Playing board games on your own is the next big thing in tabletop gaming

metro.co.uk:

Tabletop gaming isn’t always a multiplayer experience, as GameCentral looks at some of the best solo titles, from Mage Knight to Iron Helm.

Solo gaming has become very fashionable of late, with gamers realising you don’t need to join a gaming club or spend hours checking calendars with friends for a meaningful night’s fun. More and more big titles are catering to those who prefer to play alone, including the forthcoming Frosthaven from the makers of blockbuster dungeon crawler Gloomhaven.

Single-player games are a great way to unwind, escape the grind of other people, and drift off into a world of your own. Playing video games by yourself is a given but mention playing board games alone and until lately you might have got some funny looks. But just like reading a book or having a go at Wordle there’s something satisfying and rewarding about not having to rely on other people for your own entertainment.

Game designers are now creating more and more dedicated solo experiences, while lots of multiplayer games are releasing solitaire variants. One of the great things about board games is the sense you’re all in it together, so without a human opponent or teammate how do you create a meaningful and enjoyable experience? A game that pits one player against all the odds is key for an enjoyable solo gaming experience, but it also has to not be too random or predictable.

The most popular solo game of all time is Mage Knight. Based on a pre-existing miniatures game, it was released in 2011 and became a major source of inspiration for other solo board games. It’s hard on a Dark Souls level, which makes it, in turns, off-putting and compelling. Unlike a video game though, Mage Knight puts you in full control of the action, as