The 25 best single-player games to play right now (original) (raw)
(Image credit: Rockstar Games)
The best single-player games offer up all manner of different adventures that you can tuck into. From fantasy landscapes to neon-tinted futuristic settings, there's a host of stories just waiting for you to experience them. But, with so many titles, you may be wondering where to start looking when searching for your next solo gaming session.
Well, you've come to the right place. With a myriad of different experiences, you can find entries down below with time-looping escapades, stealthy missions, story-driven choice-based scenarios, and much more. Some of the best RPGs and the best games stories are also counted among our selection, which pulls together the most memorable single-player games across a variety of genres.
We've also included picks across all platforms so you can easily find something to dive into or add to your wishlist. So, get ready for some prime solo action. Here are the 25 best single-player games you can play right now.
25. Subnautica
(Image credit: Unknown Worlds Entertainment)
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Everyone knows that the unexplored depths of the ocean are just as terrifying as the dark abyss of space, so imagine how spooky it must feel to be the lone survivor on an oceanic alien planet. Well, thanks to Subnautica, that nightmare is brought to life in the best way possible. After your ship crashes onto a mysterious planet, it’s up to you to explore the beautiful (and very intimidating) underwater world.
Your main objective is to survive, and when you have to worry about your oxygen levels and monsters hiding in the deep, that isn’t an easy task. Subnautica’s gameplay centers around gathering resources, unlocking blueprints, and discovering an intriguing story surrounding alien technology that may be the key to getting you back home. It’s become the standard for survival games, giving us the perfect balance between terror and wonder with its detailed world. In short, it’s a must-play.
For more details, you can read our Subnautica review!
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
24. Life is Strange Remastered
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer: Dontnod
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
If you're looking for a fantastic story-driven single-player experience, Life is Strange is a great place to start. In the fictional setting of Arcadia Bay, you play as Max Caufield, a teen aspiring to become a photographer who gets caught up in a series of unusual events at the Blackwell Academy. Upon discovering you have the power to rewind time, you can use this power to go back on the initial choice you made to consider what direction you want to truly go in.
With a cast of memorable characters to fall in love with and an engaging story that will surprise and delight you, Life is Strange is worth a look - and there's never been a better time to give it a go, thanks to the remastered re-release. You may also want to give this a spin before picking up the newly released title in the franchise: Life is Strange Double Exposure.
If you want to know more, check out our Life is Strange review.
23. Returnal
(Image credit: Housemarque)
Developer: Housemarque
Platform(s): PS5, PC
Part old arcade school shoot 'em up, part Hideo Kojima-esque narrative opus, here is a bizarre, ambitious, and utterly enthralling ride. As we point out in our Returnal review, it’s also unrelentingly brutal. Light on save points and big on punishment, this all-consuming PS5 exclusive definitely isn’t easy.
Yet, thanks to its slick-feeling movement, all-consuming sense of atmosphere, and brilliant sense of intrigue, it’s a game that constantly beckons you to return. Blending a sickeningly detailed Aliens-esque aesthetic with some of the most satisfying combat this side of Platinum games, this story-led sci-fi roguelike is a creation that’s refreshingly unique. Whether you’re new to the genre or are an old hand, Returnal is a gorgeous, ambitious, and completely essential experience.
22. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
(Image credit: Electronic Arts)
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
If you’re itching to wield a virtual lightsaber after binge-watching The Mandalorian, then look no further. Taking its cues from Dark Souls and Hollow Knight, Jedi Fallen Order is a giddy blend of Uncharted-esque cinematic adventure and challenging Metroidvania. Yet more crucially for Star Wars stans, the tale it tells is entirely canon.
Featuring characters from Rogue One and tying neatly into the events of Rebels, the Bad Batch, and The Clone Wars, Fallen Order is a must for anyone who’s found themselves falling back in love with a galaxy far, far away. It's easily one of the best Star Wars games around, and the perfect title to visit before you pick up the new sci-fi adventure, Star Wars Outlaws.
For more details on this single-player masterpiece, read our Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review.
21. Cyberpunk 2077
(Image credit: CD Projekt)
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
It may not have got off to the best launch, but make no mistake – Cyberpunk 2077 is still well worth your time and has rightfully earned its spot on our list of the best single-player games. For the murky background behind its development and its (initial) litany of game-ruining bugs, Cyberpunk’s Night City is undeniably an exhilarating place to explore.
