Are you looking for a game that you can play alone and enjoy? Look no further! Single player games are perfect for those who want to spend some quality time with themselves. These games are designed to be played by one person and offer a unique gaming experience. Whether you prefer action, adventure, puzzle or strategy games, there is a wide range of single player games available to choose from. In this article, we will explore some of the best single player games that you can play alone and discover why they are worth trying out. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and let’s dive into the world of single player games!
Types of Single Player Games
Action Games
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is a classic action game that was first released in 1985. It is a side-scrolling platform game in which the player controls Mario or Luigi as they navigate through various levels to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The game is known for its challenging level design, memorable music, and lovable characters.
Doom
Doom is a first-person shooter game that was first released in 1993. The game is known for its fast-paced gameplay, intense action, and iconic monsters. The player takes on the role of a space marine who is tasked with fighting hordes of demons and other supernatural enemies in order to save the Earth from destruction.
Portal
Portal is a puzzle-platform game that was first released in 2007. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics, clever puzzles, and humorous writing. The player takes on the role of Chell, a test subject who must navigate through a series of test chambers using a portal gun that creates portals between two points. The game’s story is told through a series of recorded messages left by an AI named GLaDOS, who provides hints and taunts the player throughout the game.
Adventure Games
Adventure games are a popular genre of single player games that are known for their immersive storylines and exploration-based gameplay. These games typically involve a protagonist who is on a quest to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and uncover hidden secrets in order to progress through the game. Some of the best adventure games to play alone include:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- This game is an open-world action-adventure game set in the world of Hyrule. Players take on the role of Link, who must explore the world, defeat enemies, and solve puzzles in order to save Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Calamity.
- The game’s vast open-world environment allows players to explore at their own pace, with a variety of weapons and tools to help them along the way.
- The game also features a unique physics system, where players can break and interact with almost everything in the game world, leading to many creative solutions to puzzles and challenges.
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- This game is a western-themed action-adventure game set in the late 1800s. Players take on the role of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as they try to survive in a world that is rapidly changing.
- The game features a massive open-world environment, with a variety of activities to keep players engaged, including hunting, fishing, and gunfights.
- The game also features a morality system, where players’ choices and actions can impact the story and the relationships they have with other characters.
- The Last of Us Part II
- This game is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game set in a world infected with a fungal infection that has turned people into zombie-like creatures. Players take on the role of Ellie, a young girl who is on a mission of revenge against a group of bandits.
- The game features a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development, with a cast of well-written and believable characters.
- The game also features a unique combat system, where players must use a combination of stealth, combat, and crafting to survive against the infected and hostile human enemies.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games are a popular genre of single player games that require players to solve a series of challenges or puzzles to progress through the game. These games often involve strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, making them a great choice for those who enjoy mentally stimulating activities.
Tetris
Tetris is a classic puzzle game that has been around since the 1980s. In the game, players must arrange Tetromino blocks of different shapes in a rectangular grid. The objective is to fill the grid without any gaps or overlaps, while also trying to clear lines of blocks as they appear.
One of the reasons why Tetris is so popular is its simplicity. The game’s rules are easy to learn, but the challenge comes from trying to maximize your score by clearing lines and avoiding garbage blocks. Tetris is available on almost every platform, making it a great game to play alone on the go.
The Witness
The Witness is a more recent puzzle game that was released in 2016. The game takes place on a mysterious island filled with puzzles to solve. Players must explore the island, gather clues, and solve puzzles to progress through the game.
The Witness is known for its challenging puzzles, which require players to think creatively and use their observation skills. The game also features a beautiful and immersive world, with stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack.
Myst
Myst is another classic puzzle game that was released in the 1990s. In the game, players explore a series of mystical islands, solving puzzles and uncovering the secrets of the world.
Myst is known for its immersive atmosphere and its use of pre-rendered graphics, which give the game a realistic and otherworldly feel. The game’s puzzles are also challenging, requiring players to use their problem-solving skills to progress through the game.
Overall, puzzle games are a great choice for those who enjoy challenging their minds and solving puzzles. Whether you’re a fan of classic games like Tetris or more recent releases like The Witness, there’s a puzzle game out there for everyone.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Skyrim is an open-world action role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Skyrim.
- Players take on the role of a dragonborn, a powerful warrior with the ability to absorb the souls of dragons.
- The game features a vast open world to explore, with a multitude of quests and side missions to complete.
- The player can choose their own path, with the option to join different factions and make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- The Witcher 3 is an open-world action role-playing game set in a fictional world based on Slavic and European folklore.
- Players take on the role of a witcher, a monster hunter with supernatural abilities.
- The game features a large open world to explore, with a complex main story and numerous side quests.
- The player can choose their own path, with the option to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
- Persona 5
- Persona 5 is a role-playing game set in Tokyo, Japan.
- Players take on the role of a high school student who becomes a Phantom Thief, stealing the “hearts” of corrupt adults.
