The best single-player games in 2025

What are the best single-player games? While it’s fun now and then to team up with friends and take on a common goal, or go head-to-head, many of us grew up playing solo and loving it. So, we’ve put together this list to celebrate those glory days and the best single-player games of the modern era. All you need to do is decide which to play first.

If you’re into sports but don’t want to play on a team, see what solo games we’ve got on our list of the best baseball games, football games, basketball games, and cricket games. Or, if you’re feeling like turning on the engine, check out our favorite car games, plane games, and train games.

Here are the best single-player games:

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

There’s a reason our Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review is a glowing 10/10. Put simply, there’s no better single-player game experience on Switch. From the sky islands to the depths below, Hyrule is a world overflowing with adventure, and Link’s creative ultrahand ability means you can traverse it any way you like. The scope of this title feels like the culmination of thirty years of Link’s adventures, making it not only one of the best single-player games on Switch and mobile but possibly one of the best games ever.

Better still, we can help out with your hop, skip, and jump into Hyrule with our guides to Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom shrines, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom koroks, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom armor, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom geoglyphs, the Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom map, and Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom amiibo.

The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

A meta-commentary masterpiece, The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe is the gaming equivalent of a Charlie Kaufman film, forcing you to question everything you think you know about games, game design, and, sometimes, life itself.

Fortunately, much of that existential pondering has a nice padding of British witticisms from an unseen narrator, making for the closest you can get to a black comedy gaming masterpiece. There’s no grand quest here, that’s kind of the point. Instead, this game makes you think, and think really hard. Maybe don’t try this one too late at night, eh?

Super Mario Odyssey

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

Nobody does single-player games like Mario (unless you ask Kayleigh, but we don’t talk about her Mario being boring feature). As far as solo platformers go, Super Mario Odyssey is the ultimate example of piping as much fun into a game as possible. With colorful worlds waiting for Mario and Cappy to come along and explore, the Mario series has never felt so full of life, and that’s saying something. Between facing down a dragon that wouldn’t be out of place in Dark Souls to skipping through the Mushroom Kingdom, there’s little you can think that Nintendo could add to this game. Now, can we have a sequel, please?

If you’re a big fan of Nintendo’s mustachioed mascot, why not get him on your desk with our Mario Lego, Mario figure, and Mario Kart Hot Wheels guides? Or, take a browse through our list of the best Mario games on Switch to see what wahoo-ing adventures you’re yet to play.

Honkai Star Rail

Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds

Despite arriving in the year 2023, Honkai Star Rail somehow feels just like one of those classic PS2-era RPG single-player games, with plenty of quests to keep you busy as the Astral Express blasts through the universe, and as you can tell from our Honkai Star Rail review, we absolutely love it.

The best thing about Star Rail is that there’s just always something to do, from the roguelike experience of the simulated universe, grinding Calyx challenges, and the exhilarating core narrative, this free-to-play title has hours and hours of engaging gameplay. So, don’t let the gacha mechanics scare you off, there’s plenty of fun to be had here.

Of course, if you’re boarding the Astral Express for the first time, you’re going to need a guide. So, be sure to check out our Honkai Star Rail tier list and Honkai Star Rail codes, as well as our individual build guides for Honkai Star Rail’s Himeko, Honkai Star Rail’s March 7th, Honkai Star Rail’s Gepard, and Honkai Star Rail’s Herta.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

Skyrim isn’t here for nostalgia reasons alone. Even all these years after release, it’s one of the best solo RPG experiences out there. From the tundras of the north to the dragon-infested coastlands, Skyrim is incredibly explorable, similar to Tears of the Kingdom in that there’s so much to do you can lose hours just scoping out a few caves, taking on a few trolls, and picking up some serious loot. Better still, the DLC additions are all available through the Anniversary Edition (and there’s fishing, too!), so you can truly immerse yourself in the world of The Elder Scrolls.

To get back into this massive region with a head start, check out our guides to Skyrim races, Skyrim marriage, Skyrim Dark Brotherhood, Skyrim enchanting, Skyrim houses, and Skyrim maps. Or, if you need something new but with those Elder Scrolls vibes, try our list of the best games like Skyrim.

Getting Over It

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

Bennett Foddy is something of a cult hero in the gaming community, with his oddball solo projects offering some interesting gaming experiences over the last decade. None are more intriguing than Getting Over It, a physics game that challenges you with traversing an obstacle course using a rock hammer while stuck inside a giant cauldron.

