Discover the Joy of Solo Games: A Gateway to Mindfulness and Adventure

Solo games are one of the fastest-growing parts of the tabletop hobby — and for good reason. These games offer engaging challenges, thoughtful gameplay, and a genuinely relaxing way to spend time offline.

Many solo games are built around clever puzzles, strategic decisions, and problem-solving. They provide an experience that feels calm, immersive, and mentally stimulating. Solo games can offer rest, curiosity, and self-connection without needing to be “productive.”

Embrace the Mindfulness

Finding five moments of peace amidst the never-ending to-do list or “should-be-doings” of modern life is essential. Remember, there is joy to be found in a solo game.

Solo games support mindfulness by offering another way to be present:

• Encouraging focused attention (rolling, journaling, pattern recognition)

• Going on adventures as escapism

• Agency: ownership over the story or autonomy in the next move

• Self-paced, easy to pick up and put down

• Engaging the body as well as the mind

• Supporting the mind in slowing down or transitioning into a new task, space, or focus

  
  

A new, quiet, and peaceful game called Gentle Rain features a nature-based pattern with a pattern-matching game mechanic and a self-competitive element. This creates a beautiful break game over a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit.

Top Tip:

Leave these games out. Lay them on your desk, on the kitchen table, or snuggle them next to the sofa.

Adventure Seeking?

Solo Pocket RPGs (Role Playing Games) – Taking Adventure on the Go

Solo RPGs let you dive into a role-playing adventure without needing a group, a game master, or a carefully coordinated diary. They’re all about storytelling, imagination, and making meaningful choices — just on your own terms.

What is an RPG? It’s part game, part writing exercise, part daydream — and surprisingly immersive. Solo games are a gentle introduction. There’s no one watching, no rules lawyering, and no pressure to get everything “right.” You learn by doing — and if you want to restart or change direction, you absolutely can.

Solo RPGs tend to keep their rules simple, allowing the focus to remain on creativity. Many use prompts, journals, cards, or tables to guide the story, helping you discover what happens next.

Because the story is shaped by your choices, solo RPGs rarely play out the same way twice. Different decisions lead to different outcomes, making them endlessly replayable in a very personal way. All you need is a bit of time, a little imagination, and a willingness to see where the adventure takes you.

Whether you are filling in the Star Trek Enterprise Captain's Log or battling for beer in the local tavern, the adventure you're in is a result of your choices.

Roll and Write (Roll and Build) – Where Will the Die Land?

The roll of the dice decides the way you move through the game.

Roll-and-write games are primarily about:

• Interacting with a system

• Responding to randomness

• Optimising choices within constraints

  
  

The “story” emerges indirectly (through what you build or record).

Roll and write offers distance from fully personal decisions. Often, Roll-and-Write Games can create a comfortable emotional distance, as you manage a town or map, with success and failure feeling abstract. This makes them great for calm focus and grounding.

Mind Games

Solo puzzles that challenge the brain may build confidence quietly. Completing a puzzle gives a small but meaningful sense of achievement.

Categories in this group include:

• Logic Puzzle Games

• Spatial Reasoning

• Brain Training Games

• Dexterity-Light Manipulation Games (involve tactile interaction — placing, rotating, and adjusting pieces)

  
  

1 Player Mode – Looking for a More Immersive Experience?

Have a look at what you have on your shelf. Many amazing and beloved games have 1-player modes.

These include, but are by no means limited to:

• Heat

• Cascadia

• Wingspan

• Under Grove

  
  

The Benefits of Solo Gaming

Solo gaming is not just about playing alone; it’s about creating a space for yourself. It’s a chance to unwind, reflect, and engage your mind in a unique way. You can explore new worlds, solve intricate puzzles, and enjoy the thrill of adventure without the need for a group.

Imagine curling up on a rainy day, a warm drink in hand, and diving into a solo game. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, it can be a wonderful way to connect with yourself and recharge your batteries.

Building Community Through Solo Games

At Unplugged Games, our vision is to create a community where games foster social connection, creativity, and learning across ages and settings. We promote inclusive and accessible gaming through events, rentals, and education. Our goal is to enable communities to reconnect and employ games as development tools.

By embracing solo games, you’re not just enjoying a pastime; you’re also contributing to a larger movement. You’re part of a community that values creativity, connection, and the joy of unplugged play.

So, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, solo games offer something for everyone. Dive in, explore, and discover the joy of playing at your own pace.

Happy Gaming!

Bella