It’s never been a better time to be a multiplayer gamer, with fantastic titles such as Fortnite, GTA Online, and Call of Duty: Warzone taking the industry by storm. However, the same can be said about single-player experiences, especially in recent years thanks to the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Dedicated single-player games are some of the richest, most beloved experiences in the medium, and in this list, we’ll go through the very best. These are the best single-player games.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
95%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
CD Projekt RED
Publisher
WB Games, Bandai Namco Entertainment, cdp.pl, Spike ChunSoft
Release
May 19, 2015
The Witcher 3 drops players into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a gruff monster bounty hunter on a mission to track down his companions and prepare for a battle against the Wild Hunt — a troop of wraiths on undead horses hell-bent on enslaving the human race. To make a bit of coin while exploring the world, Geralt can pick up bounties to take out fewer world-ending creatures, hunting down werewolves, griffins, ghouls, and other deadly foes terrorizing the common-folk. With an arsenal of weapons, a growing collection of abilities and magic, and a trusted steed named Roach, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers an estimated 100-plus hours of gameplay with all side quests included. Whether you’re jumping into the Witcher universe after binging the Netflix series or have played previous installments in the franchise, it’s a stunning fantasy adventure that will draw you in from the jump. If you’re playing on PC, you can also take advantage of some Witcher 3 mods to change the gameplay. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S players can look forward to a next-gen version of The Witcher 3 set to launch sometime in the future.
Marvel's Spider-Man
88%
4.5/5
Platforms
PlayStation 4
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Insomniac Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
September 07, 2018
One of the best PS4 games to play right now, Marvel’s Spider-Man gives players the chance to explore New York City through the eyes of the world’s favorite web-slinging superhero. Swing through an incredibly detailed open-world take on NYC while on the lookout for muggers, storefront robbers, and high-speed car thefts, dropping down to save the day with some strategic webbing and acrobatic smackdowns. And don’t worry: There are a handful of bigger-tier villains to fight on this superhero game, meaning you won’t just be dealing with petty crime. Fighting crime is only part of Marvel’s Spider-Man, however. There are also challenges that pop up throughout the city to help hone Spidey’s specific set of skills, and simply exploring Manhattan and taking photos of the sights is a blast when you need a break from playing police officer. You can also enjoy the follow-up, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, available for PS4 and PS5 right now.
DOOM Eternal
84%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter
Developer
id Software
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
March 20, 2020
In Doom Eternal, Earth is completely overrun by demons, and only the Doom Slayer can save the planet from complete, hellish destruction. The game offers a smooth, fast-paced demon-blasting experience with a heavy arsenal at hand — you can take out evil with rocket launchers, plasma rifles, advanced shotguns, and chainsaws, among other tools. Doom Eternal is a bigger, better version of the 2016 reboot, also from Id Software. While Doom Eternal delivers the classic marathon carnage of past installments, it also includes some interesting exposition and background that users can dive into between brutal, end-0f-the world gunfights, giving you a chance to learn more about the Slayer and the creatures dead set on destroying humanity.
Red Dead Redemption 2
93%
5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Rockstar Games
Publisher
Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar Games
Release
October 26, 2018
Sharpshooter Arthur Morgan might not be a lone ranger, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best solitary games to be had right now. Whether you stick to story-driven quests as Arthur and the Van der Linde gang avoid the law, casually explore the massive open-world environment to hunt for rare animal pelts and fish, or go full-scoundrel and cause chaos shooting up local saloons, this immersive world will pull you into the Old West one way or another. Red Dead Redemption 2 remains one of the best open-world experiences on the market, so it’s worth diving into even if the 1899 cops-and-robbers setting isn’t usually up your alley. Although fans are still waiting for DLC while the game’s online multiplayer mode gets attention — and the PC release was a bit shaky — it’s still hard to beat.
