The best single-player games offer deep experiences that take advantage of the interactivity at the heart of video games to deliver personalized stories that you won't forget.
These games come in a wide range of different types. Below, you'll find many of the best RPGs (role-playing games) as well as some of the best story games and even one of the best horror games. This is because the best single-player games span a wide range of different genres. However, whether you prefer fantastical quests or sci-fi epics, all of the games on our list are exceptional when it comes to drawing you in with their worlds and characters.
As fun as it can be to adventure with friends in the best co-op games, sometimes it's preferable to dispense with pesky interlopers and enjoy a game in a one-on-one setting. Here at TechRadar Gaming, we know our way around video games. We've spent thousands of hours playing the top single-player titles, all to help you save time when choosing your next great adventure. Read on to find out more.
Best single-player games 2024
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"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has all the components of a thrilling adventure ripped straight from the silver screen. Its global locations are intricately detailed and a joy to explore (despite suffering from lackluster visuals on Xbox Series S) with secrets hidden around every corner while the combat system is developer MachineGames at its best. Paired with flawless voice performances and incredible motion capture work, it’s sure to go down as one of the greatest Indy adaptations in history." - Dashiell Wood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a rip-roaring adventure, that's a slightly different kind of game than many were expecting. For one, it sure ain't no first-person shooter, and is much more focused on stealth and immersive sim elements than all-out action. Its combat is simple, and silly, as many objects can be picked up and smashed over the heads of unsuspecting enemies. The whip can disarm, pull enemies in, and be used to swing around in traversal sections.
This being Indiana Jones and all, you'll be delighted to hear that the puzzles and tomb-exploration are both fantastic. Paired with an excellent performance from Troy Baker, and you have the best Indiana Jones experience since The Last Crusade.
"Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl is one of the most haunting and atmospheric survival games of this generation. Small bugs and AI issues here and there mean that it is a little rough around the edges but the game’s world, atmosphere, and combat are breathtaking. Stalker 2 holds nothing back and forces you to play by its rules and is all the more refreshing because of it." - Echo Aspey, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One , and PC
In Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl, you play as a Stalker fighting for your own survival in The Zone - the barren and deadly landscape surrounding the Chornobyl power plant which suffered two explosions, one in 1986 and another in 2006. However, one seemingly simple task, to activate a Scanner and meet someone named Sodler, doesn’t go to plan and you're ambushed and knocked out. After waking up you have none of the gear you entered The Zone with and your Scanner has been stolen by your attackers.
Survival games aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy your games harsh, yet rewarding, Stalker 2 will be a great time for you. Even if this is your first foray into a more hardcore style of game, however, you'll still find plenty to enjoy in the game's brilliant world-building and chunky gunplay.
"Whether you’re familiar with Atlus’s flavor of turn-based RPGs or not, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an essential play. The developer has built on its legendary ‘press turn’ combat with the innovative Archetype system, allowing for an unprecedented amount of customization and party composition when compared to its other popular series." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One , and PC
From the team behind Persona 5 comes Metaphor: ReFantazio, a sprawling and truly epic RPG that focuses on an election following the death of the reigning king. With a fantasy setting, Metaphor: ReFantazio is a very different sight to behold when compared to the Persona series, but many systems are carried over. For one, the stylish turn-based combat is reminiscent of that in Persona 5, and the social systems that loop back into the action are a key part of the game once more.
What makes Metaphor: ReFantazio stand out against other RPGs is its grounded and decidedly darker fantasy narrative. With an election looming, the game echoes much of the tension and unease felt in the real world, and by bringing in an excellent cast of volce actors, Atlus has managed to craft something truly affecting.
"Still Wakes the Deep is an incredibly atmospheric, tense, and gripping first-person horror game. With a tremendous sense of place, superb voice acting, and creepy horror elements, it’s a small but punchy experience that we fully recommend despite some hand-holding." - Rob Dwiar, TechRadar Gaming Managing Editor.
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
If you're looking for a solid horror experience that can be completed in a few hours, Still Wakes the Deep really hits the spot. Set on an oil rig in the North Sea, Still Wakes the Deep delivers solid scares and excellent voice acting, managing to stand out as one of the best new releases of 2024 so far.
We don't want to spoil things too much here, but expect cosmic horrors, trippy visuals and a bleak but often beautiful story. As you make your way through the twisting corridors of the rig, you'll fight to save your crew mates, and struggle against the ever-present threat of madness.
"Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door’s Nintendo Switch remake demonstrates that the 20-year-old Gamecube role-playing game has aged like a fine wine, barely touching its gameplay elements while offering a stunning glow-up in the visual department. Some may lament the 30fps cap and some rather antiquated backtracking, but it remains a thoroughly charming and engaging experience from start to finish." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is often touted as one of the best Nintendo games ever made, and now it's been remade for modern audiences. The visuals have gone through the biggest change, boosting the paper-crafted artstyles in ways that make it look better than ever. You'd definitely never guess that you're playing a game that originally released all the way back on Gamecube. For new players, this is the perfect way to jump into the Paper Mario series, a collection of games that have been somewhat overlooked over the years.
The main highlight of Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door is undoubtedly its turn-based combat. It's easy to learn, but deceptively deep, introducing regular upgrades to Mario's arsenal and new partners for him to battle alongside. This is all accompanied by an excellent remixed version of the original soundtrack. The Paper Mario games have particularly great scores, and this one might just be one of the best.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Elden Ring has only gone from strength to strength since launching back in 2022. Thanks to some clever updates, and the arrival of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, there's no doubt in our minds that Elden Ring is one of the greatest games ever made.
FromSoftware has been slowly carving out a space as absolute masters of their craft over the last two decades, culminating in Elden Ring, the studio's most ambitious work to date. It's essentially an open-world take on the tried and tested formula found in Dark Souls, with heaps more build variety and freedom of exploration. Truly a modern classic.
What makes Elden Ring so special is how it takes the formula we all know and love from games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, and blends it with a modern open-world. Exploration is seamless, with players able to slowly carve out a path through the Lands Between, taking down all manner of bosses along the way. Thanks to some truly brilliant art-direction, many of Elden Ring's vistas are genuinely jaw-dropping. Even more so in the DLC expansion.
While Elden Ring could also be described as a multiplayer experience, most players take it on solo. If you need a bit of extra help on a particularly tough boss, or just want to pull some friends in however, there's plenty of options to open up your game to more players.
Hades isn't just an action RPG masterclass, it's also an affecting story that grapples with difficult themes of loss, family and fatherhood. The gripping boss fights will reel you in, but its Zagreus' emotional journey that'll keep you invested.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC
Developed by Supergiant Games, makers of Bastion, Hades is the story of Zagreus, son Hades, of the Greek god of the dead. Tired of his dad, our hero attempts to escape from the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus, with the occasional bit of help from the Olympians themselves. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as dear old dad is hell bent on stopping him - often with lethal consequences. But, since Zagreus cannot be killed, there's nothing to stop our plucky protagonist from trying again in this roguelike action RPG.
Hades is incredibly focused on you as the player. The RPG's story revolves around your protagonist's repeated attempts to break free from the underworld, offering new snippets of dialogue depending on who you choose to interact with. In true roguelike fashion, Zagreus' every death sets you back to the beginning, forcing you to traverse another gauntlet through the underworld after spending some time back home licking your wounds. The game also allows you to customize your fighting style and uncover the story at your own pace, making for a deeply personal single-player experience.
Cyberpunk 2077, like any good sci-fi, uses its story to ask big questions about our own world and the failings of our society. In this gritty RPG, high-octane action and dark, thought-provoking themes go hand in hand.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC
Cyberpunk 2077 is a far cry from the buggy mess it was at launch. Thanks to a wealth of updates and patches, the game is now in excellent condition, offering an immersive sci-fi experience where you can tailor your character to fit your playstyle. Patch 2.0, completely overhauled character customization, allowing you to play anything from a bullet-deflecting cyborg ninja to a powerful hacker who can explode enemies with their mind.
The game has an engrossing story to tell, too, which grapples with dark themes centered around personal autonomy and the dangers of capitalist excess. The game's expansion, Phantom Liberty, also adds a spy thriller to the mix, as well as the gravitas of renowned actor Idris Elba, who plays a key character in the expansion's storyline.
"Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is dense, rewarding, and confident in the tale it’s telling. Dramatic, playful, and dynamic, action role-playing game (RPG) Rebirth takes a cavalier attitude to its storytelling and mechanics - a move that almost always pays off." - Cat Bussell, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: PlayStation 5
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth manages to both be bursting with side content whilst also maintaining a constant focus on its gripping main storyline. This feat alone would grant it consideration for our best single-player games list. However, what Rebirth does that few other RPGs manage is that it leads with its characters, whose well-realized and deep personalities shine from Rebirth's every surface.
