Top 20 Solo Board Games of All Time | 2023 Edition

[@Copterman]

Love seeing Mage Knight and LOTR LCG high on the list! Good taste friend!

[@Boss-zo4lw]

LOTR LCG is just so perfect, nothings ever come close to it, by far my favourite.

[@idletimerap]

Do you play it two handed or true solo? I really want to get into it but can't really get into the two deck thing

[@divided123]

@@idletimerapI started one handed but then moved to two handed. Definitely more to manage but using sentinel and defender and just experiencing more cards in the set is well worth it. Some quests are completely doable one handed and the more you expansions you own, the more viable this becomes.

[@PiterMorbid]

Arkham LCG is just better, though.

[@jonathangillies6531]

Fantastic list! Great choices here!

[@biomeboardgame]

I love Ark Nova - awesome explanation! Will also try Dune Imperium soon. Great list, thank you so much for sharing!!

[@VellaMagic]

I really enjoyed this video! You can see the passion you have for these games and I enjoyed the extensive nature of your coverage of them.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching!

[@SunSailandSand]

Great list a solid mix of all styles of games rather then like most lists of boring worker placements over and over again

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you!

[@jasona8396]

That door card in your iron helm segment brought back big memories of shadowgate

[@michaelyanoski3643]

Thank you for making the solo mode for SWD. I can't wait to PnP your content. My son lost interest, but I still really like it.

[@Azure_Death]

You're welcome! Hope you enjoy it!

[@DamienMcKinnon]

Great list! I'm happy to see Space Empires 4x on there, amazing game! I originally played the solo Doomsday Scenario just to learn it b4 having friends round but then got completely hooked! The Close Encounters Expansion elevates the game from an 8.5 to a 10 for me, you should try that out as soon as you can. Mage Knight is equal top spot along with Hoplomachus Victorum for me. Both games spent months setup in my study before getting packed away. Fields of Fire has been sitting in the cupboard unplayed for almost 2 years, this has convinced me to wade through the terrible rulebook and figure it out. Is there a good playthrough you can recommend that will help? Wish Ricky Royal covered this one!

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! Yeah I do need to get Spafe Empires on the table again. There are just so many good games to play!

[@Azure_Death]

By the way as far as learning Fields of Fire I didn't watch that many videos, I only remember watching this playthrough: m.kzbin.info/aero/PL434BDBE9243745F3 Other than that it was just wrestling with the rules! Good luck!

[@DamienMcKinnon]

@@Azure_Death thanks, those walkthroughs are great! They'lll have me up to speed in no time :-)

[@GamingRulesVideos]

Glad to see Mage Knight number 1 (since it is the best game) I'd recommend Under Falling Skies. I rate it VERY highly as a solo game (and it is solo only)

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! UFS was on my honorable mention list! Love your content and how successful you are btw, keep it going!

[@GamingRulesVideos]

@@Azure_Deathah sorry, I missed that part!

[@vostuber]

Love the video. Love your passion and enthusiasm for these games. Will look into some of these

[@Azure_Death]

@@vostuber thank you!

[@loktar00]

This popped up in my playlist randomly, been watching your videos over the last couple of days, new subscriber here! Love that your list wasn't the same typical games I always see. Jump Drive was just delivered today with the expansion as well :)

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you!!! Enjoy Jump Drive!

[@NandoVP48]

Love the list, many games i never heard of.

[@nwrasch]

Great video; thank you for putting this list of games together. :)

[@bloodrunsclear]

'Masters of Orion the board game' Well...I'm sold!

[@bethjones3412]

Can you make a video about your game storage,where you get them, how you choose them, how you paint your pieces, etc.

[@Azure_Death]

Hi! Storage is a big topic that I discuss in many of my videos. I rarely do a vid where the topic is exclusively storage, but here is a playlist if you're interested: kzbin.info/aero/PLkLoDgqW_FMGp7oMehcHzeyo2p6dOK5H7&si=dHN8793ylWB9Gp5D

[@joek0620]

I love Dragons of Etchinstone! I can't wait to see you play the Northvale expansion. The crowd sale starts on Feb 6 and I myself am setting the PNP copy after it ends.

