Board games are often seen as social games where you gather your family or friends, share snacks, and compete in some type of game. Most games are meant for 2 to 5 players and rely on the competition to make the game fun. Well, what if your family or friends don’t have the time to play board games with you? Can you play board games alone? Is it weird to play board games alone?
Certain board games such as Gloomhaven, Zombicide, or Wingspan have solo mode versions built into the game. Even if some games don’t have a solo mode if you want to control the turns of other players you can. There is nothing weird about practicing your board game strategies alone.
Board games much like any hobby are there for your enjoyment. Often times this hobby gets brushed aside because it is hard to get people to play board games. Being alone should not stop you from being able to enjoy your hobby. So how do you get the most out of your solo gaming session?
Be Comfortable Playing Board Games Alone It’s Not Weird
Ever since the excuse “I’m busy” has been invented we have been learning to do things on our own. Though going solo may not always be our preferable path, it is a path and there is no problem taking it.
If people can shoot hoops, go to movies, or eat alone all for the sake of practice, getting out, or being hungry then there is no difference in people playing board games alone for fun. People practice throwing footballs (or at least I do) or shooting hoops alone all the time and it is normal. You can set up your board game and go through the rounds knowing full well that it is normal to play games alone.
Some board games are even created with solo gaming in mind. There are stories and adventures to unfold in these board games just like playing a single-player game or reading a book. This is your hobby so don’t let the lack of participants stop you from enjoying it.
If you’re up to it, you can treat your solo session like a game night among friends. Bring out your favorite snacks and drinks. Put on your favorite gaming playlist and pick the most ideal spot to play your board game alone in complete comfort.
Why would you play board games alone?
There could be several reasons why you are playing board games alone. Rounding up participants can always be a struggle especially considering people’s busy schedules, you might
prefer not to be social, or even just want to learn more about the game before you introduce it to others. It’s not uncommon to find yourself in a scenario where you are gaming alone
Lack of participants can be a big hurdle to overcome sometimes. It could be that your gaming group isn’t willing to play the longer games. Or maybe there is a pandemic and you are not allowed to gather in groups and you have yet to take the plunge to play games online. People have busy lives and they don’t always have time to sit down and enjoy a night of board games, unfortunately. Whatever it may be, it can be hard to get people to a board game session
Perhaps you don’t feel inclined to socialize with others. Not everyone wants to be socializing all of the time. Some people enjoy being alone and doing things on their own and that is just fine. In the quiet comfort of solitude, you might find that you enjoy the gaming experience even more.
You might even choose to play a board game alone so you have a better understanding of the mechanics and rules of the game allowing play sessions with others to flow better. There is nothing weird about people practicing.
What board games can be played alone?
If you are willing to play the board game alone, then most games can be played solo with the exception of a few being really hard to play alone. Some games are easier than others to play alone and some have solo gaming mechanics built into them. Here are a few games that were made with solo players in mind:
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven allows a player to quest solo clearing out dungeons and gaining control over the map. Being similar to a campaign like tabletop this game Gloomhaven is best played over multiple sessions as the world continually changes.
Zombicide
Devise strategies to fight off hoards of zombies alone while you are trying to complete objectives and survive. Zombicide offers several missions that are meant to played solo.
Wingspan
Play to collect birds by enticing them with food. Birds in your aviary will lay eggs which will lead to attracting more birds. This engine-building game allows you to play solo against an Automa generated by a deck of cards.
Scythe
This alternate-timeline board game will have you controlling a European faction in the 1920s. Compete against the game’s Automa as you both try to expand your territory using the resources and the location you were given at the start of the game.
Mage Knight
Mage Knight combines elements of RPGs, deckbuilding, and traditional board games. There is so much to do in this game that even when playing it solo it never gets boring. This game is great for people who like complexity and rewarding experiences.
How can you play board games alone?
If a board game wasn’t designed with solo gameplay mechanics that doesn’t mean you can’t play them alone. You will simply have to take upon yourself the role of other players. This is a good chance to try out different strategies and get real familiar with the game mechanics.
A good way to play a multiplier board game solo is by setting up the board just how you would with actual players. Place the cards, tokens, figures, and pieces that belong to the player where the player would be seated. Then as the rounds progress, you take the seat of the player who has the active turn.
Alternatively, you can set up game scenarios that could happen in a real gaming session and try your hardest to play through the scenarios. This style has the benefit of giving you experience as well as limiting the amount of brainpower you have to focus on “other player’s” turns.
With complete control of the game, you are able to find a playstyle that fits you the best. Take advantage of the power and enjoy the unfair advantage of knowing every player’s hand. Develop strategies and hone your dice rolling skills.
How to invite others to play board game alone with you
While playing board games alone can be great, don’t forget that gaming can be just as fun playing alone with others. Playing alone doesn’t allow for the complexity that comes from other players strategizing and trying their best to be number one. Playing with a group generally is a great time that can create shared memories and friendships.
If you are wanting to turn a solo gaming session into a multiplayer session here are a few tips that can help.
Invite others to play a specific game
First things first, is that you need to actually invite people to play. It helps if you know what people are interested in playing then you can cater your gaming session towards them. If they like settlement games then invite them to play a game like Catan, if they are looking for fast-paced card games Sushi Go would be a good game. Maybe they want a team game or a cooperative one.
The key is to ask people what games they like to play and cater to their interests. As you play more and more with them you might eventually be able to introduce them to new types of board games. Let them know what they are getting into though so they come prepared. Not everyone will respond well to a two-hour board game on the spot.
Know the rules of the board game makes for a successful game night
When playing with others, knowing the rules of the game goes a long way in a fun gaming night. If you invite a group over to play a new game be sure that you can explain the rules to them clearly and concisely. Maybe even having a rule card they can reference during play.
The better you are able to explain the game and the mechanics the more your group will be able to enjoy the game.
Snacks and Drinks Take A Good Game Night To Great
People like bribes. Snacks and drinks are a great way to entice people to come over for a game night. It is like adding a good thing to a good thing. The good thing just becomes an even better thing.
Adding good snacks to your gaming session not only makes your invite more persuasive but also encourages people to come back and play again.
Have a Clean Comfortable Designated Board Game Area
People want to be comfortable. Your goal when inviting guests over to a board game session is not only to have fun but to make sure they are comfortable. That means having a designated game area with enough seating and space for everyone. This also means that your gaming area and other spaces guests might venture off to should be clean and orderly. Do your best to get rid of any funky smells as well. Nobody really wants to play in a dirty smelly environment.
You Can Game Alone If You Want To You Can Leave Your Friends Behind
Gaming alone isn’t as weird as it might sound. Not only does gaming alone allow you to enjoy your hobby more frequently, but it also helps you improve your group gaming sessions. Whether you are playing a game that is set up for solo or your paving your own path remember to have fun and try your hardest to not lose to yourself. That’s embarrassing.
Let me know in the comments any games that you like to play solo!
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