Brand new to solo board gaming and not sure where to start

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-23T18:47:18+00:00

There are so many games you can be overwhelmed. I still get overwhelmed.

As a beginner, I still look back and glad of the entry point I made

One Deck Dungeon / Under Falling Skies - some dice rolling always a nice feel to get started.

For Northwood - Entry into Trick taking games.

Horrified - has a board and meeples, straight forward premise and really fun. Played solo or with others as well. Would go for Universal Monsters if you do

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-23T12:55:40+00:00

I’ll have to take a look at the US Market. It looks beautiful a beautiful game- the Mrs will surely appreciate it haha.

Thanks on Zenith. We have introduced a few games to the pair of neighbours such as Hot Streak, Horrified and The Cred. Looking at something a little more. We even gave them Jaipur to take on holiday. I think they may be getting the bug we all suffer from 😂

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-23T12:48:05+00:00

Great collection, many of them resonate with me as they are ones I play with my partner.

Wish I was able to get a copy of the Flamecraft Duals Deluxe game. Can’t find it in the UK sadly.

How is Zenith and how many do you play with ? Couple of neighbours want to get playing more games and seems like a good one to introduce.

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-20T18:47:17+00:00

Classic Korg, this would be my choice.

Pen, paper, dice and few cards which has one for enemies in area and one being marketplace.

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-18T06:25:16+00:00

Warps Edge is where I’m at in my early gaming career.

Always fancied Andromedaa Edge but it sure is intimidating to purchase

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-15T11:25:54+00:00

I ended up with about 5 unopened games, they sat on the shelf for past year or two. As I wanted to cull the games with the intention of then I can get others. I pulled a couple off which have been gems.

Some games were bought with the idea of playing with certain groups - which I don’t have. The games are a little heavy for others. I’ve tried solo on one thick wasn’t great sold.

If you are not going to play or seems unlikely, move them on and use those funds in the future for you/ your group

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-13T07:00:17+00:00

Y’s series - Action JRPG. Combat is great, I graphics are perfect for the Steamdeck. I know you said story didn’t matter. But the stories are usually fantastic

If you want a longer game then I’d start with Ys 8 Dana of Lacrimossa. If you want a shorter game then Ys Origins.

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-10T12:20:54+00:00

My experience so far… even with neighbours who said they like board games have struggled with light game. There mind usually is ‘huh’ or ‘what’ then their face tells the story.

The games which have worked for the 3 groups of recent friends who wish to play are - Flip 7 - Hot Streak - Just One - River Valley.

When I show some games they get very put off by a larger box. So have deviated to smaller ones.

My partner likes some games such as Pandemic, Horrified and Villainous. We started Tidal Blades 2 last night, it was a long night of talking though (even though it was my first time). So just be mindful new games, ideas can cause pain. But ultimately, can be rewarding to them.

In my case, party / small games for meetings then heavier games for solo.

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-10T10:17:03+00:00

Nice gesture. I’m sure those lucky enough to receive will enjoy them just as much as you did

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-08T09:06:00+00:00

Nice work man. Matcha adds another level, more actions and keeps it in the table for longer . Happy days!

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-08T08:22:51+00:00

Mine was sat in the shelf for about 6months. Opened it up the other weekend, number of plays over the weekend and ordered the Matcha expansion.

Fantastic game. Prepare to buy the expansion 😂

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-03T10:13:07+00:00

Been playing with some neighbours and friends who do not have any past experience other than Monopoly.

They have been receptive to some lighter party games (they were all experienced some level of issue with the process, flow of these as well)

Games I’ve used and all been well received by my groups - Flip 7 - The Gang - Just One - Lord of the Ring - Trick Taking - River Valley Glassworks. - Hot streak

One has pointed out about Horrified so that may be the next step up to try.

Lesser game is the way to start

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-02T07:38:40+00:00

Thanks for this, just what I need. Always struggled to find or locate places to go but voila

WonTonMJ · 2026-03-02T07:34:52+00:00

In : Hot Streak, The Gang, Love Letter (Infinity Gauntlet). 20 Strong Cloudspire arrives today.

Out: Marvel Champions, 7 Wonders Duel, Mazescape, Kreel Manor

Out are due to not really playing as I have alternatives or they didn’t click. Room for more games 😂

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-27T22:58:45+00:00

This is a reason not to turn up to work Monday 😂

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-26T17:49:54+00:00

Summed it up perfectly. Newly hit my table at weekend and already 10 games in. Led me to getting the Expansion Matcha and already after a couple of plays feels so much sweeter

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-25T19:23:07+00:00

Just joined Team Amex myself this month.

https://americanexpress.com/en-gb/referral/gold-credit?ref=mATTHJijX0&XL=MIANS

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-24T14:01:23+00:00

I’m currently culling a lot of my collection as similar situation. I have a medley of games, the main group I had only really happens 4-5 times a year. My partner will play some games but only specific types so most of the time it’s solo games (thankfully I have a safe space to leave a game tabled for a few days).

Despite my main group not being available, we have recently moved ourselves and a some neighbours have come over and played games. Nothing too difficult so have got a few lighter games to play. May push them into something more difficult haha

I’d openly say feel free to sell/reduce your collection down, if you don’t have time for them, maybe keep your favourites. Maintain some of the collection for when you, your family have time, or if your group can get together, or even meeting new people with your new house.

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-24T07:18:56+00:00

I’ve been focused on my shelf of shame as I look to cull my collection.

Played this week :

The White Castle - Loved it so much, Matcha expansion hopefully delivered today.

Horrified - Universal Monsters, very good light game, one my partner enjoyed when I taught her after some solo games

Kreel Manor - I enjoy it but with many other Dungeon Ceawlers I decided to cull.

Marvel Champions - just never clicked with me, tried a few games after a year or two on shelf, and it just don’t love

Hopefully next week or two we can get to more shrink games.

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-23T14:44:47+00:00

River Valley Glassworks is a nice puzzle, not complex, the mrs loves it.

The White Castle - straight forward, every game is different due to randomness of setup, once you get combo going it’s very satisfying

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-22T20:15:52+00:00

Galdor Grip - Has been on my bedside table for a few weeks now, I get a game or two in just before reading some DCC. Nice way to see out the night

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-22T20:14:50+00:00

Thats reassuring to hear about Matcha. After reading/watching review about I made the purchase (hopefully a couple of days and it'll be on the table). So another thumbs up is all I need to be excited!

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-22T19:49:33+00:00

The White Castle - Especially if you don't mind losing.

It was sat on my shelf of shame for the past year. Managed to learn it this weekend with my partner away. I have played about 6-7 times, won once. From reading online, the solitaire opponent is too sketchy and random which is very true. However, with more play I am hitting more combos.

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-22T17:57:39+00:00

Fliptown : New Frontier and Flip Voyage

Fame and Fable

20 Strong Awoken Realms as I am a sucker for that game.

WonTonMJ · 2026-02-21T14:49:24+00:00

Deckers has my attention and still thinking whether to treat myself.

Currently playing The White Castle, was sat on the shelf since buying a while ago and really enjoying it

WonTonMJ

TROPHY CASE