, but maybe not so much when you're felling a little under the weather. I agree that Cascadia is a really enjoyable relaxing play, as well as Trekking through History using the free to print Solo opponent 'the historian' which I have played a number of times. For Northwood is another great relaxing but challenging game I've recently printed out and given a go, the artwork makes it impossible not to enjoy.

[@TotallyTabled]

Trekking Through History is a good one. I've only played it with my family, but it seems like it would be a relaxing solo game. I love reading all the cards and learning little bits of history. Very cool. I bet you'll love Marquis. Great small design that still has a lot of replayability for me, although I need to get it back to the table. Thanks for checking out the video, Donny!

[@jacqmo775]

Thanks, very enjoyable. I hope you feel better soon.

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! I appreciate that. I'm feeling much better. I'm glad you found the video enjoyable! Thanks for checking it out.

[@stevegeorge7773]

given when sick I have a full day I will bust out Feast For Odin, or Anachrony. Real beasts. I’ll just leave them set up on a table when I’ve decided I need to hit the bed or need rest. I’ll then come back to them and pick up where I left off. A more rarer pull out,,, but love, is Arkham Horror 2nd edition. I love that game and it is really a challenge to defeat.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, this makes sense. I think there's a divide between the heavy vs. light crowd when it comes to sick day games. I've done both, but I definitely skew lighter in general. Of course, it depends on severity and such. Solo Feast For Odin is a really great choice -- it plays well just set up and you can go back and forth easily. It's a good "take a nap in the middle" kind of a game. Thanks for checking out the video, Steve!

[@marcoscar6625]

Nice list, the Super-Skill Pinball series is also great for sick days

[@TotallyTabled]

I still need to try that one. Looks really cool. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks for checking out the video.

[@markusbiewer2756]

Perfect timing, I'm sick and at home! Yesterday I tried Chakra solo, it's a nice game I must try to play with my wife. Today I'm planning to play Under Falling Skies and TFM: Ares Expedition. Nice list, I have to check out Maquis, The Lost Expedition and At the Gates of Loyang. Thanks for the inspirations and get well soon!

[@TotallyTabled]

Sorry to hear you are sick. Get better soon. I haven't tried Chakra but Under Falling Skies is a great choice, especially because you could binge all the different scenarios. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@robertthurman9866]

Very good! One Deck Dungeon, Roller Rumble and Elder Sign are mine

[@TotallyTabled]

Wow, I've never heard of Roller Rumble. Love the theme but that one is a throwback! Really cool. I really enjoy Elder Sign, but that one hasn't hit the table in a while. Need to try that one again. Thanks for watching!

[@whatsabandicoot]

I half-expected Robinson Crusoe to be your number 1 after Lost Expedition appeared at 2 😉 Great idea for a video and hope you're feeling better soon!

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, yeah, I could happily play Robinson Crusoe even if my head was on fire, but that wasn't the spirit of the list. :) Thanks for the well wishes. I'm feeling better now, since it takes me all week to finish one of these videos, especially when I'm not feeling well. But with the kids in school I'm sure the next sick day is right around the corner. Thanks so much for watching!

[@tracieperez2629]

Loving this idea to have a set of specific games you find comfort in on those days you need comfort ❤ Really good selection and quite a bit I haven't played. Some that I'd consider playing are; Orchard, Patchwork Doodle or Project L.

[@TotallyTabled]

I just played Project L yesterday for the first time with my youngest son and we had a great time. I want to try it solo. Great picks! Thanks, Tracie!

[@halforange1]

Great idea for a video. Subscribed! I’d probably play Ark Nova solo with a high starting appeal value so that I could just enjoy playing animals and filling out my zoo. Sick days mean I can get longer games to the table.

[@TotallyTabled]

Ah, Ark Nova is a GREAT suggestion! I'm always torn between getting out something long and taking my time or having something simple and quick, and the latter usually wins out. But I did tackle Frostpunk while sick and just left it up for days. Thanks so much for watching and subscribing! I really appreciate that and I hope you enjoy the rest of the content on the channel.

[@Victor-779]

Nice list, you've got me interested in ROVE and Loyang. Get better soon. 👍🏼

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! Yeah, watch my playthrough of ROVE and if it looks interesting then you should definitely jump in. I think it is a fantastic puzzle. And the expansions are fun additions. Thanks for watching!

