The Best Online Board Games for Solo Play in 2025

Board games are often celebrated for their social appeal, but solo play has become a thriving niche, offering strategic depth, relaxation, and personal challenge without the need for opponents. In 2025, digital platforms have made solo board gaming more accessible than ever, with online versions of games like Onitama, Sagrada, Terraforming Mars, Friday, and Wingspan providing robust single-player modes against AI or built-in solo challenges. These games cater to players who enjoy honing strategies, exploring complex mechanics, or simply unwinding alone. For bloggers, solo board games are a rich content opportunity, from strategy guides to platform reviews. This 2500-word guide explores the best online board games for solo play in 2025, detailing platforms, top games, strategies for success, and tips for monetizing your blog. Whether you’re a solo strategist or a blogger targeting this growing audience, here’s how to dive into the ultimate solo board gaming experience.

Why Solo Board Games Shine Online

Solo board games on digital platforms offer unique advantages for players in 2025:

• Convenience: Play anytime, anywhere, without needing opponents or physical components.
• AI Opponents: Robust AI modes, like those on Board Game Arena or Steam, provide challenging competition tailored to your skill level.
• Automation: Digital platforms handle scoring, rules, and setup, simplifying complex games like Terraforming Mars.
• Affordability: Many solo modes are free or low-cost, compared to physical games costing $20–$60.
• Immersion: High-quality graphics, music, and tutorials enhance the solo experience, making it engaging and replayable.

With platforms like Board Game Arena, Tabletopia, and mobile apps leading the way, solo players have endless options. Below, we explore the top platforms and games for solo play, with strategies and tips for bloggers.

Top Platforms for Solo Board Games

Several platforms excel at offering solo board games, with robust AI modes and user-friendly interfaces. Here’s a breakdown of the best options in 2025:

1. Board Game Arena (BGA)

• Overview: The world’s largest online board gaming platform, with over 11 million players and 700+ games, available on browsers, iOS, and Android.
• Solo Features:
  • AI Opponents: Adjustable AI difficulty for games like Onitama and Sagrada, with 2025’s “Smart Table” AI suggesting moves for learning.
  • Game Library: Over 600 free games, including solo modes for Onitama, Azul, and Cartographers.
  • Automation: Handles rules and scoring, streamlining solo play for complex titles.
  • Tutorials: In-game guides and videos teach mechanics, ideal for solo beginners.
• Pricing: Free tier (600+ games); premium ($4/month) unlocks games like Terraforming Mars.
• Why It’s Great: Vast library, robust AI, and a 2025 mobile app update with enhanced touch controls make it perfect for solo play.

Pro Tip: Use BGA’s solo mode to practice games like Onitama before trying multiplayer.

2. Tabletopia

• Overview: A 3D virtual tabletop with over 2,500 games, available on browsers, Steam, iOS, and Android.
• Solo Features:
  • Solo Modes: Dedicated solo variants for games like Wingspan and Cartographers, with community mods for custom solo play.
  • 3D Interface: Physics-based interaction (e.g., rolling dice) adds immersion to solo sessions.
  • Custom Games: Create or download solo mods via Steam Workshop.
• Pricing: Free tier (400+ games); Gold tier ($9.99/month) for full access.
• Why It’s Great: Immersive 3D visuals and modding make it ideal for solo players seeking a tactile experience.

Pro Tip: Check Tabletopia’s Steam Workshop for fan-made solo variants of games like Scythe.

3. Steam

• Overview: A digital gaming platform offering standalone board game apps (e.g., Terraforming Mars, Wingspan) and Tabletop Simulator, a sandbox with thousands of mods.
• Solo Features:
  • AI Opponents: Polished AI for games like Terraforming Mars and Wingspan, with adjustable difficulty.
  • Mods: Tabletop Simulator’s Steam Workshop offers solo mods for games like Friday.
  • Graphics: High-definition visuals and music enhance solo immersion.
• Pricing: Standalone apps ($4.99–$19.99); Tabletop Simulator ($19.99 one-time).
• Why It’s Great: Premium apps and modding provide deep solo experiences for dedicated players.

Pro Tip: Use Steam’s refund policy (under 2 hours playtime) to test games for solo compatibility.

4. Yucata

• Overview: A free, ad-free, browser-based platform with over 100 games, focusing on turn-based play but offering solo modes.
• Solo Features:
  • AI Opponents: Available for games like Cartographers and Roll Through the Ages.
  • Automation: Handles rules and scoring for seamless solo play.
  • Guest Play: No registration needed for quick solo sessions.
• Pricing: Completely free.
• Why It’s Great: Free access and simple interface suit casual solo players.

Pro Tip: Try Yucata’s solo mode for Cartographers to practice map-drawing strategies.