Featuring a brilliant soundtrack, industry-leading voice acting, and enough side quests to shake a Bloody Baron at, Cyberpunk 2077 is about as epic as an open-world epic can get. Receiving a constant stream of patches and a full current-gen upgrade post-launch, it’s an experience that is only getting better over time. Sure, it’s not The Witcher 3, but if you fancy a dystopian sci-fi RPG, there are few better.
Read our Cyberpunk 2077 review for more insights.
20. Outer Wilds
(Image credit: Mobius Digital)
Developer: Mobius Digital
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
Not to be confused with Obsidian's sci-fi RPG, The Outer Worlds (more on that later), Mobius Digital's indie darling is also set in the far-flung reaches of space. Yet it offers an entirely different narrative experience to the game it shares two-thirds of a title with, and indeed any other title out there.
Outer Wilds puts you in the astronautical boots of a newly trained spacefarer for an alien race, but it just so happens that your first day on the job also coincides with a solar supernova that wipes out the entire galaxy. I'll refrain from spoiling anything else beyond that, but suffice to say that what follows is a daring, deviously clever investigation into time and space that will have you awe-inspired from the moment you take off.
19. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer: Square Enix
Platform(s): PS5
After Final Fantasy 7 Remake delivered a memorable reimagining of the opening section of the beloved 1997 RPG, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth takes us out into the wider world beyond Midgar. Building on what came before with some great improvements to side content such as Odd Jobs and minigames, Rebirth follows Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barret as they set out in pursuit of Sephiroth. With open areas to explore, the follow-up allows us to spend more time with the lovable cast and get stuck into the action with new synergy abilities and skills.
If you want to know about one of the best JRPGs and a stand-out single-player game, check out our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth review.
18. Half-Life Alyx
(Image credit: Valve)
Developer: Valve
Platform(s): PC
Owning a PC set up alongside a VR headset costs a pretty penny, which is what you'll need in order to jump into Valve's unexpected prequel to its Half-Life series. That being said, it would be criminal to ignore the achievements that Half-Life: Alyx makes for immersive storytelling and the VR platform as a whole, making this a must-buy if you happen to own a headset and PC right now.
Not only is it a brilliant experience on its own merit, but Alyx makes important statements about the future of Half-Life itself, with our titular scavenger's adventure connecting to the series' overarching narrative in jaw-dropping ways.
Here's hoping Valve brings out a non-VR port sometime soon. In the meantime, check out our Half-Life: Alyx review for more details.
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Switch
Pokemon Legends Arceus shows us a different time in the history of Pokemon and shakes up the formula by putting us in the Survey Corps. Instead of setting out to earn badges, you're instead tasked with putting together the very first Pokedex and researching all of the critters that roam out in the wild. Set in the Hisui region, which will soon become known as Sinnoh, you get to catch Pokemon in open areas dotted around the map.
With a satisfying sense of progression, some new region-specific Pokemon, and a chance to see a new side to the lore, Pokemon Legends Arceus feels like a welcome breath of fresh air for the long-running series. This is a must-play and one of the best Pokemon games that we've seen in a while.
If you're still unsure about picking it up, head to our Pokemon Legends Arceus review!
16. Psychonauts 2
(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
Psychonauts 2 is an unlikely sequel to a cult classic that was released in 2005, funded by fans in 2015, and published in 2021. To this end, Double Fine walked a winding path to get Psychonauts 2 into the world – something which is reflected in the consistency, quality, and unabashed weirdness of the overall experience.
That is to say; Psychonauts 2 is what you get when a talented team has no choice but to go all-in on the hand the house has dealt it. And, wow, was this vision of a sequel worth the decade-and-a-half wait!
If you couldn't tell already by our glowing Psychonauts 2 review, we love this title, and it fully deserves its spot on our list of the best single-player games around.
15. The Outer Worlds
(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)
Developer: Obsidian
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
If you've never played an Obsidian game before, you're in for a treat with this masterpiece of a single-player game. Listen, there is a reason we gave this title a top score in our The Outer Worlds review, alright. The studio's 2019 RPG is a ragtag, zigzap tour through the future of the final frontier, one where corporations are in control, and it's as jovial and joyous in tone as it is cynical in satire.
Obsidian's talent for classic role-playing immersion is firing at full throttle here, complete with branching storylines, deep and robust character customization, and a whole cast of companions to befriend and explore the galaxy with. And with The Outer Worlds 2 in the works, it looks like we have more adventures in a "new star system" to look for to.
