Best Single-Player PC Games for Solo Gamers
If you’re looking for the best single-player PC games that you can sink hundreds of hours into, then you’ve come to the right place. As a passionate fan of single-player games, I took it upon myself to list out 15 single-player titles for players who value immersive open worlds, engaging storylines, incredible graphics, and endless replayability above all else.
Kicking ass (or getting your ass kicked) in multiplayer games is great and all, but some of us do feel the need to just dive into a game without the distraction of competitiveness hanging above our heads as we slay monsters, loot chests, and save the villagers whilst chilling in our room.
Immersiveness, after all, is what separates a truly great single-player game from the rest. With that in mind, what you’ll see below are single-player titles for PC that you can get lost in for hours at a time, taken in completely as you explore everything each game has to offer both story and gameplay-wise.
Oh, and fair warning – you better get ready to lose a few hours of sleep playing these games.
Top Picks: Best Single-Player Games for PC
Out of all the 15 games on this list, here are my top picks for the best single-player PC games that you should definitely consider playing for your next solo gaming session:
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) – an action-packed RPG with an immersive open world and brilliant storytelling where you can relive your childhood cowboy fantasies.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023) – a love letter by Larian Studios to DnD fans and casual gamers alike, boasting top-of-the-line character customization, graphics, story, and classic CRPG-style mechanics.
- Elden Ring (2020) – arguably the best souls-like game where you can immerse yourself in a bleak open world filled with hard bosses to conquer and loads of unique gear to collect.
- Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015) – a story-heavy action RPG that allows you to decide the fate of the leading characters and various NPCs via meaningful interactions and dialogue options.
- Skyrim (2011) – a classic, genre-defining open-world RPG where you can do just about anything you can think of in a high-fantasy, medieval setting.
Disappointed that your favorite game didn’t make my top picks? Well, take comfort in knowing that choosing the best titles out of the bunch was no easy task, given how fantastic all these single-player games are.
Keep scrolling though, as we still have ten more top-tier single-player games to show you–a few of which might be one of your favorites or titles that you might enjoy that you haven’t played yet!
15 Best Single-Player PC Games
As an avid solo gamer, I understand the struggle of trying to hunt down great single-player games to enjoy in my free time. It’s not that easy, considering how the gaming market tends to skew towards live-service multiplayer games nowadays due to their superior earning potential.
To help you in this regard, I’ve listed 15 of the best single-player PC games worth getting, boasting great replay value and gameplay elements that’ll surely get you hooked. I’ll also go over what makes each game worthy of its place on this list, just so you can find the perfect game. Let’s get to it!
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows | 2018 |
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an absolute masterpiece by Rockstar Games that’s centered around the infamous outlaw Arthur Morgan—a gunslinger gang enforcer trying to survive with his people during the dying years of the Wild West.
For me and a lot of other fans, it is by far Rockstar’s’ best title yet and one of the best open-world games on PC that a solo gaming enthusiast could ever get their hands on. Complete with fantastic graphics, badass gunfights, a lively open world, and a phenomenal story, there are very few single-player titles that can stand toe-to-toe with this one.
Simply put, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the very few video games I’d recommend any gamer to play at least once in their lifetime, and that’s a mountain I’m willing to die on.
Get your copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 >
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2023 |
Larian Studios put every single AAA gaming development company on notice with the release of Baldur’s Gate 3, shattering records for single-player games and setting a new standard on how a good RPG should be. It sold a staggering 2.5 million copies in just its early access phase alone, and deservedly so.
If what you’re looking for is a highly customizable, story-heavy experience with branching storylines and well-developed CRPG mechanics that are backed by stunning visuals, then Baldur’s Gate 3 is perfect for you.
This game also features some of the best voice-acting work for characters I’ve seen in an RPG, which is a huge bonus for any dialogue-intensive, story-driven game just like it.
Get your copy of Baldur’s Gate 3 >
3. Elden Ring
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 10/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows | 2022 |
There are several games like Elden Ring now, with the souls-like sub-genre breaking into mainstream popularity in recent years. Nevertheless, not too many of them pulled off a vast, unforgiving open world that’s filled with intriguing, grim lore quite like this game.
