Single-player games offer a unique escape from the chaos of online multiplayer. No one is shouting in your ear, no one is waiting for you to queue up, and the story unfolds at its own pace. That's why some of the most memorable gaming moments happen alone, with the lights dimmed and the controller in hand.
These eight titles represent the best of what solo gaming has to offer, from sprawling open worlds to tightly crafted narratives. Whether you're a seasoned player or just picking up a controller for the first time, these games deserve a spot on your must-play list. Here they are, ranked from great to genre-defining.
8. A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019)
Set in 14th-century France, this game follows siblings Amicia and Hugo as they flee from Inquisition soldiers and hordes of plague rats. The rats are a terrifying force of nature, scattering only when you shine a torch their way. Hugo carries a mysterious illness that seems to be connected to the rat swarms, and the story slowly unravels the truth behind it.
Combat is minimal; instead, you'll rely on stealth, using light and shadows to your advantage. The bond between Amicia and Hugo is the heart of the game, evolving from a desperate struggle to survive into something far more profound.
7. Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
This isn't tied to any movie or comic arc—it's a fresh take on Peter Parker, who's already been Spider-Man for eight years. The web-swinging is the star here, and it remains one of the best traversal systems in gaming. Combat borrows from the Arkham style but feels distinct thanks to the acrobatic web-slinging.
Miles Morales appears as a supporting character, and Mr. Negative serves as the primary villain. The twist involving Otto Octavius, who becomes Doctor Octopus, lands with surprising emotional weight. The detailed recreation of New York City makes simply swinging around a joy in itself.
6. Tomb Raider (2013)
This reboot strips Lara Croft down to a frightened, inexperienced survivor shipwrecked on a mysterious island. It's a brutal origin story, showing her transformation from someone who can barely kill an animal to a hardened fighter against the Solarii Brotherhood cult. The game doesn't shy away from danger, making every encounter feel genuinely threatening.
The island's supernatural element, tied to an ancient queen named Himiko, adds an eerie backdrop without overwhelming the plot. The tagline "a survivor is born" is earned through gameplay and narrative, setting the tone for the entire rebooted series.
5. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (2016)
Nathan Drake is retired and living a quiet life until his presumed-dead brother Sam reappears, needing help finding pirate Henry Avery's lost treasure. The game's facial animation and motion capture were industry-leading at the time and still hold up impressively. It was designed as a fitting conclusion to Drake's story, allowing him to confront the cost of his adventurous lifestyle.
The epilogue, which shows Drake's daughter picking up a game controller, is a touching nod to the players themselves. Few action games deliver an ending this emotionally resonant.
4. God of War (2018)
Kratos has traded Greek mythology for Norse, and he's now trying to be a better father to his son Atreus. The entire game is presented as one continuous shot, with no cuts or loading screens, making the journey feel real-time. Atreus's discovery of his own godhood is a compelling arc, and the talking severed head Mimir provides much-needed levity.
Baldur serves as the main antagonist, and the World Serpent's cryptic narration only makes sense once you've seen the story through.
3. The Last of Us Part II (2020)
Naughty Dog's sequel is a harrowing tale of revenge that pushes its characters to the brink. Ellie's journey is brutal and unflinching, exploring themes of loss, hatred, and the cycle of violence. The gameplay is tense and stealth-focused, with some of the most realistic AI in gaming.
The story is divisive, but it's undeniably ambitious and emotionally devastating. It's a game that stays with you long after the credits roll.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Rockstar's epic Western is a masterclass in world-building. You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the dying days of the Wild West, trying to survive as civilization closes in. The world is vast and alive, with countless activities and random encounters that make it feel truly lived-in.
The story is a slow-burn tragedy, exploring loyalty, morality, and the cost of freedom. It's a game you can lose yourself in for months, and it's widely considered one of the greatest games ever made.
1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
This game redefined open-world design. It drops you into a vast, beautiful Hyrule with no hand-holding, encouraging exploration and experimentation. The physics-based puzzles and emergent gameplay create moments of pure discovery that no other game has matched.
It's a game that respects your intelligence and rewards curiosity. It's not just the best single-player game on this list; it's a benchmark that changed how open-world games are made.
These eight games are essential experiences for any gamer. Whether you're looking for a gripping story, a stunning world to explore, or just a great way to spend a weekend, these titles deliver. And if you're hungry for more, check out our ranking of the greatest Game Boy games or our top sword-and-sorcery games for more solo adventures.