The Outer Worlds
80%
5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Private Division
Release
October 25, 2019
A Fallout-Borderlands hybrid, Obsidian’s space-age RPG was in the running for plenty of best-of awards in 2019. The Outer Worlds is a light-hearted, choose-your-own-path adventure full of oddball creatures to battle, futuristic quests that force players into moral quandaries, and, like any RPG, a ragtag group of misfit companions to choose from. While combat is a big component of the game, the story is plot-heavy, requiring you to scavenge supplies and chat with NPCs instead of always gunning down challenging adversaries. Your companions have their own stories that are fun to get into, too, and the environment and creature design will leave you ignoring side quests to gaze at the planetary landscapes. The Outer Worlds is a perfect RPG for someone who wants to get into some space adventures but doesn’t want to tackle Deathclaws or gun down waves of enemies, a la Borderlands. It’s a simple game to get started in, with a story-driven DLC that adds even more content.
Death Stranding
89%
3.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Kojima Productions
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment, 505 Games
Release
November 08, 2019
Death Stranding is the latest game from Hideo Kojima, the visionary behind the Metal Gear Solid franchise. The game is set in the United States during the aftermath of a cataclysmic event known as, well, “the Death Stranding,” which allowed destructive creatures from a realm between life and death to begin roaming the Earth. You play as Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with delivering supplies to and connecting the scattered human colonies that remain. While the gameplay may be slow for some — Bridges does a lot of trudging around beautiful but repetitive terrain to make deliveries, making the game an advanced hiking simulator — it remains a narrative masterpiece that has been lauded for its commentary on America’s political divide and the way it handles a post-environmental disaster. Death Stranding launched as a PS4 exclusive, but later came to PC, along with the Director’s Cut for PS5.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
91%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
FromSoftware
Publisher
Activision
Release
March 22, 2019
Sekiro may look like a hack-and-slash samurai thriller on the outside, but its absolutely brutal combat system makes it one of the most challenging single-player adventures out there. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, Sekiro puts you in control of the One-armed Wolf, a fallen warrior resurrected by a supernatural force and dead set on vengeance. While powerful bosses like the Guardian Ape and the Demon of Hatred certainly put players through the wringer and will take multiple attempts to take down, no enemy in the game can be taken lightly. A simple miscalculation and taking an extra blow can mean sudden death for the World, even from common creatures. Not for the easily frustrated gamer, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a tough game to get through and doesn’t have a difficulty slider to help anyone out — that’s actually sparked a lot of debate concerning accessibility for the game. But armed with some serious strategy and with enough practice, all the big fights in the game feel so much sweeter to win once you finally finish them.
Fallout 4
80%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
November 10, 2015
If Fallout 4 wasn’t packed with content when it launched in 2015, a handful of DLCs, numerous add-on packages, and an abundance of third-party mods have fleshed out the experience since, making for some serious gameplay and multiple playthroughs. After the protagonist escapes from a cryogenic sleep following a nuclear blast, they explore the post-apocalyptic Commonwealth in search of their infant son, fighting super mutants, deathclaws, raiders, and all sorts of other edgy dangers along the way. The game’s DLCs have you explore the dark and stormy island of Far Harbor, a Nuka-Cola-themed amusement park, and give you the means to create your own robot combat companion. You can also hole up with your own band of survivors and work on building a settlement for your people and gather the best Fallout 4 weapons to survive. Fallout 4 still makes for a phenomenal, in-depth playthrough, one that pairs nicely alongside Bethesda’s newer online offering, Fallout 76.
The Last of Us Part II
93%
5/5
Platforms
PlayStation 4
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Naughty Dog
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
June 19, 2020
The release of The Last of Us Part II has captivated a large portion of gamers, delivering an incredible story, memorable characters, and gameplay that feels evolved from its predecessor. When it comes to single-player adventures, not many studios do what Naughty Dog does — the team has come a long way since its Crash Bandicoot days. Narrative is The Last of Us Part II’s focus, and it tells the tale of revenge, intertwining its story from the points of view of two characters. While its narrative seemed to cause some controversy among fans and critics, you can’t deny the high level of quality put forth by Naughty Dog and Sony. The Last of Us Part II is tough to get into the nitty-gritty of what makes this game so special without spoiling its story, but just know that it’ll be hard to put down after things get going. There’s a reason this game was so controversial when it came out, but we applaud it for subverting expectations.