The second act of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy, Rebirth follows the story of Cloud Strife and friends as they attempt to stop Sephiroth and the evil Shinra Corporation from destroying the world. Improving on its processor in every way, Rebirth boasts slick but pausable real-time combat and explorable open-world zones. There's also a mind-boggling number of mini-games, including a deeply compelling collectible card game. If you want a dense, rewarding RPG experience, then Rebirth is the game for you.
"Baldur’s Gate 3 is a fine contender for one of the best video game RPGs ever made. It’s the most ambitious RPG out there, and the painstakingly accurate rendition of Dungeons & Dragons will delight fans. A must-play, even if some frustrations with D&D’s format might grate." - Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Baldur's Gate 3 stands as one of the best single-player games around, offering a sprawling campaign full of exploration, moral dilemmas, and challenging turn-based combat. Set in the well-established fantasy world of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to blaze your own trail through its fleshed-out setting, offering a degree of player agency seldom seen in gaming.
Larian Studios' huge RPG can be challenging, but the payoff is well worth the effort. You'll meet a memorable cast of characters, brought to life by stellar voice acting and motion capture. You'll delve into forbidden dungeons and journey across a gorgeous fantasy world as you find yourself embroiled in a plot that could bring the Forgotten Realms to its knees. For an in-depth look, check out our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
"The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom leaps forward on what was offered in 2017’s Breath of the Wild, filling out the world’s sandbox with innovative new tools and abilities, letting you approach challenges in inventive new ways." - Julian Benson, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: Nintendo Switch
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers a breezy yet deceptively complex single-player adventure, full of exploration, problem-solving, and fierce battles. A worthy successor to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom builds on the mechanics introduced in the first game, rewarding players for creative use of the environment and for pursuing unorthodox solutions to the game's puzzles.
Tears of the Kingdom doubles down on this by adding a building mechanic that allows you to fuse items together and construct buildings, weapons, and even vehicles from items in the environment around you. Tears of the Kingdom also places a greater emphasis on verticality, starting on a beautiful sky island. As you might expect, the game also boasts rich environmental storytelling, supported by a simple, yet bittersweet narrative at the title's heart. Our Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review has all the details if you want a closer look.
"Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 delivers a satisfying Spidey-saga that gives fans everything they could want from a Venom arc and also includes several surprises. It's a single-player open-world game that prioritizes fun above all else, with a host of accessibility features to let everyone join in." - Jake Tucker, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: PlayStation 5
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is one of the best single-player games to arrive on PlayStation all year. The game deftly captures the playfulness at the heart of the Spider-Man fantasy, offering fast-paced combat, witty quips, and gripping interpersonal drama. Contrary to previous installments, Marvel's Spider-Man and Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Spider-Man 2 allows you to play as two protagonists, alternating between Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
By having two main characters, Spider-Man 2 allows for a gripping interplay where different approaches to the superhero lifestyle play out across the story. What's more, we see a darker side of Peter Parker thanks to the appearance of Venom, an alien symbiote that has a negative influence on him - an influence the rest of the cast has to contend with in no small way.
"Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a special game with an enthralling narrative that expertly weaves its new characters and plot points with the series’ past. It’s a story that’s as thrilling and intense as it is heartwarming and - occasionally - genuinely hilarious." - Rhys Wood, TechRadar Gaming Hardware Editor.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth follows the story of Ichiban Kasuga on his quest to find his long-lost biological mother and the story of Kazuma Kiryu, a legendary figure in the Yakuza who battles with his own regrets. Following on from Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Infinite Wealth improves on its predecessor in every respect. The highs are higher, the lows are lower and the minigames are wackier - all of which add up to make Infinite Wealth one of the best single-player games of the year so far.
The game contains multitudes. A deep, emotionally resonant story about loss and found family is punctuated by moments of zany absurdity while the game boasts a turn-based combat system that puts many of the best JRPGs to shame. Infinite Wealth offers a huge payoff for long-time fans without alienating newcomers, telling a relatable story amongst the chaos.
