The 11 Best Single Player Games To Play in 2024

Playing alone doesn’t have to be boring. Instead, the best single-player games offer an immersive experience with challenging puzzles and quests, interactive storylines, and more, depending on the genre. Many single-player games also offer multiplayer options, allowing you to enjoy the game while your friends are away and play co-op when they’re not.

Below, explore 10 of the best single-player games in no particular order. We’ll go over what makes each game unique and highlight some of its key features, helping you choose the best new games to play next.

The 10 Best Single-Player Games

1. God of War Ragnarök

• Genre: Action, adventure
• Release date: November 9, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Combat, puzzles, role-playing elements, human and mythological enemies
• Developer: Santa Monica Studio, Jetpack Interactive
• Payment model: $59.99 (PC), $69.99 (PlayStation)
• Rating: 94/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of the God of War series, fans of story-driven games with a strong focus on combat and strategy

The ninth installment in the God of War series, God of War Ragnarök immerses players in an adventure game with Norse elements. This single-player game blends RPG elements with combat, strategy, and puzzles. This provides a thought-provoking experience that’s best suited for single-player gameplay, where players can think, explore, and progress at their own pace.

God of War Ragnarök is a direct sequel of the 2018 God of War title, once again following Kratos and Atreus. Like other God of War games, Kratos is the main protagonist, as well as the main playable character. However, during some moments in the game, players can play as Atreus as well, providing the opportunity to explore other combat options.

2. Hades

• Genre: Action, role-playing, dungeon crawler
• Release date: September 17, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, macOS, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Combat, dungeons, Greek mythological characters
• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Payment model: Free to play with in-game purchases (iOS), $24.99 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)
• Rating: 93/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who enjoy hack-and-slash combat mechanics, fans of Greek mythology

While God of War Ragnarök focuses loosely on Norse mythology, Hades focuses on Greek mythology. Players control Zagreus, the main protagonist, as well as the son of Hades, the Greek god of the dead.

This game utilizes a hack-and-slash combat system, with mechanics that are simple to learn but can be mastered with time. Players explore different rooms, uncovering rewards as they combat enemies. Along with their main weapon attack, players can dash and use special and magic attacks during their conquest.

Playing this game alone allows players to make the most of each dungeon room, from learning the best combos to beating enemies on their own to exploring at the pace they set. Because of its art style and rich single-player gameplay, Hades is one of the most popular games to play alone.

3. Elden Ring

• Genre: Action, role-playing 
• Release date: February 25, 2022
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Combat, fast travel, open-world exploration, challenging boss fights
• Developer: FromSoftware
• Payment model: $59.99 
• Rating: 96/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for an open-world game focused on high-difficulty enemies and boss fights

One of the best single-player PC games, Elden Ring’s open-world exploration, expansive quests, and role-playing elements can take up to 200 hours for players to complete. Because it’s a single-player game, players can take their time uncovering each secret about this huge world, exploring and progressing through key milestones after training and preparing to their liking. Players can master different weapons and magic attacks and learn other useful in-game mechanics such as stealth as they battle against a variety of enemies ranging in difficulty.

While some opponents may be easier than others, Elden Ring has several hostile enemies that can be difficult to defeat, even later in the game. This provides a scaling challenge for players, helping the game stay fresh and engaging for longer. 

4. Alan Wake 2

• Genre: Survival, horror
• Release date: October 27, 2023
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Firearm combat, two separate but connected storylines, strategic resource management
• Developer: Remedy Entertainment
• Payment model: $49.99 (PC), $59.99 (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for an immersive storyline rich with plot twists and survival elements

In Alan Wake 2, players can explore two separate storylines in any order they choose, one following Alan Wake and the other following Saga Anderson. While the previous game in this series focused more on action and adventure, this sequel has survival-horror elements as players use firearms to combat different enemies. Players also need to be strategic with limited resources like batteries for their flashlights or ammunition.

Alan Wake 2 has a twisting, immersive storyline. Although the two storylines are played separately, they are connected, creating an interesting plot for players to explore and unravel as they play. Although multiplayer survival-horror games can be fun, Alan Wake 2’s single-player gameplay allows players to fully engage in the story, feeling as if they’re in the world right alongside the characters essential to the storyline. 