[@Azure_Death]

I'll definitely be participating in the crowd sale!

[@louis-antoinest-onge1752]

Excellent presentation. I like how you set up the table with the box from the top. Nice list, thank you.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching!

[@MrAxebane]

OMG, here I am just watching a video of top solo board games to find good recommendations, and I get to see a game I was an Illustrator for, Iron Helm! (I'm Daniel Walthall) That's so cool to see, I was not expecting that!! And you even mentioned how much you liked the artwork, which just warms my heart, thank you! And I'm biased of course, but I think Jason really did create an addictive and engaging game with Iron Helm! :D

[@Azure_Death]

Wow that's awesome! Thank you for sharing! Great job on the art!

[@grantporter8100]

Great video! Nice discussion of each entry that gave me a thorough of expectations given my likes. Just added 2 maybe 3 to my wish list. First time viewer but will be watching your channel going forward.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@pascalcharland1403]

Best solo top video ever! We have really similar tastes!!! Thanks for the 3 games I didn't know much about... Will have to get them! Love the way you explain your love for all these games! Subscribed!

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you so much! 😊

That's a great list of games! I will have to make sure to check out two or three that I have never tried :) May the Force Be With You!

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! I actually tried After the Virus after watching one of your lists 🙂 Saludos, and may the force be with you!

[@Table.Fables]

Calling Mage Knight’s rulebook a pallet cleanser after Fields of Fire’s gave me a mental note that FoF probably not for me 😂 amazing list! And thank you as you are the person who introduced me to Dragons of Etchinstone this year which I totally love

[@Azure_Death]

I hope the deluxe edition rulebook will change that, but we'll see! Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@jonridley]

Great list, I think we have similar tastes although I haven’t played half of them 😂

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you!

[@shaneannigans]

I love Mage Knight and Mistfall so I'm surprised I hadn't heard of Dragons of Etchinstone. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! Love the channel (just discovered it) so I've subscribed 😊

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching and subbing! 🙂

[@garyclark7222]

Great video! From one solo player to another. Really pushes me towards some of the games you have here like Mage Knight which I haven’t added to my collection yet.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! 🙂

[@SoloBoardGamingKnight]

I picked-up After the Virus and its expansion The Long Cold due to you bringing it to my attention. It’s tough and definitely a unique way to play a deck-builder. Also, it’s a very quick playing game.

[@Azure_Death]

Love to hear that! Thank you for sharing!

[@pogdog69]

As a solo gamer I've been holding out getting mage knight for some time and I finally ordered it last week (it arrives tomorrow!). I'm hoping I pick it up the rules quickly and can't wait to play it over the holiday season.

[@Azure_Death]

You're in for a treat 😁 enjoy!

[@pogdog69]

@Azure_Death also just found your channel today and subbed love your videos! Would love some MK content ;)

[@Azure_Death]

@@pogdog69 thank you! 🙂

[@rolfvansoelen8916]

Great and interesting list! Some games I have never heard of, I definitely will check them out. Thanks for sharing this !

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching!

[@vee-bee-a]

About that magazine you mentioned? The moment I saw the page, I had made a best guess. It's SCRYE, but I could be wrong. Saw an ad. for a collectible miniatures game in the issue I bought, like, a life‑time ago, and it changed me. Too bad it got killed by its own creator, and I am doing some‑thing about it. Kind of sad, really, as it might have been one of the best alternatives for 'Tragic'...

[@Azure_Death]

@@vee-bee-a Yeah I also thought it was scry so I went looking at old issues from around the time but no luck. I think it was a lesser-known magazine.

[@BoxofDelights]

😁😍😇😍😁 (super list!)

[@Copterman]

AzureDeath speaks for all of us! God bless Ricky Royal!

