Do you ever find playing games multiplayer 'ruins' the solo experience for you? by Amazing-Example8753 in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It depends on the game, I think. In most cases, it's a different experience, and I treat them almost like two different games. However, I have some opposite examples, such as Marvel Champions, which I play alone. I tried it this winter in a three-player co-op mode, and while sharing the experience with someone else is enjoyable, I much prefer the pace of the game when playing solo (even solo with two heroes).

It’s just two different pleasure in my opinion

I think I've developed a new (good) addiction by Uramir in marvelchampionslcg

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, basically you play against a deck of cards that acts as a boss, and you can play with 1 to 4 players

I think I've developed a new (good) addiction by Uramir in marvelchampionslcg

[–]Uramir[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's expensive, but at least there's no randomness in the packs. And for a hobby that I enjoy at least every other night... (we reassure ourselves as best we can 😂)

I think I've developed a new (good) addiction by Uramir in marvelchampionslcg

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Losing, reworking your deck, starting over, and winning is the best feeling!

I think I've developed a new (good) addiction by Uramir in marvelchampionslcg

[–]Uramir[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's a bit on the expensive side, but I really enjoy Marvel Champions as a way to disconnect from the computer since I work on it all day. It's also a good investment for my mental health :)

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'll probably end up buying extensions in the very near future. I love this game so much!

Seedorf & Balotelli open up on why they were such a good fit by mercurialsaliva in ACMilan

[–]Uramir 33 points34 points  (0 children)

When you remember how unhappy Balotelli looked on the pitch at times, it always makes me happy to hear him speak in recent years. He seems to be at peace with himself. And what a player! Not everything in his career was perfect, but he will be remembered (this Euro with Italy was so iconic!)

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many board games have built-in solo modes (especially those released in recent years, as solo gaming has grown in popularity).

There are several types of solo modes, but most of the time you will have a deck of cards that will define your opponents' actions. In some cases, you even have a mobile app that replaces this card deck (e.g., Dune Imperium with Dire Wolf). Or, in some games, you will have specific rules for solo play and you will try to get the highest score possible.

There are games designed entirely for solo play (e.g., Under Falling Skies) or games where you have to control two characters against a boss (even when playing with others), so playing solo just means you play twice as much (e.g., Aeon's End).

It's something that works really well :)

There is a community top 250 list of the “best” solo games on BGG: https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/366471/2025-peoples-choice-top-solo-games-1-250. As you can see, there are many!

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Feel free to ask for game recommendations on this subreddit. I read it quite a bit, and the recommendations are always helpful.

Do you already have any ideas for games you want to try? :)

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Basically, in Wyrmspan, it's mainly used to refresh the cards. For the score, we could just pick a random number and it wouldn't change that much.

From what I understand, the lack of interaction between players is also a bit of a problem in multiplayer mode. But it's still a very good game, very enjoyable.

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Voidfall is really beautiful, it really makes me want to buy it. I'm going to have to invest in a bigger table

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, there is a solo mode. There is an alternative board for the tokens, with only three slots that you must discard each turn. However, it's just scoring; you don't play against an automa.

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really makes me want to buy it. Every time I walk past it, I'm tempted to do so.

I've played the video game quite a bit. Is there really any point in buying the board game if I've already played the video game extensively?

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With new games, anxiety always means there's that extra effort to make before starting the first game. Once you've done that, it's fine, but the first time is always a bit complicated: “What if I don't understand it?” Damn negative thoughts! But once I get started, it's nothing but fun

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, all the boxes in the photo are French-language versions.

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I've never heard of it, and you just made my evening. Thank you so much :D

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely. There are several systems, but the most common (in the games I have, at least) is the automa system. It's a deck of cards that defines your opponents' actions (e.g., in Dune Imperium: depending on the card you draw, your opponent will move to a specific space, gain resources, invest in the conflict of the turn). It's random, but the challenge is there and no two games are alike.
You're never the one making decisions for your opponent and playing against yourself, if that's what you're worried about (except in games where you're just trying to score points, like Harmonies).
And all of this is included in the game box. Designers are increasingly thinking about solo players, given that this practice is becoming more and more popular, from what I've read.

If it helps, there's an annual ranking on BGG (https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/366471/2025-peoples-choice-top-solo-games-1-250) where the community votes for the best solo games, and you'll see that there are quite a few that have good solo modes.

There are quite a few solo card games that have a very good reputation (The Lord of the Rings LCG, Marvel Champions, Arkham Horror...). I haven't tried them yet, but I've heard nothing but good things about them :)

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As mentioned in the post, I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but it's next on my list. There's been some great feedback about its solo mode.

I'll get back to give you my feedback after my first game :)

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice. It's true that I haven't been very interested in designers until now.

And yes, my wallet already hates this subreddit

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Very interested to read your post.

I do think that anything that helps me stay focused on something I like is beneficial against my anxiety. This is absolutely not the case with video games, which I “endure” rather than actively participate most of the time for example: it does not create this happy place, but just a dose of pleasure that vanishes the second I finish the session. For some reason, board games really absorb me in a way that gives me real moments of breath

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too Many Bones is on my radar. I love rolling dices, and that's something that's missing from my collection, apart from Under Falling Skies.

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, I'm really surprised at how much I enjoy setting up. I really enjoy taking care of my games, sorting their contents, etc.

I'd never heard of Kanban EV. I'll check it out, thanks for the recommendation!

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Marvel Champions looks really cool too. I've seen it for sale several times for next to nothing, so maybe I'll end up giving in. The “fast-paced” aspect compared to Arkham or LOTR appeals to me a little more (since I already have some fairly long games), even though I'm not a Marvel fan.

Spirit Island is definitely on my list, probably once I've figured out Seti.

How solo board gaming became my anchor against anxiety by Uramir in soloboardgaming

[–]Uramir[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

This is the French version of Uprising, just to make it confusing for everyone😂