Are you a fan of challenging, fast-paced combat and aren’t afraid to get your ass handed to you by a boss multiple times before you get that satisfying clear? In that case, give Elden Ring or any other Dark Souls title a try.
There’s a reason why this game has won multiple categories in the Game Awards. It’s not something I’d recommend for super casual gamers, but Elden Ring is an absolute must-play for anyone willing to tackle higher-difficulty games.
4. Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9.5/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2015 |
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt RED is another story-heavy banger that any solo gamer must experience at least once. It’s among the best RPG games out there, with top-tier storytelling, engaging melee-centric combat, and improved graphics thanks to its next-gen update.
I strongly recommend getting Witcher 3 and familiarizing yourself with the game and its lore not only because it’s a phenomenal title, but also because it’ll prepare you for the highly-anticipated Witcher 4 that was announced at the 2024 Game Awards.
Get your copy of Witcher 3: Wild Hunt >
5. Final Fantasy XVI
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9.5/10 | PlayStation 5, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2023 |
If we’re talking about the best single-player PC games, then Final Fantasy XVI being included is a no-brainer. It stands among the finest Square Enix titles to ever come out and is certainly one of the prettiest RPGs purely based on graphics.
Aside from its narrative and visual greatness, Final Fantasy XVI’s dynamic melee combat system that allows for various ground and aerial combos also makes it one of the best hack-and-slash games on the market.
It’s seriously the complete package if you prefer the perfect balance of combat and story in your games, alongside brilliant soundtracks and visuals.
Get your copy of Final Fantasy XVI >
6. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac operating systems | 2020 |
As a huge fan of Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s games, I have to say that Yakuza: Like a Dragon is more than a worthy successor to the Yakuza series. It’s one of the best story games I’ve ever played, with a narrative experience that does justice to previous installments in the Yakuza franchise.
In Yakuza: Like a Dragon, you can do battle alongside a handful of compelling side characters in turn-based combat or distract yourself with classic, Yakuza-patented minigames and side quests in between the action.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is the first game of the series and is followed by Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth which was just released in 2024. Both titles show promise for future releases, and they’re definitely worth a try.
Get your copy of Yakuza: Like a Dragon >
7. God of War
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2018 |
God of War takes us back to the nostalgic hack-and-slash platformer days, albeit with vastly improved graphics, story, and overall gameplay experience compared to its pre-2014 predecessors.
The game follows an older and wiser Kratos, now done tussling with Greek gods on Mount Olympus and instead setting his sights on the Norse pantheon. Just like previous God of War games, this one is an action-packed experience from beginning to end, with a compelling story to boot.
This used to be a PlayStation-exclusive title just like a few other games on this list, but luckily for PC gamers, God of War and its sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, have both received decently optimized PC ports in the last few years. This is a massive win, considering how incredible these two games are.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 9/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Google Stadia, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems | 2020 |
Despite its controversial launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has since recovered and has earned itself a spot in the list of the best single-player PC games ever made. This is a very hard claim to dispute if you’ve played the game recently.
Cyberpunk 2077 is not only one of the most visually stunning games post-updates and bug fixes, but it also offers an intense, yet touching story that we should all come to expect for any old or upcoming major CD Projekt RED game.
If that isn’t enough to convince you to pick Cyberpunk 2077 up, keep in mind that it also features one of the best DLCs for any single-player game in Phantom Liberty, adding to the already hefty amount of content you can access in the game.
Get your copy of Cyberpunk 2077 >
9. Ghost of Tsushima
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows | 2020 |
Ghost of Tsushima, another former PlayStation-exclusive game, is a godsend for solo PC gamers who are looking to get into a visually stunning game with highly polished melee combat.
Its combat system and graphics aren’t this game’s only selling points, however, as Ghost of Tsushima also boasts one of the more impactful story campaigns out of all the games on this list.
Key features that set this game apart are its grappling mechanic which makes the open world feel much less restrictive, as well as the dodge, block, and parry mechanics that are just so satisfying to pull off in a fight.