[@Azure_Death]

You dropped this, king -> 👑

[@BoxofDelights]

Haha 😂 I think my crown fell off a long time ago. So many great solo KZbinrs today ! 👍👍😎

[@mike9139]

YOU ARE AWESOME! ❤❤❤ I just started getting into solo board and card games with a journal and am having lots of fun! I finished the first scenario of mage knight and played a game of mystic vale! Spirit island might be next!

[@Azure_Death]

@@mike9139 Thank you for watching! Enjoy the hobby!

[@mike9139]

@@Azure_Death 🥰

[@PiterMorbid]

Something about Arkham LCG that is easy to miss: the standalone rules are pretty good! And there are quite a few standalone scenarios you can play and they're a blast. So the game is also suitable for some casual non-campaign play.

[@Azure_Death]

I do occasionally play the stand alone scenarios! I've never been a fan of the campaign structure of AHLCG, but the card play is just so good I put up with it lol

[@PiterMorbid]

@@Azure_Death I, on the other hand, am not a fan of the non campaign structure of the other 2 coop lcgs. For me it's a big hassle to have to assemble A deck for each game rather than sticking with the same deck for many games

[@Azure_Death]

@@PiterMorbid Interesting, I didn't see it that way

[@ericnickols9471]

Wow, I have the same top 8 just in a different order. Forests of Adrimon is the only game I haven't played so thank you for making the list. LMAO, Fields of Fire was your first solo game? What a challenge! Amazing that you stuck with it. I would suggest Pandemic Fall of Rome since you appear to have the same interests. It is a lighter game like Imperial Assault but so easy to setup and with great mechanics. Pax Pamir 2nd Edition also for a fantastic solo bot from Ricky and some of the best tableau building IMO.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching, and for the suggestions! I've played Pandemic Wrath of The Lich King and I believe it might be similar to Fall of Rome, but I'll look onto it more! I've had Pax Pamir on my wish list for a while, so I'll definitely get it eventually!

[@Valen-D]

Nice list! I think The City of Kings is way up there for solo players to. Strong tactical decisions and hard as heck!

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! Never heard of it, will look into it!

[@Jawby]

Nice presentation. 👍

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you!

[@anakletor]

Great list! Magic Knight is my #2. It surprises me tho that Spirit Island did not make it to your list at all. My #1 solo.

[@Azure_Death]

Spirit Island was my #21! Honorable mentions video. I just don't itch to play it very often.

[@joeklipfel3076]

I got into Star Wars Destiny right before they killed it. I had bought into a Qui Gon/Rey deck I was really loving. I'm gonna have to try your solo variant. It sounds awesome but also could get me addicted again lol. Very cool that you've put in the work to make it soloable.

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you! 🙂 Destiny can be one hell of a drug, so be careful haha

[@riccardocarlini7992]

Half way the video and I already love it! So glad it pop up as suggested on YT 😁 Have you tried Deep rock galactic solo?

[@Azure_Death]

@@riccardocarlini7992 thank you! I have not, I've heard of it but don't know much about it

[@wsorwsor]

Enjoyed your list. As to Ark Nova-- you should try the ARNO variant. it is so much better than the in-game solo that I always play ARNO now. It is more of a real gameplay (you don't know when breaks will occur for instance) and it is a well-balanced challenge. There's an app that does the upkeep and it's so close you often don't know if you won until the end. A must try!

[@Azure_Death]

Ok, I'll have to try it then! 😁 Thank you for watching!

[@osamamemon3608]

The rule book for mage knight is actually pretty good. I just find the rules to be a bit too convoluted, although that’s more a reflection of how complex the mechanics are.

[@Azure_Death]

Yeah I don't think it's objectively bad or anything! It can be tough grok, specially with no prior experience with more comples board games

[@illumina700]

I'll be honest mage knight was such a let down for me.I actually thought the rulebook was ok. But being toldnits really challenging to play etc then finding it fairly easy as it is just a mathematical game.