Ghost of Tsushima
89%
4.5/5
Platforms
PlayStation 4
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Sucker Punch Productions
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
July 17, 2020
The PS4’s last major first-party game sent the system off with a bang, thanks to Sucker Punch’s latest single-player adventure, Ghost of Tsushima. Critics and players fell in love with its open world, deep combat, and stunning visuals. Ghost of Tsushima is a major departure for Sucker Punch, as the developer had previously spent the better part of a decade working on the inFAMOUS games — but it’s a welcome change of pace. In it, you play as a samurai who is tasked with saving his home of Tsushima Island. In Ghost of Tsushima, there’s no shortage of things to do, from going around the map to find collectibles, to clearing out enemy bases (sort of like Far Cry), and even spending hours in its robust photo mode. Its combat can be a little daunting at first, but after a few hours you should get the hang of it — and when you do, you’ll feel like an unstoppable warrior, capable of taking anyone out. It does a lot of things we’ve seen before, but also features some new surprises and free multiplayer content, so this is not one to miss. The Director’s Cut of Ghost of Tsushima is available for PS4 and PS5 now, featuring all-new content and quality of life improvements.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
88%
3/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
April 10, 2020
What Square Enix was able to accomplish with Final Fantasy VII Remake is nothing short of impressive. The way it effectively blends its foundational source material with new mechanics to make it feel modern has set a benchmark for how remakes should be handled going forward. It features a unique combat system that combines real-time action with a simple menu-based system that makes it feel like an evolution of the 1997 original. You can easily spend 40 hours in this game, though it’s a lot more linear than many games on this list. This is great for those who want to focus on the game’s story and characters, without having to worry about traversing a huge open world. There’s a time and place for that, but linearity works tremendously in this game’s favor. In short, this is a remake that works better than you might expect. And while it does have some shortcomings, it’s overall one of the PS4’s best single-player games. Better yet, we have more Final Fantasy VII Remake to look forward to, as part 2 (or whatever it will be called, officially) is in the works as we speak. You can also go back and play some of the best Final Fantasy games from the past if you’re so inclined. In 2021, an enhanced version for PS5 called Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade was released, featuring improved visuals and extra content.
Returnal
85%
4/5
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Shooter
Developer
Housemarque
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
April 30, 2021
Roguelike games have been working to find attractive, mainstream identities for years now, with varying amounts of success. Returnal is an example of just how successful they can be for single-player modes, and one of the few current games that really benefit from a new console upgrade. The problem is that it’s difficult to talk too much about Returnal’s story or bosses without spoiling things. You play a character using guns and gadgets (it’s primarily a shooter when it comes to controls) to traverse a beautiful — and creepy — alien world filled with dangers, and you quickly discover that every time you die, you are returned to the same time and place to do things again. Play over and over to discover the game’s fiendish bosses, and attempt to beat them all while discovering clues about this mesmerizing game. Patience is required … but the effort is certainly worth it.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
76%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Ubisoft Montreal
Publisher
Ubisoft Entertainment
Release
November 10, 2020
The AC games have become excellent sandboxes to explore specific times and places — and then do pretty much whatever you want. Valhalla is the latest and perhaps boldest effort along these lines, a stunning, rich Nordic world to explore as you carve out a destiny for yourself and your people. More than ever, the game is packed with interesting activities and even more interesting ways to hack, slice, and dispatch your enemies with violent skill. With something new always around the corner and a very free style of play that encourages exploration instead of linear story paths, Vahalla is an excellent choice for any fan of single-players, and you don’t need to worry if you haven’t played any Assassin’s Creed games before. The only downside is that it’s such a broad work, it can barely be called an AC game at all, and a lot of the famed stealth gameplay isn’t even available here.