5. Mobile Apps (iOS/Android)

• Overview: Standalone apps like Sagrada, Onitama, and Friday offer polished solo experiences on iOS and Android.
• Solo Features:
  • AI Opponents: Customizable AI for games like Onitama and Sagrada.
  • Campaign Modes: Story-driven solo challenges in apps like Friday.
  • Offline Play: Many apps support offline solo modes, ideal for travel.
• Pricing: Some apps are free (e.g., Onitama’s base version); others cost $2.99–$9.99.
• Why It’s Great: Portable and optimized for touch, perfect for solo gaming on the go.

Pro Tip: Check the App Store or Google Play for free trials of games like Sagrada.

Top Online Board Games for Solo Play

Here are five of the best online board games for solo play in 2025, available on the platforms above, with strategies to excel and solo features to leverage:

1. Onitama (Board Game Arena, iOS, Android)

• Overview: A two-player abstract strategy game where you move pawns and a master across a 5×5 grid using unique movement cards. Solo mode pits you against AI. Playtime: 10–20 minutes.
• Why It’s Great for Solo: Fast-paced, chess-like strategy with dynamic card play makes it ideal for quick, brain-teasing sessions. BGA’s AI adapts to your skill level.
• Where to Play: Free on BGA; $2.99 on iOS/Android with free base version.
• Strategies:
  • Plan two moves ahead, as cards cycle between players and AI.
  • Use aggressive cards (e.g., Tiger) to corner the AI’s master.
  • Position pawns to block AI movement while advancing toward their temple.
  • Practice on BGA’s easy AI before scaling to hard mode.
• Solo Features: BGA’s adjustable AI difficulty and mobile apps’ offline mode ensure challenging, flexible play.
• Why It Stands Out: Compact yet deep, it’s perfect for solo players seeking quick strategic duels.

Pro Tip: Watch Onitama tutorials on YouTube’s BoardGameGeek for advanced card combos.

2. Sagrada (Steam, iOS, Android)

• Overview: A dice-drafting game where you build a stained-glass window by placing dice on a grid to score points. Solo mode challenges you against a target score. Playtime: 20–30 minutes.
• Why It’s Great for Solo: Puzzle-like mechanics and beautiful visuals create a relaxing yet challenging experience. The AI scorekeeper adds competitive pressure.
• Where to Play: $6.99 on Steam/iOS/Android; free demo on some platforms.
• Strategies:
  • Prioritize high-value dice (5s, 6s) for bonus objectives.
  • Place dice to complete columns/rows early for extra points.
  • Balance color and number requirements to avoid gridlock.
  • Use Steam’s solo mode to track high scores.
• Solo Features: Adjustable difficulty and randomized objectives keep solo play replayable.
• Why It Stands Out: Its artistic theme and strategic depth make it a solo favorite.

Pro Tip: Check Steam forums for Sagrada strategy tips to boost your scores.

3. Terraforming Mars (Steam, BGA, iOS, Android)

• Overview: An engine-building game where you terraform Mars by managing resources and projects to score points. Solo mode challenges you to terraform within 14 generations. Playtime: 60–90 minutes.
• Why It’s Great for Solo: Complex decision-making and resource management reward long-term planning against a tight turn limit.
• Where to Play: $19.99 on Steam/iOS/Android; premium on BGA ($4/month).
• Strategies:
  • Focus on early engine-building with cards like Mining Guild.
  • Prioritize terraforming goals (oxygen, temperature) to meet the solo deadline.
  • Save high-cost cards (e.g., Asteroid Mining) for late-game points.
  • Use BGA’s solo mode to practice against the clock.
• Solo Features: Steam’s polished AI and BGA’s turn-based mode allow deep strategic planning.
• Why It Stands Out: Its depth and replayability make it a solo strategist’s dream.

Pro Tip: Join BGA’s Terraforming Mars Discord channel for solo strategy tips.

4. Friday (iOS, Android)

• Overview: A deck-building game designed for solo play, where you help Robinson Crusoe survive island hazards to defeat pirates. Playtime: 20–30 minutes.
• Why It’s Great for Solo: Built exclusively for solo play, it offers a narrative-driven challenge with escalating difficulty.
• Where to Play: $3.99 on iOS/Android; fan-made mods on Tabletop Simulator (Steam, $19.99).
• Strategies:
  • Cull weak cards early to strengthen your deck.
  • Prioritize high-value cards (e.g., Experience) to combat hazards.
  • Manage life points carefully to survive pirate battles.
  • Use the app’s tutorial to learn deck-building mechanics.
• Solo Features: Progressive difficulty levels and randomized hazards ensure replayability.
• Why It Stands Out: Its solo-only design and portable app make it perfect for quick sessions.

Pro Tip: Check Reddit’s r/soloboardgaming for Friday deck-building strategies.