[@BlackDiluvian]

The first edition rulebook was a mess. It was divided up into a starting guide and a definitive rulebook. The new printings and the Ultimate edition might be different.. but the first was a mess. I played Mage Knight many times and a lot of the times i found rules i played wrong. I have read rules since the heyday of Avalon Hill, so i am not exactly new to dense rulebooks.

[@mattyno964]

​@@illumina700I'm trying to work out this comment, are you saying the game mechanics weren't tricky enough for you? Or the game as whole is just not hard enough to win?

[@illumina700]

@mattyno964 Bit of both really. I think the hyoe for the game was its undoing for me Matty

[@IskandarStrategist1689]

To me, the best solo board game is board game weather machine.❤

[@Azure_Death]

Looks interesting, thank you for sharing!

[@guenteroelfke3005]

Mageknight, long live the King !

[@Azure_Death]

👑

[@Table.Fables]

I’m really tempted to get the 4th Hexplore it volume as it’s available near me… but I read many accounts of solo games taking 3-5 hours which is very long! Is this also your experience Robert?

[@Azure_Death]

Hi! Yes it actually took me a bit longer than that, but that play time range is accurate. I really didn't mind it. I was soooooo immersed. The hours just flew by. If you don't mind leaving it setup for a couple of days, I'd definitely give it a shot!

[@ginovilleneuve6557]

very cool top 20 , alot of insights and passion in each pick. Thanks for the entertaining video, i suscribed for more content!

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@josetavares135]

You Need to try Kinfire Chronicles: Night’s Fall , Pericle: Gathering Darkness , Chronicles of Drunagor - Age of Darkness , Sword & Sorcery and League of Dungeoneers . I also like Tanares Adventures you have a lot of good game on your list. Thank you for list

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you, great suggestions! I've only heard a bit about Dungeoneers but I'll look at the other games you listed!

[@josetavares135]

Can't go wrong with any of those but Sword and Sorcery can be a bit fiddle . But it is a fantastic game.@@Azure_Death

[@davidt4233]

More than any other reviewer, my list overlap's with yours as i like adventure / RPG games. Mage Knight reminds me of Elden Ring. We overlap on 6 in the top 10. Mage Knight ( I have regular edition), TMB Undertow, Shadow's of Brimstone FoF, Marvel Champions, Arkham LCG, Dune uprising. I would include Ark Nova and DVG leader series. Only games I was not crazy about for solo are JoTL as i don't like controlling 2 characters, and Imperial Assault as I don't think there is much agency and don't like the app. Have also owned and played games like Anachrony, Feast for Odin, Kanban, Paladins West Kingdom. Not crazy about euro's for solo especially when they are beat your own score. Thanks again.

[@Azure_Death]

Thanks for sharing! I dont gravitate towards euros, the only one I play every now and then is Nusfjord, and I still need to try Gaia Project (shelf of shame). I also still need to try my copy of Thunderbolt Apache Leader. Do you play SoB with just one character?

[@davidt4233]

@@Azure_Death With two Characters. Also play MTG on MTG Arena. Mage knight reminds me of Elden Ring. Can't compliment it more than that. Thanks again.

[@TAC3O]

Can't be a bad list with FFGs LCG.

[@Camera_Speeds]

Fields of fire is just the best

[@Azure_Death]

Agreed!

[@pogdog69]

Hey mate, Mage knight arrived! Would you have any recommendations on storage system or alternative box? The UE box is huge!!

[@Azure_Death]

It is huge! I got rid of the insert (I only kept the tile storage slot by cutting it out). I used two fishing tack boxes for minis and tokens, and you can use cardboard trading card storage boxes for the cards. I also suggest putting away anything that isn't needed for solo play in a bag so it doesn't get in the way. I also put all the reference cards in a trading card binder sheet for quick glancing.