It’s no Elden Ring when it comes to difficulty level, but I recommend Ghost of Tsushima for gamers who don’t mind working for their wins in one-man-army sieges and boss battles.
Get your copy of Ghost of Tsushima >
10. Skyrim
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, GeForce Now | 2011 |
Skyrim may be the oldest game on this list, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it being included here is a hot take. After all, Skyrim is the quintessential single-player game and a timeless classic that’s more than worth your time.
Not only is Skyrim the most modded game in history with over 170,000 available mods (and counting) in Nexusmods alone, but it’s also chock-full of content that even players with hundreds of hours of playtime are still discovering new things in the game.
No self-respecting fan who’s hunting down the best single-player PC games should ever pass on Skyrim, especially if they also like open-world fantasy medieval games.
11. Resident Evil 4
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, iOS, Mac operating systems | 2023 |
When it comes to horror survival games, very few can compare to the Resident Evil series and its impact on the genre. Resident Evil 4 is a remake of a previous game with the same name, featuring updated, next-gen graphics and rehauled gameplay mechanics that feel much smoother.
I’m not much of a fan of recent horror game releases, but I have to admit that playing Resident Evil 4 made me relive the days when horror games used to excite me. It’s a thrilling experience complete with a high-stakes plot, great visuals, and spine-tingling sound design.
After playing the game and completing it, all I can say is that Resident Evil 4 is about as Resident Evil as any modern Resident Evil game can get (if that makes sense), and arguably stands at the very top when it comes to the best Resident Evil games ever.
Get your copy of Resident Evil 4 >
12. The Last of Us Part I
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8.5/10 | PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows | 2022 |
Just like Resident Evil 4, The Last of Us Part 1 is a remake of its older counterpart, albeit with fewer changes to how the story is told and more focus on improving the original game’s visual fidelity, as well as its exploration and combat mechanics.
Boasting an absolute tear-jerker of a story that would make even the most stone-faced gamer shed a tear, it’s just hard not to sing praises for this game.
If you’re keeping an eye out for zombie-themed games as a solo player, The Last of Us Part 1 offers a unique, drama-filled take on the survival horror genre that’ll pull you in and make you not want to let go of your mouse.
Get your copy of The Last of Us Part I >
13. Fallout 4
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now | 2015 |
Fallout 4 is the second Bethesda title on this list, and that should come to no one’s surprise. They are, after all, the best when it comes to crafting detailed open-world single-player games—even though it doesn’t seem like they’re on top form lately with their more recent releases.
While I personally prefer the story of Fallout: New Vegas (as do most other Fallout fans), Fallout 4 more than makes up for it by having better gameplay, graphics, and open-world features.
The main selling point of Fallout games is that they portray a post-apocalyptic world filled with all sorts of fascinating NPCs and companions that can join you as you explore the wastelands, and Fallout 4 definitely captures that charm.
14. Doom Eternal
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows | 2020 |
Doom Eternal, if you play it properly, makes you feel like an absolute monster rampaging through hordes of demons using unique, absurdly powerful weapons. The game’s addictive gameplay loop that’s bolstered by its excellent graphics makes this action-packed title a must-have for solo gamers.
While it’s not exactly as story-heavy as most of the games on this list, Doom Eternal evens the playing field by allowing you to fight demons almost non-stop. It rarely pulls the breaks on the action by throwing you in combat 90% of the time, which is great considering how well-optimized this game is on PC.
Get your copy of Doom Eternal >
15. Hades
| Our Score | Platforms | Release Year |
| 8/10 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac operating systems, iOS, Microsoft Windows | 2018 |
Taking the last spot on my list is Hades, one of the best indie games to date. Being an indie game, Hades does not have fancy 3D graphics with top-tier visual fidelity, unlike most games on this list. What it does have, however, is by far one of the best gameplay loops and replay value out of any single-player game out there.
I mean, both the story and gameplay of Hades quite literally revolve around the player dying and restarting progress over and over again. The game is set in the land of the dead, after all, and your goal is to break free from your father (Hades) and your birth place-turned-prison (also Hades) no matter how many tries it takes.