Demon's Souls
87%
Platforms
PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Bluepoint Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
November 12, 2020
Quite possibly the greatest launch title of all time is the Demon’s Souls remake, which came out for the PS5 in 2020. This was a tremendous treat, especially for those who played the original game in 2009. Rebuilt from the ground up, Demon’s Souls was an improvement in every single way, with better visuals, quality of life improvements, and slight alterations here and there, which made for a better experience. Despite the differences with the remake, it’s one of the most faithful recreations in all of gaming. Developer Bluepoint Games somehow managed to strike the perfect balance of preserving the integrity of the original, while ensuring it plays well in a modern context. Even certain exploits and glitches were kept intact with this remake, proving the staff at Bluepoint knows their stuff when it comes to recreating older games.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
85%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Shooter, Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Kojima Productions
Publisher
Konami
Release
September 01, 2015
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is an interesting piece of history in the acclaimed series, as it serves as renowned director Hideo Kojima’s last game with Konami. A dispute between Konami and Kojima led to the director’s departure from the company, and thus Kojima Productions was born. As for Metal Gear Solid V itself, it’s one of the most incredible gaming experiences ever, featuring a massive open world, tons of gameplay systems, and no shortage of things to do. Interestingly, the story — which is one of the only downsides of this game — was left partially unfinished, so if you’re looking for a cohesive narrative, you might not love this game. However, there are still a lot of fascinating story beats that feel like Metal Gear. Beyond that, the gameplay is the true reason to experience The Phantom Pain, as it’s the most open-ended entry in the series, allowing you to practically do whatever you want.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
88%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher
Bethesda Softworks
Release
November 10, 2011
As cliche as it may sound, it’s hard not to love The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, even a decade after its initial release. It’s the quintessential action RPG, offering many different combat styles, from ranged, to melee, and everything in between. While many other RPGs have replicated what Skyrim has done — arguably better — many players keep finding their way back to Bethesda’s 2011 classic. You can play how you want by making decisions, exploring, and building your character in a wide variety of ways. Some areas of Skyrim haven’t aged as well, but it’s remarkable just how well this game holds up in 2021. Better yet is that you probably own a system that can play this game.
Grand Theft Auto V
90%
4.75/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
Rockstar North
Publisher
Rockstar Games, Take-Two Interactive
Release
September 17, 2013
Grand Theft Auto V is arguably one of the most popular games of all time. It went on to sell over 150 million copies and is the most profitable piece of entertainment in history? Most of its financial success has to do with Grand Theft Auto Online, but its single-player mode is worth checking out as well. It features three playable protagonists, Franklin, Michael, and Trevor — all of whom can be switched to on the fly. The story is wild and bonkers, as you’d expect, with some of the best writing and performances the series has seen. The gameplay has been expanded upon from the previous iterations, with a first-person mode available for the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game. Speaking of enhanced versions, a next-gen version of Grand Theft Auto V will launch for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2022.
Metroid Dread
88%
4.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
October 07, 2021
It’s surreal to have a brand new 2D Metroid game to play on Nintendo Switch. Metroid Dread is the first new 2D game in the series since 2002’s Metroid Fusion, so you can imagine how much hype there was surrounding its release. The best part? It somehow lived up to 19 years of waiting, with some of the best visuals, gameplay, and mechanics the series has ever had. Metroid Dread has a prominent sense of atmosphere, with a rewarding gameplay loop that makes it hard to put down. As you explore the beautiful stages, you unlock new powers and items that are used to reach previously inaccessible areas. Sprinkled throughout are challenging, yet fun boss battles, and the new E.M.M.I. robots, which stalk you like a horror villain. Simply put, this game is in the upper tier of Nintendo Switch titles, alongside Beath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
88%
3.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Game Freak
Publisher
Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
Release
January 28, 2022
The mainline Pokémon RPGs have always been reviewed well, but the recent installments have arguably felt a little stale. Thankfully, Game Freak flipped the script with the recently released Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a game that feels very much like a major evolution for the series. Instead of being presented from a top-down perspective, Legends: Arceus is a third-person action game with a large open world to explore. In a lot of ways, it’s the Pokémon game many of us have dreamt of for years, giving players plenty of freedom and more of an emphasis on action. Sure, it retains the beloved turn-based combat system, but it feels much more like a modern game, wherein you have complete control of the camera at all times. Despite our praises, Legends: Arceus does have some problems, but we’re excited to see what The Pokémon Company does with this series going forward. It feels like the start of something absolutely fantastic, just like the first Assassin’s Creed game.