Yes, you heard that right. All of this while Foddy himself laments on the nature of failure as the game’s narrator. Sure, it sounds a bit strange, but there’s a whole community of speedrunners who dedicate their lives to Getting Over It, so why not get a piece of that action?

Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch and iOS

Solitaire is the oldest of all single-player games, but Game Freak’s version is quite a bit different. Combining the classic card game with racing mechanics and resource management, Pocket Card Jockey eats up your spare time like a hungry pony eats raw carrots.

You might think that those three concepts thrown together don’t make much sense, but trust me, spend twenty minutes checking out a couple of races, and it gets its hooks in you. If you still need convincing, check out our Pocket Card Jocket: Ride On! review.

Stardew Valley

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

I’ve spent over 300 hours playing Stardew Valley, so I don’t think there are many as qualified as I am to tell you why it’s one of the best single-player games around. It just has everything. It’s got an engaging game loop, wonderful dialogue, and fantastic mechanics, I could honestly go on all day about how much I love this game. Don’t think of it as a farming game, it’s much more than that. It’s a life sim, without a single dull moment.

If you do need a bit of help getting the lay of the land, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides to Stardew Valley fish and Stardew Valley characters then take a look at our 10/10 Stardew Valley review. Or, if you know Pelican Town back to front, try something new with our picks of the best games like Stardew Valley.

Hades – Nintendo Switch and mobile

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

Now, onto another game that I’ve spent far too much of my life playing. Hades is one of the best roguelikes around, with fantastic combat gameplay and a narrative that pulls you back for more and more runs. It’s all about escaping hell, but as you quickly learn, getting to the surface isn’t as easy as all the myths make out (and it’s no walk in the park there, either). If you’re a fan of rapid top-down action, you can’t go wrong with a bit of Hades.

Make sure you check out our Hades review for more of our thoughts. If you already know Hades like the back of your hand, check on how the sequel is cooking with our Hades 2 release date guide, or find something similar with our picks for the best games like Hades.

Vampire Survivors

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

The surprise hit of late 2022, Vampire Survivors is yet another entry on this list of single-player games just waiting to pull you in for hours at a time. There’s something mystical about the gameplay loop in Vampire Survivors that pushes you to keep going.

It’s the closest I’ve ever seen in video game form to the fabled videotape in David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest that forces you to watch on an endless loop. You look at the clock, it’s eight at night, you look down at Vampire Survivors, you look back up and it’s three in the morning. Just give into the game. Who needs sleep anyway? Vampires don’t. That’s for sure.

To get a leg up on the monsters in-store, check out our guides to Vampire Survivors characters, Vampire Survivors DLC, and Vampire Survivors weapons. We’ve also got a Vampire Survivors: Legacy of the Moonspell DLC mobile review, in case you feel like expanding your experience.

Metroid Prime Remastered

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

While Samus’ 2D adventures are the stuff of legends, this space-faring series from Nintendo only gets better in the third dimension. As you can probably tell from our 10/10 Metroid Prime Remastered review, we were among the legions of fans desperate for this game to come to Switch since the console arrived in 2017, and it’s easily one of the best solo adventures on the platform.

The boss battles in this planetary adventure are the stuff of legend, showing that Nintendo can offer solid gun battles when it wants to. Combine those big bads with some brain-tickling puzzles and rewarding exploration, and you’ve got an engaging experience that makes you feel like you’re the one out there in the depths of space.

Princess Peach: Showtime! – Nintendo Switch

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

Princess Peach: Showtime! is a gem of a single-player game from Nintendo, with Mushroom Kingdom’s regal leader getting her own action spin-off. Join Princess Peach as she tries to free Sparkle Theater from the clutches of a mysterious villain by transforming into a swordfighter, cowgirl, and more. It’s all in a day’s week for the apple of Mario’s eye.

While engaging for all ages, this one is definitely a hit with the kids, serving as an excellent introduction to single-player games for those looking for it. For more details, check out our Princess Peach: Showtime! review.

Sonic Dream Team

Portable platforms: iOS

If, like me, you were raised on endless replays of Sonic Adventure, Sonic Dream Team is a fantastic way to get that nostalgic rush while playing something new. With a cast of classic series characters, including Sonic, Tales, Knuckles, and more, a colorful and vivid in-game world to speed through, and some super engaging boss battles, this is one of our favorite Sonic games in years and is well worth its place on this list.

