Daniel (@Dungeondive) presents his top 10 solo board and card games, focusing on immersive gameplay experiences. The list includes games that are either designed for solo play or ones he prefers to play solo due to thematic depth or gameplay mechanics.
10. Dungeon Degenerates: Hand of Doom (2017) - A uniquely subversive game by Eric Ratty and Sean Auberg, published by Goblinkô. Praised for its rich, edgy theme and varied encounters, it works best solo, with players managing a party as a cohesive unit.
9. Sleeping Gods (2021) - Created by Ryan Lockett and published by Red Raven Games. This narrative-driven exploration game shines solo, allowing control over an entire ship’s crew and featuring excellent writing that enhances the game’s captivating world.
8. Hexplore It: Valley of the Dead King (2017) - Developed by Kat Kamundry, Nathan Loos, and Jonathan Mariucci, this game offers a sandbox-style RPG experience. Daniel enjoys it as a solo game with two heroes, appreciating the open-world feel within structured gameplay.
7. Machina Arcana (3rd Edition) (2019) - A steampunk, Cthulhu-inspired game by Uđi Belić, published by Adreama Games. Daniel highlights its haunting atmosphere, strategic gameplay, and well-crafted writing.
6. Mini Rogue (2021) - Designed by Paolo Di Stefano and Gabriel Gendron, published by Nuts! Publishing. This compact rogue-like delivers quick, challenging gameplay with minimal setup, reminiscent of classic video game dungeon crawls.
5. Iron Helm (2019) - Jason Glover’s solo-centric adventure game published by Grey Gnome Games. Daniel loves its “this-or-that” decision mechanics and tension-filled gameplay.
4. A Touch of Evil: The Supernatural Game (2008) - A thematic, Ameritrash-style game by Jason C. Hill, published by Flying Frog Productions. Best enjoyed solo for full immersion, Daniel enjoys playing with multiple heroes and delving into its gothic horror atmosphere.
3. Rogue Dungeon (2020) - Developed by Albert Danish, Chad Manichia, and John Smith, this indie Game Crafter title is a tough, engaging card-based dungeon crawler. Daniel appreciates its spatial mechanics and resource-based challenges.
2. Quest for the Lost Pixel (2015) - Created by Peter Jank and Gummy Bear Factory Games, this roguelike board game overflows with variety, including sub-classes, pets, and mini-games. Despite its high price, Daniel finds it well worth the investment.
1. Secrets of the Lost Tomb (2015) - By Christopher Batarlis and Jim Samartino, published by Everything Epic Games. This epic, chaotic game is Daniel’s all-time favorite for solo play, offering countless surprises, strategic depth, and richly layered gameplay scenarios.
Daniel’s list celebrates games that offer players immersive, strategic solo adventures filled with storytelling, exploration, and thematic richness.