- The game features a unique battle system, where players fight in a variety of locations, including the Metaverse, a virtual world.
Simulation Games
Simulation games are a type of single player game that allows players to experience a simulated environment. These games are designed to be played alone and provide a realistic and immersive experience. Here are some of the best simulation games to play alone:
- Minecraft: Minecraft is a popular sandbox simulation game that allows players to build and explore a blocky 3D world. The game has no specific objectives, giving players the freedom to create and explore as they please. Players can gather resources, build structures, and battle monsters in this survival-based game.
- Stardew Valley: Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that allows players to manage their own farm. Players can plant crops, raise animals, and socialize with the townspeople in this charming game. The game has a relaxing atmosphere and a focus on self-sufficiency, making it a great choice for players who want to unwind.
- Oxygen Not Included: Oxygen Not Included is a survival simulation game that puts players in charge of managing a colony on an alien planet. Players must manage resources, build structures, and keep their colonists alive in this challenging game. The game has a steep learning curve, but players who persevere will be rewarded with a deeply satisfying and immersive experience.
Sports Games
FIFA
FIFA is a popular sports game that allows players to experience the thrill of soccer (or football, depending on the region) in a single player mode. With its realistic graphics and challenging gameplay, FIFA offers a true-to-life experience for fans of the sport. Players can choose from a variety of teams and players, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and compete against computer-controlled opponents or friends in local multiplayer matches. The game also features a career mode, where players can create and manage their own team, and progress through the ranks to become world champions.
Madden NFL
Madden NFL is a football game that is beloved by American football fans around the world. The single player mode in Madden NFL allows players to take control of their favorite NFL teams and players, and compete against computer-controlled opponents in a variety of game modes, including exhibition matches, tournaments, and even a full season. The game features realistic graphics and sound effects, as well as a variety of customization options for players and teams. With its challenging gameplay and deep strategic elements, Madden NFL is a must-play for any football fan.
Tennis World Tour
Tennis World Tour is a sports game that lets players experience the thrill of tennis in a single player mode. The game features realistic graphics and physics, as well as a variety of game modes, including exhibition matches, tournaments, and even a career mode where players can create and manage their own tennis player. Players can choose from a variety of real-life tennis stars, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and compete against computer-controlled opponents or friends in local multiplayer matches. With its challenging gameplay and deep strategic elements, Tennis World Tour is a must-play for any tennis fan.
Benefits of Playing Single Player Games
Improving Problem-Solving Skills
Enhancing critical thinking
Playing single player games can enhance critical thinking skills by requiring players to make decisions based on the information provided in the game. These decisions often have consequences, which players must consider when making choices. By making these decisions, players develop their critical thinking skills and learn to evaluate different options and outcomes.
Boosting spatial reasoning
Single player games often require players to navigate through different environments, which can boost spatial reasoning skills. These games often involve puzzles or challenges that require players to think about the layout of the environment and how different elements interact with each other. This can help players develop their spatial reasoning skills, which can be useful in a variety of real-world situations.
Developing creativity
Single player games often allow players to explore different worlds and experiment with different strategies, which can develop creativity. Players may find new ways to solve problems or complete challenges, which can lead to innovative thinking. Additionally, many single player games allow players to customize their characters or environments, which can further encourage creativity.
Overall, playing single player games can provide a variety of benefits, including improving problem-solving skills, boosting spatial reasoning, and developing creativity.
Managing Stress and Anxiety
- Providing a relaxing escape
- Reducing feelings of boredom
- Improving mood and overall well-being
Single player games offer a range of benefits, particularly for those seeking to manage stress and anxiety. One of the primary advantages of these games is that they provide a relaxing escape from the pressures of daily life. By immersing oneself in a virtual world, players can temporarily forget about their worries and focus on the game at hand.
Furthermore, single player games can also help reduce feelings of boredom, particularly during periods of isolation or downtime. This is especially true for games that offer open-world exploration or sandbox-style gameplay, which allow players to explore and experiment within a virtual environment.
In addition to providing a source of entertainment, single player games can also have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. Studies have shown that playing games can boost cognitive function, reduce symptoms of depression, and even lower blood pressure. As such, incorporating single player games into one’s routine can be a valuable tool for managing stress and anxiety, as well as promoting overall mental health.
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
Single player games can offer a range of cognitive benefits that can improve memory, reaction time, and overall brain function.
Enhancing Memory
Playing single player games can help improve memory by requiring players to remember game mechanics, patterns, and strategies. This type of mental exercise can help strengthen short-term and long-term memory, making it easier to recall information in daily life.
Improving Reaction Time
Many single player games require quick reflexes and fast decision-making, which can help improve reaction time. By practicing quick responses, players can enhance their ability to react to stimuli in real-life situations.
Stimulating Brain Function
Single player games can also stimulate brain function by engaging players in problem-solving, decision-making, and strategy development. This type of mental stimulation can help keep the brain active and improve overall cognitive abilities.