Even if you’ve already checked this one out, it’s well worth revisiting following the latest content update from February 2024. More updates are coming in the future, and we can’t wait to see how Hardlight, the game’s developer, expands on this already incredibly engaging Sonic experience.

Balatro – Nintendo Switch and mobile

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve sunk into Balatro. It’s one of the most engaging roguelike games I’ve ever got my hands on, with a gameplay loop that keeps you coming back to keep building bigger and bigger poker hands. It might sound like it could get old fast, but trust me, it doesn’t.

While Balatro seems like a poker game at first glance, it’s not really. It’s a high-score chasing game, where you use multiplier-boosting joker cards to keep increasing your points with every hand. It’s quickly become one of the breakout indie hits of 2024, so if you haven’t tried it yet, be sure to give it a go.

What the Car?

Portable platforms: Android, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

We love a wacky game here at Pocket Tactics, and they don’t get much wackier than What the Car? It sounds like it should be a racing game, but all you need to do here is cross the finish line. That might be harder than it sounds, though, with a car with overgrown legs, wings, or no wheels at all.

If you’re looking for something casual and chaotic, you can’t go wrong with this option. Better still, the developer, Triband, is always adding new levels to the game. So, even if you’ve tried out What the Car? before, there should be something new to come back to.

Cat Quest III

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

The Cat Quest series always delivers, and that is especially true of the third installment, which puts a swashbuckling spin on the gameplay of the first two games. Now, you can take to the seas, with plenty of boss battles on dry land and in the water to keep you busy as you go in search of a legendary artifact. The combat is pretty frantic, but if you’re a fan of Hades or even Stardew Valley’s underground battles, you should find your feet in no time.

While there is the option to play Cat Quest III as a two-player game, I think the solo experience is more rewarding, as you face off marauding enemies without any backup. There’s a lot of replay value too, with an expansive New Game + mode, so even if you’ve beaten it a couple of times on your own, you can always go back with a friend.

Zenless Zone Zero

Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds

If you thought one action-packed Hoyoverse sci-fi title was enough for our list of the best single-player games, think again. Zenless Zone Zero is just as engaging as Honkai Star Rail, with a cast of characters that you warm to before the tutorial is over, and plenty of gameplay mechanics to keep things fresh even after hours of gameplay. There’s also a fascinating narrative at the heart of the game, even if it is occasionally a little tricky to follow.

Still, my favorite part of ZZZ is the hack-and-slash-inspired combat, which feels inspired by classic action titles like Devil May Cry, especially when you’re whipping around with a pair of pistols playing as my favorite character, Billy. If you want a little assistance getting started in this option, check out our Zenless Zone Zero tier list and Zenless Zone Zero codes guide.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo’s plumbing brothers have a long series of turn-based adventures, but this might be the best of the bunch. Mario & Luigi: Brothership sees the pair leave the Mushroom Kingdom behind for Concordia, an archipelago in trouble after a recent catastrophe. As you might expect, it’s your responsibility to get things back to normal, but that’s no easy task.

With engaging combat, brilliant bosses, and a surprising amount of adventuring for a Mario RPG, Brothership is a delight, building on some of the best ideas from previous series entries. It takes a little while to get into, but once it’s got its hook in you, you’ll be reaching for your Switch at every spare moment until the credits roll. For a more in-depth look at this one, check out our Mario & Luigi: Brothership review.

Stray

Portable platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and Windows handhelds

If you’re looking for a truly atmospheric experience from our list of the best single-player games, you can’t go wrong with Stray. Set in a nightmare dystopian world, this much-loved game tells the story of a stray cat trying to find his friends after falling into an underground city, all the while dodging a mutant bacteria that has caused the downfall of almost all living things.

There’s something about the design of Stray that is nightmarish and almost dreamlike at the same time. Not only that, but the gameplay is also incredibly engaging, with fast-paced action sequences that make the protagonist cat look like an Assassin’s Creed character. If you want to know more, see our Stray Switch review.

There you have it, our picks for the best single-player games you can play today. If you’re looking for something new to play on while you’re here, be sure to check out our guides to the best portable gaming consoles and the best Steam Deck alternatives, each with plenty of options to suit all budgets.