5. Black Myth: Wukong

• Genre: Action, role-playing
• Release date: August 20, 2024
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Resource-, weapon-, and magic-based combat
• Developer: Game Science
• Payment model: $59.99
• Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players interested in strategic combat interlaced with resource management and careful timing

One of the best PC games of 2024, Black Myth: Wukong takes inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Rather than focusing on quick combat, Black Myth: Wukong focuses on resource management, with players needing to navigate a resource known as focus. Focus can be built by hitting enemies, allowing players to unleash powerful, heavy attacks.

The main weapon in this game is a staff, which provides players with three different attack stances. As players learn to better utilize each mechanic, they can master the stances. This provides flexible, versatile combat that allows players to adjust their tactics based on their opponent. Players can also learn different spells and absorb different spirits, which can be used for unique in-game attacks.

From its breathtaking graphics to its easy-to-learn but hard-to-master combat, Black Myth: Wukong provides a compelling solo experience that can make players feel like they’re a part of the classic tales they’re unraveling. 

6. Cyberpunk 2077

• Genre: Action, role-playing
• Release date: December 10, 2020
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Dystopian elements, player customization, flexible gameplay, various weapon options
• Developer: CD Projekt Red
• Payment model: $59.99 (PC, Xbox), $49.99 (PlayStation)
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for a customizable game with high replayability

In Cyberpunk 2077, players control V, a mercenary whose appearance and attributes are customizable to fit the player’s preferences and gameplay style. The gameplay itself is also tailored to the player, with the ability to choose one of three routes focused on either hacking, combat, or machinery. Players have the freedom to choose any of the routes, and they can replay to try other gameplay styles. The customization in this game makes it highly immersive and easy for a single player to fall into the storyline and futuristic world.

Because of its versatile, flexible story progression options, players can complete a pacifist run on Cyberpunk 2077, using non-lethal attacks to subdue all opponents aside from robots without killing them. There is both close combat and range, with modifications available for range weapons to help change how they work, adding ricocheting bullets, the ability to penetrate walls, and more. 

7. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

• Genre: Action, adventure
• Release date: May 12, 2023
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Gameplay features: Combat, open-world exploration, puzzles, boss fights, characters from previous games, dungeons 
• Developer: Nintendo EPD
• Payment model: $69.99
• Rating: 96/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of The Legend of Zelda series, players looking for a linear storyline with opportunities for side quests and exploration

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is one of the best single-player Switch games. Like many of the other games in this franchise, players play as Link as he seeks to find Princess Zelda in Hyrule. There are two main regions to explore in Tears of the Kingdom: the sky, which has a variety of floating islands filled with enemies and rewards to explore, and the Depths, which feature the underground world beneath Hyrule. There are also four main dungeons to discover and complete, which is essential for storyline progression.

This game offers open-world exploration paired with the puzzles and riddles common to the series. Players can interact with a variety of familiar faces, with several characters from the previous installment, Breath of the Wild, also appearing in this game. With an entire open world to explore, solo players can appreciate the freedom to move at their own pace, whether that’s scouring Hyrule for side quests or speedrunning the main storyline. 

8. Dead Space

• Genre: Survival, horror
• Release date: January 27, 2023
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Linear story progression paired with open exploration, various weapons and suits to help improve combat, zero-gravity mechanics
• Developer: Motive
• Payment model: $59.99 (PC), $69.99 (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of the original Dead Space (2008), fans of the Dead Space series, players looking for a survival experience with space horror elements

Dead Space is a 2023 remake of the original 2008 game, the first installment in the Dead Space series. The remake follows much of the main storyline, as players control Isaac Clark in a spaceship filled with hostile undead creatures known as Necromorphs. However, new changes help the remake feel unique compared to the 2008 release, such as new gameplay mechanics and the addition of voice lines.

Although gameplay is confined to USG Ishimura, the spaceship Isaac is aboard, players are free to explore the vessel openly without affecting the main storyline. Some parts of the USG Ishimura need to be unlocked through storyline progression, however, providing an incentive for working through the main plot. The combat in this game is challenging but easy enough for a single player to excel, and the high level of customization enhances the game with RPG elements that make the storyline feel real.

9. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

• Genre: Action, role-playing
• Release date: February 29, 2024
• Platforms: PlayStation
• Gameplay features: Active Time Battle (ATB), multi-character combat, linear story progression with open-world exploration
• Developer: Square Enix Creative, Business Unit I
• Payment model: $71.99
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of the Final Fantasy series, players looking for combat using an ATB system

One of the best single-player PS5 games, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth carefully combines real-time actions with semi-turn-based combat and elements of role-playing. In this game, players control Cloud Strife. But during combat, players can also control other characters, creating the opportunity for strategic gameplay that utilizes each character’s unique abilities and stats in Active Time Battle.

Like its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth reworks and expands on the original Final Fantasy VII, released in 1997. It also focuses more on open-world exploration, giving players the option to stray away from strict linear gameplay. This helps highlight the added narratives and details, creating a new experience for players familiar with the original. The linear story progression blended with open roaming in this fascinating world provides single players with a game that’s easy to get lost in, whether engaging in the ATB combat mechanics or learning about the many different characters essential to the story.

10. Red Dead Redemption 2

• Genre: Action, adventure
• Release date: October 26, 2018
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, multiplayer options, first- or third-person gameplay, Wild West themes
• Developer: Rockstar Games
• Payment model: $59.99
• Rating: 97/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of Red Dead Redemption, players looking for open-world gameplay set in the Old West

Although Red Dead Redemption 2 offers online multiplayer options, players can also choose to play alone, exploring the entire open world themselves. Playing mainly as outlaw Arthur Morgan, players can choose between roaming the world freely or dedicating their time to linear quests and objectives. These progress the main storyline.

This game offers a wide variety of combat options. Players can choose between melee attacks or ranged attacks using firearms and bows, though they can also use throwables or even dynamite in combat. Horses are the main form of transportation in Red Dead Redemption 2, which can be tamed from the wild or stolen. Bonding with a horse introduces different gameplay mechanics, such as feeding or brushing.

Taking advantage of the multiplayer options available in Red Dead Redemption 2 can provide an interesting in-game social experience where players can face friends and foes alike. However, playing alone highlights the natural aesthetics, from the icy plains to the towering forests, while giving players the freedom and creativity to move through the open world as they please. Red Dead Redemptions 2 offers a variety of main and side quests, and there are endless opportunities for players to interact directly with the storyline through decisions and actions.

The Best Single-Player Games at a Glance

Single-player games can span a variety of genres and themes, and no two games are identical. When choosing the right game to play alone, it’s best to consider not only the gameplay itself but also the complexity and platform availability. 

What To Look For in a Single-Player Game

When you’re looking for games you can play by yourself, it’s important to choose a game that fits your preferred genre and play style. Here are some criteria to consider:

• Explore genres you’re interested in: Single-player games are available in nearly every genre. To make the most out of your next game, it’s important to choose a genre you’re interested in, such as an RPG over a horror game if that better aligns with your preferences.
• Choose titles with open-ended exploration: Because single-player games focus more on flexibility and creativity, there’s often more room for open-world concepts. If you’re looking for a game with high replayability and a storyline that can take months to complete fully, choose single-player titles with open-world gameplay.
• Opt for gameplay mechanics that fit your preferences: Just like multiplayer games, single-player games often use different mechanics across various titles. This includes various puzzles, types of combat, RTS game aspects, and levels of personalization. It’s important to choose a game that aligns with your gameplay preferences.

Single-player games come in many forms, ranging from realistic games to those filled with fun art styles. They can also explore a variety of plots, adventures, and quests, providing an interesting experience that’s equally as fun and immersive as multiplayer games.

FAQ

When it comes to finding one-player games, you may have some questions about what types of games are available and how long it may take to complete one. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked single-player game questions. 

Why Do People Enjoy Single-Player Games?

Single-player games often allow for more creativity and flexibility in gameplay than multiplayer games. Unlike competitive or co-op games, players can go at their own pace when it comes to exploring and completing objectives.

How Long Do Single-Player Games Typically Take To Complete?

Dungeon crawlers and games with linear progression tend to take less time to complete than those with open-world gameplay. However, on average, single-player games can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months to complete.

What Are the Most Popular Single-Player Game Genres?

Good single-player games can come in nearly every genre. Action-adventure games are some of the most popular single-player games. because the genre allows for open-world exploration and a variety of main storylines, side quests, and other activities that are best suited for one player.