[@broavonyl5997]

Dorfromantik is so relaxingg.. ☺️

[@TotallyTabled]

Definitely. Maybe the most relaxing game I've ever played. I can understand people hating it, but it worked for me. Not something I want to play often. But it will be the perfect game every once in a while. And I can appreciate that. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@grizzzzlies7208]

Every time I see that version of Coffee Roaster 🤩 Wish I could find it somewhere. Great list Shaggy!!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks so much! Yeah, the reprint of Coffee Roaster was unfortunate, as is everything Stronghold Games does it seems. Hopefully a competent company can pick it up one day.

[@WestChamber21]

Great list I’m gonna go look a couple of them up. I would suggest Beacon Patrol I think as one that is perfect for a sick day.

[@TotallyTabled]

I've not played that, but I vaguely remember seeing an ad when it was released. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@stephens2401]

love the list. I find myself wanting to dive into heavy games when I'm sick. maybe being sick is an excuse to have something like a lacerda set up on the table for days

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, that totally makes sense. I bet for a bunch of gamers, getting sick means finally having time to tackle some of those longer, heavier games. I've actually done that with both Frostpunk and Kanban EV. But typically, I like things simpler and shorter when I'm sick. I usually lack the mental capacity to do much more. :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@stephens2401]

@@TotallyTabled I also love grinding through heavy rulebooks while I'm sick... maybe just reading in general. I get quite a bit of shelf of shamers played. tm

[@shantelalbert7151]

Sorry to hear you are under the weather, hope you feel better soon Shaggy! My preference for everything (sick, happy, sad) is typically always board games ha ha. However, when I'm super sick or my brain just needs a break I catch up on some TV shows. Working in front of a computer all day though, just makes me crave the no screen life whenever possible, so my TV break is never very long. I love at the gates of loyang too 💕 Thank you for sharing your list, there are some great games here!

[@shantelalbert7151]

I've been thinking about what games I find myself turning to for a 'comfort game' when I'm under the weather since watching your video. For me, I think my main priority is minimal setup and rules overhead. The games that I've come up with are #1 Cartographers, #2 Next Station London, #3 Guild of Merchant Explorers #4 At the Gates of Loyang #5 Evergreen #6 Twilight Inscription #7 Calico #8 Three Sisters #9 For Northwood #10 Turing Machine.

[@TotallyTabled]

We are the same there. I get so sick of screens I just cannot take it anymore. Having a table in my office with a game set up on it all the time means I always have an easy escape. I love it. When I'm really sick I find myself rewatching old comedies and sitcoms I've seen a million times. Lately it has been a lot of Taskmaster. :) That always does the trick. Thanks for watching!

[@TotallyTabled]

Great group of games! Roll and writes work great for this list for sure. And I really need to try Evergreen. I like the look of that one. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@shantelalbert7151]

I haven't seen task master but samsies on the re-watching, I either pick some of my favorite Disney movies or put on I love Lucy ha ha

[@TotallyTabled]

@@shantelalbert7151 I don't know if I've ever seen a full episode of I Love Lucy and yet I feel like I know it really well. I guess that's how you know a show is an important cultural phenomenon. Taskmaster is the opposite of that -- it is a silly British gameshow where comedians compete to accomplish stupid tasks. Most of the episodes are on their YT channel now, but it used to be hard to watch in the US. Makes me laugh every time, no matter how many times I watch it. But you might have to be a fan of British comedy to really enjoy it.

[@gcanceko]

This is a great list idea! I really like ROVE too. It’s that perfect balance of thinky but contemplative. Plus the art style is really cool. I’m also playing The Royal Limited right now and Dale of Merchants with the BGG solo variation.

[@TotallyTabled]

I just made a video for The Royal Limited. I really enjoyed it. Another nice Button Shy puzzle. ROVE is still my favorite. I need to try Dale of Merchants again. It has been forever and I've not tried the solo variant. Thanks for the recommendations and thanks for checking out the video!

[@Biodelic]

Get well soon!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks so much! I'm feeling much better.

