Relaxing single games are a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy some quality me-time. Board games tend to be a social activity, but sometimes, I just want to kick back and enjoy a solo game by myself.
My husband isn’t really a fan of single player games, but the good thing is, I don’t really need him (or anyone else for that matter) for such games.
Since I didn’t really see this posted in any other blog/article site, I thought I might share my own personal top 10 list (in no particular order) for games of this genre.
This isn’t really going to be an elaborate post of any kind, and like most of my other posts, won’t get read much, but hopefully some of you might find some use for this (and maybe create a little collection of solo games for yourselves in the future).
1. Arboretum
I can’t reiterate how much I love Arboretum – maybe I’m just a sucker for games with beautiful art. This game traditionally isn’t meant for solo play – but using this unofficial ruleset I found from BGG, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to enjoy this game by myself. Building beautiful gardens by planting trees and arranging paths is both relaxing and thought-provoking. It’s a game that I often turn to when I want a serene gaming session.
2. Wingspan
In Wingspan, you become a bird enthusiast, collecting and attracting various bird species to your wildlife preserve. The serene artwork and the bird-themed gameplay make it a calming and beautiful experience. Wingspan’s stunning bird illustrations and the calm gameplay make it my go-to relaxation game. Building my own bird sanctuary is a joy, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see my ecosystem flourish even if I’m being trashed by the automa in the single player variant of the game.
3. Onirim
This solo card game is set in a dream world, where you navigate a maze of cards to unlock the doors of your dreams. It’s a compact, challenging, and immersive experience. Onirim’s dreamy theme and simple mechanics create a soothing experience, letting you slip into a meditative state as you play it. It’s a game that allows me to unwind while still feeling engaged as I navigate through the dream labyrinth.
4. Friday
Friday is a solo deck-building game where you help Robinson Crusoe survive on a deserted island. Friday is definitely a solo gem that I would recommend to everyone, and I have to say that I’ve spent many a Friday evening playing Friday as Mark is gaming or watching a movie on his PC. The gradual improvement of Robinson Crusoe’s skills and the narrative of survival provide a captivating and relaxing solo experience. It’s a game that truly rewards thoughtful play.
5. The Isle of Cats
The Isle of Cats is a delightful and calming game. I’m more of dog lover than a cat person, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to the charming cat theme and adorable illustrations. The gameplay is equally enjoyable, as I found myself strategically placing cat tiles onto my boat, trying to create perfect combinations while rescuing as many cats as possible. The puzzle-like nature of fitting cats onto the boat tiles is both satisfying and relaxing. The game’s card-drawing mechanic adds an element of surprise, keeping each playthrough fresh. Overall, it’s a fantastic solo experience that combines strategy and cuteness in a way that’s perfect for unwinding.
6. Fields of Arle
Fields of Arle is a solo board game about farming in 19th-century Germany. It offers a tranquil experience with its strategic planning and resource management mechanics. Fields of Arle’s vast board and unhurried pace are what I love about it. Building my farm and trading goods over the seasons creates a soothing and immersive atmosphere
7. Welcome To…
This is a delightful roll-and-write game where you design and develop a suburban neighborhood. The game offers a relaxing escape as you plan streets, parks, and pools for your new community. It’s easy to learn, and the game’s satisfying puzzle-like mechanics make it perfect for solo play. The variety of objectives and challenges in each game keeps things fresh, making it a game you should definitely add to your collection if you’re into single player games.
8. Viticulture: Essential Edition
In Viticulture, you manage a vineyard and winery. The calming theme, elegant gameplay, and beautiful components create a relaxing solo experience. Managing a vineyard in Viticulture feels like a serene escape. The theme is immersive, and the strategic choices involved in winemaking provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
9. Tiny Epic Galaxies
Tiny Epic Galaxies offers a compact and relaxing solo gaming experience that’s out of this world. The game’s space exploration theme is engaging, and I find myself strategizing on how to conquer planets and advance my empire. The dice-based mechanics, combined with the ability to manipulate them using energy, create an enjoyable decision-making process that keeps me engaged without feeling rushed. Overall, it’s a fantastic solo adventure that I can easily lose myself in.
10. The Castles of Burgundy: The Dice Game
A simplified version of the popular board game, the dice game offers enjoyable solo play as you build your estate in medieval France. As a fan of the original, I appreciate how this card game version maintains the depth of strategy while being more compact. It’s perfect for a relaxing evening of building and planning.