How to Choose the Right Single Player Game
Determine Your Playstyle
- Casual gaming
- These games are designed for players who enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely gaming experience. They typically have simple gameplay mechanics and are easy to pick up and play.
- Examples of casual games include puzzle games, arcade games, and mobile games.
- Hardcore gaming
- Hardcore games are designed for players who are looking for a more challenging and intense gaming experience. They often have complex gameplay mechanics and require a significant amount of time and effort to master.
- Examples of hardcore games include first-person shooters, survival games, and RPGs.
- Role-playing
- Role-playing games, also known as RPGs, allow players to assume the role of a character in a fictional world. These games often have complex storylines and require players to make choices that affect the outcome of the game.
- Examples of RPGs include Skyrim, The Witcher 3, and Final Fantasy.
- Simulation
- Simulation games simulate real-world systems and environments, such as city-building, transportation, and military combat. These games often require strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Examples of simulation games include Minecraft, The Sims, and Euro Truck Simulator 2.
Assess Your Available Time
- Time constraints
- The amount of time you have available to play a game can be a major factor in determining which single player game is right for you. If you have limited time, you may want to consider games that can be completed in a few hours or less, such as puzzle games or games with a clear narrative arc.
- If you have more time to dedicate to gaming, you may want to consider longer, more complex games with multiple endings or games that offer a lot of replay value.
- Casual play sessions
- If you’re looking for a game to play in short bursts of time, you may want to consider games that can be picked up and put down easily, such as mobile games or games with simple controls.
- You may also want to consider games that have a lot of downtime between action, such as strategy games or games with a strong narrative focus.
- Dedicated gaming sessions
- If you have dedicated blocks of time to dedicate to gaming, you may want to consider games that offer a lot of content and will keep you engaged for hours on end.
- You may also want to consider games that offer a lot of replay value, such as open-world games or games with multiple endings.
Overall, it’s important to assess your available time when choosing a single player game to play alone. Consider how much time you have to dedicate to the game, how often you’ll be able to play, and what type of gameplay you enjoy. This will help you make an informed decision and choose a game that will provide the most enjoyment for your gaming time.
Look for Reviews and Recommendations
When it comes to choosing the right single player game, one of the most effective ways to find the best options is to look for reviews and recommendations. There are several sources to consider, each providing unique insights and perspectives on the game’s quality and overall experience.
User Reviews
User reviews are a valuable resource when trying to gauge the appeal and performance of a single player game. They offer real-world feedback from players who have already experienced the game, providing insights into the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and any potential issues. To find user reviews, look for gaming websites or forums that allow users to leave feedback on specific games. Keep in mind that not all reviews are created equal, so it’s important to read a variety of reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the game.
Game Critic Scores
Another useful resource for finding the best single player games is to look at game critic scores. Professional game critics play and review games for a living, providing an informed and unbiased opinion on the game’s quality. Critic scores can be found on gaming websites, such as Metacritic or GameRankings, and provide an average score based on multiple reviews from different critics. Keep in mind that critic scores are just one factor to consider when choosing a game, and that personal preferences should also play a role in the decision-making process.
Community Suggestions
Finally, community suggestions can be a great way to find hidden gems or lesser-known single player games that may have flown under the radar. Communities such as Reddit or gaming forums often have threads or subforums dedicated to recommending games, providing a wealth of suggestions and opinions on what to play next. It’s important to take these suggestions with a grain of salt, however, as personal preferences and biases can influence recommendations.
Overall, looking for reviews and recommendations is a valuable way to discover the best single player games to play alone. By considering multiple sources and weighing the pros and cons of each game, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect game to suit your interests and preferences.
FAQs
1. What are some good single player games to play alone?
There are many great single player games to play alone, but some popular options include “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Red Dead Redemption 2,” “The Last of Us Part II,” “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” and “God of War.” These games offer immersive worlds, engaging stories, and challenging gameplay that can be enjoyed without the need for multiplayer interaction.
2. What genres of games are suitable for single player?
Most genres of games can be enjoyed in single player mode, but some popular choices include action-adventure, role-playing, survival, puzzle, and simulation games. These genres often offer open worlds or narrative-driven experiences that can be fully realized in single player mode.
3. Can multiplayer games be played by one person?
While many multiplayer games are designed for multiple players, some games have a single player mode that can be played by one person. For example, games like “Minecraft” and “Stardew Valley” have a single player mode where players can build, explore, and interact with the game world without the need for other players.
4. What are the benefits of playing single player games?
Playing single player games can offer a number of benefits, including the ability to explore and immerse oneself in a rich game world, the opportunity to experience a fully realized narrative, and the chance to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through challenging gameplay. Additionally, single player games can be a great way to unwind and relax after a long day.
5. Are there any disadvantages to playing single player games?
One potential disadvantage of playing single player games is the lack of social interaction that multiplayer games offer. However, many single player games have online communities where players can share their experiences and connect with others who enjoy the same game. Additionally, some single player games can be quite challenging and may require a significant time investment to complete.