14. Resident Evil 2 Remake
(Image credit: Capcom)
Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
Capcom's initial announcement of Resident Evil 2 Remake was naturally met with some skepticism at first, but we couldn't have been more off-base. The studio's loving recreation of its '90s survival horror classic is the perfect example of how to modernize an old game while staying true to its roots.
Leon's harrowing gauntlet through the Raccoon City Police Department is one of the scariest, toughest campaigns we've ever had the joy of running through. It's completely accessible to series newcomers yet still littered with Easter eggs to delight the Resi faithful. This is how horror is done, and proves just how much life there is in all the best Resident Evil games yet.
For more spooky fun, read our Resident Evil 2 Remake review.
13. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
(Image credit: Sony)
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, PC
The current crop of consoles may have got off to a bit of a shaky start, but Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a clear launch highlight. Picking up where 2018's Marvel's Spider-Man left off, this 15-hour standalone adventure puts players in the shoes of the other Spider-Man.
Not only is Insomniac’s second Spidey outing drop-dead gorgeous, it’s an utter joy to play, too. Stepping up the level of cinematic storytelling and giving players a toybox full of new suit upgrades to play with, Miles Morales’ Christmas-time Harlem is an utter joy to swing through.
If you’re after something fun and story-led, then you can find out more in our Spider-Man: Miles Morales review.
12. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
(Image credit: Moon Studios)
Developer: Moon Studios
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is magical. There are moments where you'll ponder just how a platformer has managed to pull off such a wonderful experience. From the very start, you'll be weeping like a willow as you're re-introduced to Ori, Naru, Sein, alongside the equally adorable new character, Ku.
Gameplay-wise, Developer Moon Studios also manages to refine and finesse everything that was great about 2014's Ori and the Blind Forest, bringing new depth and joys to combat, exploration, and platforming. A mesmerizing adventure from start to finish, this is a must-play.
For more information, read our Ori and the Will of the Wisps review.
11. Fallout: New Vegas
(Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)
Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Fallout: New Vegas is one of the best Fallout games ever to exist and is easily one of the greatest RPGs around still today. Set in the Mojave Desert, years after a nuclear war has turned the United States into a bare wasteland, you play as a courier (who wakes up after being shot in the head, ouch). You’ll have to make your way to New Vegas, where your choices and actions tie you to different factions throughout the open world. Every side mission is rich with story, and the aesthetics are to die for as you trek through an almost Western post-apocalyptic world.
With stellar writing and a rich world that changes based on your actions, this is an RPG that truly puts you first. Every playthrough can result in an entirely new experience of the story as you switch allies, prioritize different stats, and choose to do certain missions over others for your reputation. This game is a pure joy to play, and as we wait for Fallout 5, it’s also the perfect time to revisit it.
For more information on this classic, read our Fall Out: New Vegas review.
10. Alan Wake 2
(Image credit: Remedy)
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Following the heights of Control, Alan Wake 2 arrived to deliver a memorable, imaginative survival horror that succeeds at drawing you in as much as it keeps you guessing. As a sequel to Remedy's much-loved supernatural thriller from 2010, you follow and play as two protagonists - FBI agent Saga Anderson and author Alan Wake.
Saga investigates a case that starts to veer into the supernatural, and Wake, who mysteriously went missing 10 years ago, is trying to free himself of the Dark Place. As you switch between characters and experience their interwoven stories, you can expect some scares, intrigue, and plenty of surprises.
Read our five-star Alan Wake 2 review for more thrills and insights.
9. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Switch
Who'd have thought that of all games, the Zelda series would be the one to introduce one of the best open worlds of all time? Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is Zelda's first... sorry, Link's first journey on the Nintendo Switch and it's one of his best ever.
There's so much to do! From searching for the 900 Korok Seeds to hunting down Guardians and completing shrines, Breath of the Wild is perhaps one of the best Switch games out right now. It also fully deserves its spot in the top 10 picks on our list of the best single-player games!
Check out our Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild review for more Hyrule details.
8. God of War
(Image credit: Sony)
Developer: Sony Santa Monica Studio
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
The God of War franchise has always been great, but God of War has taken things to the next level. It's gone from linear storytelling to a semi-open world, where players control Kratos and explore worlds taken straight from Norse mythology. It's brutal, badass, and bafflingly beautiful, which is why we called it one of "PlayStation's finest moments." Plus, once you've made your way through the adventure, you can follow it up with the excellent sequel, God of War Ragnarok.
If you need more Kratos in your life, check out our God of War review.
