While much of the gaming industry is now geared towards MMOs and competitive eSports, there’s still a lot to love about solo gaming. It’s a chance to play on your terms while there is no chance of another player ruining your gaming experience. However, the fact that you can’t rely on interaction with others to enhance your play means that the pressure to choose the right games is key.
Most gamers are guilty of sticking to one title, or at least a single genre. However, diversification is the best way to keep gaming fresh and exciting. It can also be an effective way to develop a more comprehensive skill set that makes you a better gamer and can support you in other life goals. As the new year approaches, here are 10 genres you should put on your list for 2025.
#1. Simulation Games
Simulation games that help you take on a digital job role have become immensely popular in recent years. While games like Farming Simulator do offer multiplayer options, they can also be enjoyed as single-player titles. There are many reasons why solo play can be considered the better option. For starters, there is no need to sync your gaming schedule with a friend’s. So, if you have an hour to kill, you can load up your simulator and play.
It is a particularly useful option for simulators. After all, the open-world nature and non-linear narrative allow you to do things your way. In addition to farming simulations, you could look at vehicle simulators, vet simulators, and more.
#2. Brainteasing Games
Brainteaser games have a lot to offer. Playing Minesweeper, for example, teaches strategy and logical thinking. Likewise, you will need to develop patience and pattern recognition skills. Even a few minutes of play daily will keep your mind active, reduce cognitive decline, and boost memory skills. In addition to helping you master a host of other video games, the benefits support you in a wide range of professional environments.
As well as Minesweeper, solo players can enjoy Crosswords, Sudoku, Mahjong, and Solitaire. Keeping the mind sharp with these games is one of the most effective ways to ensure that gaming remains productive. Do not underestimate it for a second.
#3. Retro Classics
In addition to the timeless strategy classics, solo players can gain a lot of joy from retro classics. For older gamers, Pac-Man and similar titles will bring a nostalgic value. Again, Pac-Man and games like Bomberman require strategy as well as hand-eye coordination. So, it’s a very good choice for any gamer looking to keep their mind active with a relaxed and enjoyable activity. Like Minesweeper, these games are also very accessible.
You can jump straight into the retro classics without spending hours on tutorials. Likewise, the game is completed there and then. So, you don’t have to make gaming feel like a full-time job in order to unlock the full rewards of the game. They can also be enjoyed with the kids.
#4. Casino Games
If gaming is designed as an activity to release dopamine, there is no greater example than casino games. Whether you see the Roulette wheel land on your chosen number or hit 21 in Blackjack doesn’t matter. The buzz of winning big is incredible. Meanwhile, the fast-paced nature of table games and Slots keep the excitement going. If Poker is your game, you also need to learn strategy and an ability to read other players.
Of course, the potential red flag of casino games is that you could lose money. However, you could win big too. So, if you only spend the money you would have used on another video game, it’s no real problem. Alternatively, free demo games still deliver the dopamine hit.
#5. Platformers
If you go back in time to the 1990s and 2000s, platformers were the king of home console gaming. While that crown has since been lost to MMOs and other online genres, plenty of great games remain. Remastered versions of titles like Crash Bandicoot allow you to reconnect with your youth with modern graphics. Or discover the games your older relatives rave about without spending hundreds on a dusty old PlayStation 1 console.
However, new platformers have been released too. Super Mario has seen several new titles in recent years while some of the Lego games are very enjoyable too. It is a great genre when you want an ongoing story that you can develop at your own pace.
#6. Sports Simulator Career Modes
Sports simulators have become primarily associated with online play in recent years. They are a popular genre for eSports too. Still, even the latest titles like Madden ‘25 or EAFC ‘25 have single-player career modes. For many plates, they are more enjoyable. After all, there’s no risk of falling victim to hackers who cheat their way to victory. Likewise, you can get into the narrative of your career mode rather than the short-form approach of multiplayer leagues.
Perhaps most importantly, there is no need for completing microtransactions to stay competitive. So, if you used to play sports games but have fallen out of love with them in recent years, switching back to solo career modes is the answer.
#7. Action Adventure Games
Action adventure games have arguably been the best genre of console gaming over the past 30-40 years. They share many similarities with platformers but give you greater freedom on how the story develops. Moreover, they combine a far greater number of skills while the biggest titles offer far greater longevity. While some, like GTA, can take you online, solo play enables you to enjoy the game as it was designed. It saves you from outside disruptions.
The game might be a few years old now. Still, anyone who hasn’t played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild should. And after you’ve completed this epic title, you can move on to Tears of the Kingdom. You will become totally engrossed.
#8. VR Games
Virtual Reality games are still very much in their infancy. However, the advancements made in this genre over the past 5-10 years are simply incredible. While it is possible to play many games online, the point is to interact with the computer. Games like Rush VR still prove popular, allowing you to transport yourself into exciting situations. Sports games in the VR arena are also very popular, not least because they help you work up a sweat.
It’s a new way of playing that truly builds on your natural hand-eye coordination. If you’re looking for a way to transport yourself to another world, this is the genre for ultimate escapism. From PlayStation VR to MetaVR, the technology is simply incredible.
#9. Sandbox Games & Building Games
Simulators are technically a subgenre of sandbox games. However, there are many others that are ideal for solo players. You can create a world with no premeditated goals, like you do in Minecraft. Again, there are options to play online, but solo play is equally impressive. Not least because it lets you stay in control of the whole situation. Meanwhile, building games in which you essentially design and manage a digital world can extend to titles like The Sims.
Other related games include titles where you build roller coaster parks, hospitals, or other venues. They borrow elements of simulators, but may also introduce levels with certain goals. It is a very varied genre that can keep you entertained for life.
#10. Physical Games
Finally, you shouldn’t limit yourself to video games. Solo-play card games and board games are another fantastic solution. They’ll cure boredom and help you develop your skills. While they might not replaced video games, they are the perfect tool to complement them.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