[@garylaframboise2721]

Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. I would suggest playing Explorers of the North Sea. If you don't have a headache then also try Terraforming Mars the Dice Game. Hope you start feeling better. Take care

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks for the well wishes! I am feeling much better now -- in fact I was pretty much better by the time the video came out but that's just because it takes me forever to edit these videos. 😂 I have never tried Explorers or TM Dice before. The only North Sea game I've played is Raiders and I enjoy that one. I think a second edition of Explorers is coming out soon, I might have to check that out. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@hiho8084]

How funny that I happened on this list today. I am feeling under the weather myself, and believe it or not, I often have tomato bisque soup for breakfast...yes, breakfast. I have most of the games on your list, but haven't played them all. Coffee Roaster has moved down on your list! Another game that I've played solo, and has a nice relaxing theme is Verdant. I actually gave The Lost Expedition away. It was TOO stressful for me. I guess I just immerse myself too much.😆At the Gates of Loyang....man, should have grabbed it when I could have. Thanks again!

[@TotallyTabled]

Oh no, I hope you feel better soon. I love a good tomato bisque for breakfast, lunch or dinner! So good! I really need to try Verdant. That seems like a good one for this list. I can totally understand The Lost Expedition being too stressful, especially if you really get into the theme. Thanks so much for watching the video!

[@raquellee8985]

Enjoyed this list. I guess every day is sick day for me lately. Hard to muster up the energy to set up , re-learn rules. When I was sick, I played a lot of Welcome To… and Bravo.

[@TotallyTabled]

Welcome To... is a great roll and write for this list and one of the few that I really enjoy. Have you tried Welcome To the Moon? I hope to get a tutorial for it on the channel, but that is a nice package with lots of content. Never heard of Bravo. I'll have to go look that one up. Thanks for watching!

[@raquellee8985]

I love Welcome to the Moon, but the original was more comfort food when I was sick. Oh, also love Herbaceous and Pencil First offerings.

[@MarkB-uu5we]

Great list Shaggy. I like thinky but not too long games when not well - that sort of balance between not too much brain effort but enough to keep me well and truly immersed and distracted from whatever ailment it is. A good one for me is Blitzkrieg, that is a thinky game but fairly straight forward AI bot and 20-30 mins means a second game usually follows the first. The lost expedition is not for me, I have found that game the best at two players because you can laugh and talk about the memorable moments just failing at the end. Good game though. As for Loyang, yet to get for my collection as not available but definitely on the grail list.

[@Boardgametherapist]

What a great top 10 idea. I actually got Too Many Bones played solo after a minor surgery. It all fit on a foldout IKEA bed table lol. Speaking of Too Many Bones, have you played it? It’s an awesome solo game

[@TotallyTabled]

Nice! I have a plan to really tackle Too Many Bones and finally get it on the channel. I've only played a few times and it hasn't completely clicked yet, although I found it intriguing. I'm excited to put more effort into it soon. Thanks for checking out the video, Board Game Therapist!

[@BobLee-df4zh]

Pandemic Hot Zone. Super quick setup and gets the "feel" of the full game in a fraction of the time. Also Mini Rogue. It's just engaging enough without being overly stressful.

[@TotallyTabled]

Those are great suggestions. Mini Rogue was close to making the list. I love that game. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Board_game_goode]

My comfort sick day games are reading ones likeSherlock Holmes Consulting Detective.

[@TotallyTabled]

That's a great one. You can really go at your own pace in this style of game, which works really well for this list. I should have included Lands of Galzyr. Thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@jherrenor]

Parks has a decent solo and quick set up.

[@TotallyTabled]

That is a great pick for this list! Parks is fun and beautiful. Nice call. Thanks for watching.

[@bigaleka92]

Great list. And a great idea. I’m not sure any of your friends will want to play your copy of At the Gate’s with you now if they’ve seen this video!! 😂🤧🤒😷

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, never really thought of that! It's funny, I'm a pretty big germaphobe and I'm kind of silly about hand washing and things like that. But I've gotten pretty good at just ignoring all that when it comes to board games. I love them that much! :) Thanks for checking out the list!

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Ah the timing of this. Literally going back to work today after being off with food poisoning.

[@TotallyTabled]

Oh no. I'm glad you are feeling well enough to return to work. Thanks so much for checking out the video.

[@domiswan254]

Agree with for northwood and lost expedition, didn't try the others. I would add Friday, which for me is a "feels good" game.

[@TotallyTabled]

Yeah, Friday is a great choice for this list. Thanks so much for checking out the video. Appreciate it!

[@user-mf1cu3tn7s]

I seriously can’t play anything when I am sick. Even when I am well but after a long day of work and children care I cannot play any game. But it is an interesting list to watch, so thanks!