Red Dead Redemption 2 wholly encapsulates the bittersweet nostalgia, high adventure and grit at the heart of the Western genre. Against the backdrop of the frontier, the game's characters are pushed to their limits, leading to deeply emotional and rewarding storytelling.
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Red Dead Redemption 2 tells the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the notorious Van Der Linde gang, hanging on at the tail-end of the Wild West era. As you embody Arthur, you get to know him and the people around him. Eventually, you'll be immersed to the point that you feel real affection for each character - no list of the best single-player games could be complete without it.
Red Dead Redemption 2 will keep you busy. Between story missions, mini-games, activities, and side quests, you will find yourself sinking plenty of hours into this title without even noticing it. From stagecoach robberies to bank heists, there's plenty to keep you occupied as you experience the final days of the frontier.
"Alan Wake 2 stands out as a champion among modern survival horror games. Its beautifully woven story encompasses everything you could want from a blockbuster horror title. Expertly crafted cutscenes meld together reality and video games while thrilling combat and frightening chases keep things interesting as you dig into a gripping narrative." - Ellie Gould, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Thanks to a gripping story and devastatingly effective art style, this exemplar of survival horror is easily one of the best single-player games of recent years. The game follows the interweaving stories of FBI investigator Saga Anderson and beleaguered writer Alan Wake as they attempt to unravel the dark forces that assail their worlds.
The title skillfully combines horror, mystery, and action elements, all framed within a narrative so twisty that it might as well be a corkscrew. What's more, you can switch between protagonists as you wish, playing the story at your own pace and in the order you'd prefer. If you've not played the original Alan Wake, don't be put off - the title is very accessible for newcomers. As TRG staff writer Elie Gould said in their review, the game has "everything you could want from a blockbuster horror title."
"Building upon the themes of its predecessor, God of War Ragnarok’s emotive narrative shines in its subtler moments, while clever evolutions to combat introduce welcome changes that advance gameplay without oversaturating it. It’s a sequel that is often as brutal as it is poignant – and a fitting next chapter in Kratos and Atreus’ journey." - Vic Hood, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.
Available on: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
God of War Ragnarok is the latest adventure involving everyone's favourite angry dad Kratos, and his master archer son Atreus. This time around, the gang is trying to foil a devilish plot by Odin to bring about Ragnarok, as foretold in ancient prophecy. Along the way, Kratos must ally with enemies, forge new friendships, and hunt down powerful artefacts to help his son rally a new army.
As single player games go, you can't do much better than God of War Ragnarok. It's a seriously meaty experience, with a story that runs over 30 hours, with plenty of side content to keep you busy. As expected, the game is absolutely beautiful, with a large variety of different realms to visit and explore. Combat has been beefed up, as has the enemy variety, which ranged from tiny poisonous lizards to giant trolls and serpents.
Thanks to post-launch content, the individual stories of each main character are also wrapped up. There really is a lot on offer here, so be sure to check out Kratos' latest adventure for a fantastic singleplayer experience.
Best single-player games: FAQs
Which game is best to play alone
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a perfect game to play alone. Full of colorful characters, meaningful story beats, and deep combat, the latest Yakuza game offers a huge breadth of different experiences.
That said, we also strongly recommend Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Red Dead Redemption 2. The former is a fantastical, character-driven story that addresses themes of environmentalism and identity through a stylish, theatrical lens. The latter, by contrast, is a gritty, down-to-earth tale about survival in the Wild West. Both are exceptional titles in their own right, standing amongst some of the best single-player games available at the moment.
How popular are single-player games?
Single-player games remain wildly popular. In a survey of nearly 9000 consumers, it was found that 57% preferred single-player titles while only 22% explicitly preferred multiplayer games.
Here at TechRadar Gaming, we highly recommend the best single-player games to anyone looking for a more personal gaming experience. Baldur's Gate 3 is fantastic in single-player mode, offering a meticulously crafted fantasy adventure. If you're looking for something more grounded, however, we strongly recommend Alan Wake 2 - a breathtaking horror game that'll leave you with chills.
How we made our best single-player games list
This list of the best single-player games was curated to show off the breadth and depth of experiences on offer for players looking to fly solo. Not every game on this list will be to every player's taste, but gems from almost every genre are represented here in some form; from pulse-pounding action titles to chilling horror games.
These games are best-in-class examples of their respective genres. We're confident that, no matter your palate, you'll find something on our list to suit you.
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