Horizon Forbidden West
4/5
Platforms
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Guerrilla Games
Publisher
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release
February 18, 2022
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best games on PS4, and while you can still go back to enjoy that game, its predecessor, Horizon Forbidden West is arguably better. It still features a beautiful, massive open world to explore, plenty of quests to complete, and intense battles against robot dinosaurs. It doesn’t fundamentally change what worked in its predecessor, but instead doubles down on smart ideas and even sprinkles in a few new ones throughout. For instance, being able to paraglide makes getting around much easier, as does the ability to swim underwater. Pretty much everything from the original was improved upon, from animations, to combat, and even the gameplay loop, which feels more rewarding than ever with this installment. If you’re looking for a fun action RPG with an absolutely stunning visual style, you have to play Horizon Forbidden West.
Elden Ring
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
FromSoftware
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
February 25, 2022
Speaking of open-worlds, it’s tough to ignore FromSoftware’s masterpiece, Elden Ring. This game takes many of the design ideas from the previous Dark Souls games and expands upon them, giving players a massive land littered with secrets to uncover. It’s still just as brutally difficult as the other Souls games, but in many ways is more approachable thanks to the open world. But don’t be mistaken: Elden Ring will still wipe the floor with you if you try to brute force your way through it. But if you play by its rules and take the time to explore to unlock powerful items and XP, you’ll likely fall in love with this game. It’s the culmination of over a decade of Souls games, giving players an epic experience unlike any other.
Persona 5 Royal
98%
3.5/5
Platforms
PlayStation 4
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Atlus
Publisher
Atlus, Atlus USA
Release
October 31, 2019
Is there any game more stylish than Persona 5? Everything about this turn-based RPG is incredible, from the music to the art, and the writing. This game meshes social interactions with turn-based combat/dungeon-crawling, and it’s done so well. The narrative itself is deep and gritty — even uncomfortable at times — but it has a ton of heart. Over the course of this 100-hour RPG, you’ll meet a slew of characters, and collect various Personas, which are similar to Pokémon. You can fuse Persona together, give them new moves, and use them to battle bosses along the way. If you’re into JRPGs, this is an absolute must-play.
Resident Evil 4
91%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure
Developer
Capcom Development Division 1
Publisher
Capcom
Release
March 24, 2023
While the original Resident Evil 4 is an all-time classic, the 2023 remake is better in nearly every way. It’s built from the ground up with modern consoles in mind, getting rid of the clunky controls from the 2005 original. It improves the visuals and gameplay in substantial ways, while also making the characters feel more believable. The remake also feels a lot more streamlined than the original, with less of an emphasis on obtuse puzzles and overly difficult battles. Even veteran players will find new things to love, as the remake is full of surprises. This is easily the best Resident Evil remake to date, thanks in part to the fantastic design from the 2005 original.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
81%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Respawn Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
April 28, 2023
Following the positive reception to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, it was practically inevitable that a sequel would follow. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes place five years after its predecessor, following the story of a more experienced Cal Kestis. As its name suggests, this game is about Kestis attempting to survive against the Galactic Empire while forging his own path. Survivor plays much like Fallen Order, but includes plenty of gameplay improvements, along with a few surprising story twists to keep things interesting.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
98%
4.5/5
Platforms
Nintendo Switch
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 3
Publisher
Nintendo
Release
May 12, 2023
Of course, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the best games of all time, but its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom is even better. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom launched in 2023 and is already one of the highest-rated games of the year. It plays fundamentally just like Breath of the Wild, utilizing the same map as before. However, Tears of the Kingdom lets players explore the sky and the depths below, adding much more nuance to exploration. In addition, the sequel emphasizes creativity, allowing players to build wild vehicles and structures to get through the game in a variety of ways.
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