[@TotallyTabled]

I can sympathize with this for sure. I have plenty of those days, sick or not. But usually I'm down to game, just with something easier and more familiar. Thanks!

[@broavonyl5997]

I recently got The Lord of the Rings: Adventure to Mount Doom. While the mechanics are incredibly simplistic, it still manages to retain the feeling of a grand adventure while making interesting choices. Also a very easy one to pick off the shelf when you have little energy left.

[@TotallyTabled]

Wow, cool. I'd never heard of that one before. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@broavonyl5997]

@@TotallyTabled I hope I'm not overselling it xD It really is very simplistic, but if you have no energy or are ill but still want a quick sense of adventure, it is a good choice 😉

[@bjohn55]

I just spent the day sick and played Apiary, Hijacked, and Spell Book. Many of your seem intriguing, I just don’t have them

[@TotallyTabled]

Ah, hope you feel better soon. Apiary sure looks interesting. Sounds like a good day of gaming! Thank for watching.

[@shinobi9576]

You should do a Hegemony solo play my friend😊😊😊

[@TotallyTabled]

Ha, not sure I have that one in me at the moment. 😅 I would like to at least get it to the table soon, but I'm a bit intimidated. Looks so cool. Thanks for watching!

[@Inarode]

My amusement at being recommended this today is inverse to how much I feel like absolute garbage right now

[@TotallyTabled]

I'm both glad and sorry to hear that. :) The mighty algorithm knows all. I hope you feel better soon!

[@stormburns]

ha! great idea for a video!

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks! At least something came out of feeling bad. I hope you enjoy it!

[@huguesthibodeau7598]

You have a very calm and positive voice, enjoyable to listen to. To me it's in the same category of Rodney! Keep up the good and fun work !

[@TotallyTabled]

I really appreciate that compliment! Being mentioned in the same sentence as Rodney Smith is special indeed. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. As Rodney would say, "Thanks for watching!" 😀

[@geoffreyhawley503]

My top 17, in no particular order. (Ironically, as I watch this, I am sick sick sick myself, so I'm not up to ranking them 😂 ) ROVE Trails of Tucana Bandada Maquis Nautilion Stellarion Pocket Landship Tin Helm Gate The Spirit of Eden Colossus Doom Machine Cascadia House of Cats Tranquility My City: Roll & Build The Guild of Merchant Explorers

[@TotallyTabled]

Firstly, I really hope you feel better soon. Secondly, awesome list with a ton of great recommendations and a few games I need to research! The Oniverse series is a great choice for this list. I still need to try Stellarion but I just tabled Cyberion and I'm having fun with it. Thanks so much for commenting and watching!

[@jesuscabreragonzalez9652]

when im sick I play lacerda games, this way I dont know if my head pain is from the sickness or the games :P

[@TotallyTabled]

That's actually not a bad plan. :) Thanks for checking out the video!

[@theinstantnoodle9628]

...so Mage Knight?

[@paulinductivo581]

Am I weird I wanted to play Mage Knight even if I'm sick? 😍

[@TotallyTabled]

I think some people go for the heavy game and some people go for the lighter game when sick. I'm not sure what that says about each group, but I find it interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@CarlToonist]

Maybe it's because I had a bad experience playing the game my first time, but Tiny Towns to me would never be a game I would play... even if I am at full mental capacity. And If I am sick, the last thing I want is to be frustrated by a game.

[@TotallyTabled]

That makes total sense. I find Tiny Towns to be humorously frustrating rather than actually frustrating. I'd say 1 in 4 games is a disaster and I laugh at it and immediately play again. I think the small board and quick playtime really keeps me from getting upset at my bad fortune. I just wipe the board and go again. But I can totally understand why this wouldn't work for everyone. Thanks for watching!

[@CarlToonist]

@@TotallyTabled i did play with other peole the first time, and blocked myself early in the game. So I might have to try it solo and see if it plays better... maybe I would like it after a few practice games. I love the components

[@IskandarStrategist1689]

I currently sick😂.

[@TotallyTabled]

Oh no. I'm sorry to hear that. Are you playing any solo games? Hopefully this list will help. Get better soon and thanks for checking out the video!

[@monikakerntke1125]

[@TotallyTabled]

Thanks for checking out the video!