Best Co-op Games on PC
If you want to cleanse your palette by trying out a few co-op games, here are three of the best co-op PC games that feature some of the elements that all great single-players have, such as immersive story campaigns, heavy RPG elements, and brilliant graphics.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Space Marine 2 is the perfect game for single-player action RPG enthusiasts looking to dip their toes in co-op on PC. It has a very compelling story campaign that you can play by yourself, as well as single-player side content to keep you occupied without even touching the multiplayer modes.
The story campaign isn’t as long as far as traditional story campaigns for single-player games go (7-12 hours), but Space Marine 2 more than makes up for it by being one of the best hack-and-slash games ever released, as well as having a fairly sizable and passionate playerbase for co-op play.
Get your copy of Space Marine 2 >
Left 4 Dead 2
Nothing really captures the thrill of being in a life-or-death assault against a horde of zombies quite like the classic Left 4 Dead franchise.
Aside from having a pretty good and decently-sized story campaign (10-15 hours), playing Left 4 Dead 2 via co-op on PC is a different journey entirely, and dare I say a more fun experience than running around as a lone survivor with AI teammates in single-player campaigns.
I personally found Left 4 Dead 1’s story better than Left 4 Dead 2’s, but as a counterpoint, the sequel is a definite improvement in almost every other way, especially when it comes to co-op. If you’re looking to get into a zombie-themed co-op game with a good single-player experience on the side, then this one’s definitely for you.
Get your copy of Left 4 Dead 2 >
Diablo 4
If dungeon crawler-style RPGs are more your speed, then Diablo 4 is sure to blow you away. What makes Diablo 4 so great is that the Diablo formula is already tried and tested. This game took all the good RPG elements and mechanics from the classic titles that came before it, then was packaged with stunning visuals and a more optimized overall experience for good measure.
Keep in mind that all Diablo titles, including this one, have all been made to be fantastic single-player games by themselves. Diablo 4, despite requiring an internet connection, has over 25-35 hours worth of content that you can clear completely solo.
Best PC Games
In this section, I’ll be discussing three of the best PC games regardless of whether they’re single-player games or not. These are games with PC ports that I highly recommend you play, aside from the 15 games we’ve already gone over above.
Grand Theft Auto V
The GTA series is undoubtedly the most successful out of all the Rockstar Games’ catalog, with GTA V alone selling a record-breaking 205 million units since its release back in 2013. It’s one of the most fun games ever to play either play solo or co-op, just going by the sheer amount of content it has.
Boasting a dynamic open world and graphics that are well ahead of their time, I strongly suggest getting this game if you still somehow haven’t played it yet, especially with the highly anticipated release of GTA VI.
Get your copy of Grand Theft Auto V >
Black Myth: Wukong
If you’re a fan of story-driven games with tough bosses and different available playstyles, then Black Myth: Wukong is an absolutely awesome action RPG that you must play.
Despite its controversial loss to Astrobot for Game of the Year 2024, Black Myth: Wukong’s action-packed gameplay, gripping plot, and visual excellence were enough to secure the Best Action Game and Player’s Voice awards.
Get your copy of Black Myth: Wukong >
Persona 5 Royal
Since this is predominantly a list of the best single-player games for PC, I can’t just leave out Persona 5 Royal, which just received its PC port back in 2022.
It’s one of the most popular JRPGs in recent decades, thanks to its Pokemon-style turn-based combat mechanics, intriguing plot, and the patented social links system where you can develop friendships and romances with other characters.
If you’re looking for a game with a particularly lengthy narrative-driven experience, then Persona 5 Royal’s 100+ hours worth of main objectives alone should be more than enough to quench your thirst, not to mention the game’s great replay value.
Get your copy of Persona 5 Royal >
FAQs
Are RTS games worth it for single-player only?
Absolutely! In fact, some of the best RTS franchises like the Total War series and the Civilization series feature deep, highly replayable campaigns that are perfect for solo players.
Are there any good underrated single-player games on PC?
There are a ton of underrated single-player games. Days Gone, Sleeping Dogs, and Judgment, to name a few, are single-player games that I think deserved more hype than what they got.