5. Wingspan (Steam, Tabletopia, iOS, Android)

• Overview: A bird-themed engine-building game where you attract birds to habitats to score points. Solo mode pits you against an AI opponent, the “Automa.” Playtime: 40–60 minutes.
• Why It’s Great for Solo: Relaxing yet strategic gameplay with beautiful visuals and a challenging AI make it ideal for solo players.
• Where to Play: $19.99 on Steam/iOS/Android; premium on Tabletopia ($9.99/month).
• Strategies:
  • Build a food engine early to play high-value birds.
  • Focus on end-game objectives (e.g., eggs, tucked cards) for bonus points.
  • Use the Automa’s actions to predict its scoring and counter it.
  • Practice on Steam’s solo mode to refine engine-building.
• Solo Features: The Automa’s adjustable difficulty and randomized goals keep solo play engaging.
• Why It Stands Out: Its calming theme and strategic depth appeal to solo players seeking immersion.

Pro Tip: Watch Wingspan tutorials on YouTube’s Stonemaier Games channel for Automa strategies.

Strategies for Solo Success

To excel in solo board gaming, adopt these universal tips:

1. Master the Rules: Use platform tutorials or YouTube channels like Shut Up & Sit Down to learn game mechanics thoroughly.
2. Practice Against AI: Start with easy AI on BGA or Steam to build confidence, then scale to harder modes.
3. Track Progress: Use in-game logs (e.g., BGA’s score tracker) to analyze mistakes and improve scores.
4. Experiment with Strategies: Test different approaches (e.g., science vs. military in Onitama) to find optimal solo tactics.
5. Join Communities: Engage with Reddit’s r/soloboardgaming or platform Discords to share solo strategies.

Pro Tip: Set personal goals (e.g., beating your Terraforming Mars score) to maintain motivation.

Setting Up for Solo Play

Ensure a seamless solo gaming experience with these setup tips:

1. Device Requirements:
   • Use a tablet or laptop for clear visuals; phones may be too small for games like Wingspan.
   • Ensure a 5 Mbps+ internet connection for online platforms; offline modes (e.g., Friday app) don’t require internet.
   • Check device specs: iOS 12+, Android 8+, or 2GB RAM for apps; modern browser (Chrome, Firefox) for web platforms.
2. Environment:
   • Play in a quiet space to focus on strategy, especially for complex games like Terraforming Mars.
   • Use headphones for immersive music in apps like Wingspan or Sagrada.
   • Keep a notepad for tracking scores or strategies in solo challenges.
3. Learning Curve:
   • Start with simpler games like Onitama before tackling complex ones like Terraforming Mars.
   • Use BGA’s “Smart Table” AI or app tutorials to learn mechanics.

Pro Tip: Test your setup with a quick Onitama solo match on BGA to ensure smooth performance.

Monetizing Your Blog with Solo Board Game Content

As a blogger, leverage solo board games for engaging content:

• Game Reviews: Compare Onitama’s quick strategy to Wingspan’s immersive engine-building.
• Strategy Guides: Share tips for beating the Automa in Wingspan or surviving Friday’s pirates.
• Platform Tutorials: Guide readers on setting up solo play on BGA or Tabletopia.
• Solo Challenges: Create posts challenging readers to beat your Terraforming Mars solo score and share results.
• Affiliate Links: Promote paid apps like Wingspan or Tabletop Simulator for commissions.

Pro Tip: Optimize posts with SEO keywords like “best solo board games online 2025” and include gameplay screenshots (with permission) for visual appeal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Connection Lag: For online platforms, use Ethernet and check status pages (e.g., BGA’s server status). Offline apps like Friday avoid this issue.
• Game Access: If a game is premium-only (e.g., Terraforming Mars on BGA), try Yucata for free alternatives like Cartographers.
• Bugs: Report issues via platform support (e.g., Steam’s help center). Check r/soloboardgaming for fixes.
• Learning Curve: Use tutorials and start with easy AI to ease into complex games.

Pro Tip: Save progress in BGA’s turn-based solo mode to avoid losing scores due to crashes.

Future Trends for Solo Board Gaming in 2025

Solo board gaming is evolving with exciting trends:

• AI Enhancements: BGA’s “Smart Table” and similar AI tools will offer personalized coaching, making solo play more accessible.
• Mobile Optimization: Apps like Friday and BGA’s 2025 update prioritize touch controls and offline play.
• AR Integration: Tabletopia’s AR boards will project solo games onto physical tables, enhancing immersion.
• Solo Campaigns: Apps like Friday will expand story-driven solo modes, blending narrative and strategy.

Pro Tip: Follow platforms on Twitter/X (@BoardGameArena, @Tabletopia) for updates on new solo features.

Conclusion

The best online board games for solo play in 2025—Onitama, Sagrada, Terraforming Mars, Friday, and Wingspan—offer immersive, strategic experiences for players seeking solo challenges. Platforms like Board Game Arena, Tabletopia, Steam, Yucata, and mobile apps provide robust AI opponents, automation, and affordable access, making solo gaming accessible and engaging. By mastering strategies, optimizing your setup, and engaging with communities, you can elevate your solo board gaming experience. For bloggers, this niche offers endless content opportunities, from reviews to strategy guides. Pick a game, fire up a platform, and dive into the world of solo board gaming for unforgettable fun in 2025!