[@BS-bv9rg]

Mage Knight ❤❤❤

[@Table.Fables]

I’m really interested in Jump Drive but a little confused about what I need to play it solo… if I was to get the fanmade solo campaign sheet on BGG does that give me what I need? (At the moment I cannot find a copy of the expansion)

[@Azure_Death]

Hi! Yes you can just print the campaign sheet, it worked just fine like that for years before it officially became an expansion! You won't regret it. It's very easy, just print that out and you're set. I also made a card version of it if you prefer to PNP that, just 1 sheet. boardgamegeek.com/filepage/219086/jump-drive-solo-campaigns-pnp-standard-cards

[@zgolkar]

Even though I have the original Mage Knight, which was my intro to solo board gaming, once Gloomhaven came in, it kicked MK out for good…. my opinion I guess…

[@Azure_Death]

Not bad! both are great games. The only thing I don't like about GH is the long setup time. I'm mixed about the legacy aspect. I like that MK has no legacy elements.

[@TabletopFamily]

Still waiting on digital mage knight.

[@Azure_Death]

Have you heard of Paladin's Oath on Steam?

[@TabletopFamily]

@@Azure_Death I have not, I will check it out. Thanks!

[@joeklipfel3076]

Me too. I'd love a mobile app or BGA implementation. There is a really good Vassal mod, though.

[@dante25188182]

I love seeing boxes, thank you so much... nobody said!!! Why you didnt open them WHYYYYYYYYYYYYY?

[@tunesntrix]

Thoughts on Ratcatcher?

[@Azure_Death]

Never heard of it! Looks interesting!

[@blahblahwhocares3683]

What do you think about robinson crusoe

[@Azure_Death]

Hi! I haven't played it. It's never really piqued my interest. I don't care much for the source material or its reputation for being very difficulty. But I'm open to trying it at some point.

[@davidpepin3017]

When you've been playing magic for ever and then fall into boardgames, you realize that after all, magic is not that expensive :P I've spent over 1k$ on Shadows of Brimstone lol But I love it, I've played a ton but I've spent even more time painting it (I love painting minis).

[@Azure_Death]

Yeah and I also think board games offer so much more for the money! Minis, nice components etc VS just plain cards!

[@patrickm.495]

I agree with most of your games except Imperial assault. I had that games for 2 years. And i finally sold it . This game needs an ap to work solo and that sucks in my opinion. IA is great in skirmish and multi but solo not for me.

[@Azure_Death]

That's fair! I'm mixed about app implementations

[@anab0lic]

No spirit island?

[@Azure_Death]

It was my #21 😅 slipped out of my top 20 this year since it doesn't hit the table very often

[@Bighomer5]

I really want to get into this, but the entry price point is so high for games that I haven't got to try before.

[@Azure_Death]

There's tabletop simulator mods for a lot of them if you want to try before you buy!

[@Bighomer5]

@@Azure_Death That's a good idea! I might need to grab a key for that game then.

[@endocryne790]

I love that iron helm was on the list, but i feel betrayed final girl isnt on the list 😂. Whats your thought of final girl?

[@Azure_Death]

I haven't tried it yet! I just got it on a black friday sale, so I'll try it soon!

[@fiddleronthecube7835]

It's not your fault, but I can't buy many of the board games that are recommended on YT because publishers don't print enough copies. It's frustrating. At least video games are almost always available on Steam.

[@Azure_Death]

That's a bummer, sorry! Video games do have that advantage... well more or less. Funny you mention that, I was trying to download the old Magic the Gathering Duels of the Planeswalkers games, but WOTC removed them :/ they're not available anywhere.

[@maartenterhorst4341]

Liking or disliking the artwork in games is subjective. I think the artwork in after the virus is sublime. So it is not bad, you just think it's bad. Apart from that: thanks for your video.

[@Azure_Death]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardkramer1542]

All the hand movements are distracting. Show the game, not your hands. Nice selection though.

[@Azure_Death]

Disagree, but thanks for the input

[@mabos555]

Thanks God after the virus is here And marvel champions The rest I don't care

[@Azure_Death]

Thank you for watching!