Top 10 Thematic Solo Games

boardgamequest.com:

Interest in solo gaming has picked up in recent years and for us 1-player gamers, it’s been great to benefit from the boom. Most board games these days include some sort of solo mode, and if there isn’t an official one, there are likely several fan-made options posted to BGG. But that’s not to say that every game is worth playing solo. Merely having a solo mode isn’t necessarily enough; it needs to be well-designed and engaging. While I still give priority to solid mechanisms, I’ve lately been more and more drawn to thematic games that offer an immersive experience in a world that’s exciting to explore.

Theme can manifest in a variety of ways, whether that be through mechanisms, artwork, or a captivating story. On this list, you’ll find entries that make the cut because the gameplay elicits a strong sense of immersion in an interesting theme. Many of these games also have mechanisms that tie well into the theme, emphasizing the feeling that you’re doing something mechanically that makes sense thematically.

The games below are either predominantly considered solo games or are known for their strong solo modes. So, while theme is the most important factor, a solid solo experience is still critical to being included on this list.

I drink a couple of cups of coffee every day, so this theme really perks me up. In this bag-builder by Japanese designer Saashi, you’re roasting coffee beans to achieve that perfect cup of joe. You do this by upgrading the levels of the beans and adding them back to your bag, where you’ll also throw in tokens representing things like acidity, aroma, and even burnt beans. It’s a great calm, puzzly game to play while you’re drinking your morning coffee.

If this game is any indication, baseball in the