7. Baldur's Gate 3
(Image credit: Larian Studios)
Developer: Larian Studios
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
While you can absolutely play Baldur's Gate 3 with some pals, Larian's sprawling RPG is an excellent game to play solo. Accompanied by a party of memorable companions - who you can develop a relationship with if you so wish - you can get stuck into a series of engaging quests as you try to root out the tadpole in your brain.
With so much scope to shape your own journey, from the character you create or the decisions you make and the way you approach encounters, The Sword Coast is a stage for you to play out your own story.
This is easily one of the best games to come out in recent years, and you can learn more about it in our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
6. Super Mario Odyssey
(Image credit: Nintendo)
Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Switch
Everyone's favorite plumber leapt onto the Nintendo Switch with a purpose with Super Mario Odyssey, along with his new best pal Cappy. Embark on another treacherous journey across multiple worlds to save Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches and meet numerous friendly and fearsome characters along the way.
Super Mario Odyssey retains the charm and captivating gameplay from previous installments, while keeping up with modern gameplay elements and introducing new mechanics of its own. It's bright, full of personality, and one of the best Mario games you can play.
For more Mushroom Kingdom details, check out our Super Mario Odyssey review.
5. Elden Ring
(Image credit: From Software)
Developer: FromSoftware
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5
FromSoftware's action RPG takes you to a sprawling open-world setting of the Lands Between as the Tarnished. With dungeons to explore, great big foes to conquer, and all manner of challenges to overcome, Elden Ring delivers a rich, engrossing experience that will hold your attention.
While you can expect to be in for several tough fights, there's nothing quite like the feeling of emerging victorious when you take down a particularly strong enemy. And with character customization and an impressive fantasy landscape to discover, Elden Ring quickly became one of the biggest games of 2022 and is counted among the best FromSoftware games around.
Read our five-star Elden Ring review for more information.
4. Red Dead Redemption 2
(Image credit: Rockstar)
Developer: Rockstar
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4
Is there a better way to kick off this list than with Rockstar's western epic? A prequel to the first game, Red Dead Redemption 2 places you in the shoes of Arthur Morgan. Explore the staggeringly beautiful Wild West on horseback, hunt animals, play poker, go fishing, and more as you saunter around as part of Dutch van der Linde's gang.
There's so much to explore in this game, but as our Red Dead Redemption 2 review points out, it particularly shines with all the side quests on offer. Truly, it's a single-player dream experience. When you've finished the 80+ hour journey, jump into Red Dead Online for even more cowboy action.
3. Horizon Forbidden West
(Image credit: Sony)
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Platform(s): PS4, PS5, PC
Robot dinosaurs. Need we say anything else about Horizon Forbidden West? Probably not, but we will anyway. As the expansive sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, you once again take control of Aloy in a vast, lush, open-world setting brimming with mysteries to uncover, collectibles to find, and dangers to overcome.
As a story-driven RPG that picks up where Zero Dawn left off, you once again go up against robot dinosaurs that inhabit the landscape, from small Watchers to terrifying Snapmaws, Thunderjaws, and more. While the climbing can be a little finicky, Forbidden West delivers an engrossing experience that will pull you right in.
Check out our Horizon Forbidden West review for more information.
2. The Last Of Us 2
(Image credit: Sony)
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platform(s): PS4, PS5
To be fair, we could easily have named The Last Of Us here, but its sequel, the neatly named The Last of Us 2, took the original formula and improved it across the board. Like its predecessor, expect themes of love, loss, and more breath-taking moments than you can shake a makeshift Molotov cocktail at.
The first Last of Us venture was hardly lacking in themes of humanity and morality, but number Two dials those levels up to 11, and is all the better for it.
You can read our five-star The Last of Us 2 review if you want to know one of the best single-player games around.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)
Developer: CD Projekt Red
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Switch
If you can get your head around a brand new style of combat that does away with most conventions seen in other games, the rest of The Witcher 3 could be considered perfect (read more on that fact in our The Witch 3 review)!
You are Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher - also known as a monster slayer to you and I. There's so much to do and see in this game that, even as a solo player, you're never bored or left wanting more. It may seem overwhelming at first, but after you complete your first few monster contracts and begin Geralt's journey to find the ones he loves, you will not put The Witcher 3 down until you've reached the end and slain thousands of enemies.
Look ahead to future upcoming single-player games with our roundup of new games for 2024 and beyond.
I'm GamesRadar's Features Writer, which makes me responsible for gracing the internet with as many of my words as possible, including reviews, previews, interviews, and more. Lucky internet!