16 Best Single-Player PC Games for Solo Gamers in 2025
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 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.
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Our Top Picks for Single-Player PC Games
Out of all the 16 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. So keep scrolling because there are some absolutely incredible games waiting for you just around the corner. Who knows, you might just find your new obsession!
16 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 brought you a handpicked list of the best single-player PC games worth getting. Trust me, with that great replay value and breathtaking gameplay elements, you’ll surely get hooked in no time. So now, I hope you’re ready to find your perfect game, because the fun is about to begin!
1. Red Dead Redemption 2
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, Xbox One |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Developer | Rockstar Games |
| Average playtime | 84 Hours |
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.
2. Baldur’s Gate 3
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Developer | Larian Studios |
| Average playtime | 114 Hours |
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.
3. Elden Ring
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Developer | FromSoftware |
| Average playtime | 100 Hours |
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
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Developer | CD Projekt RED |
| Average playtime | 103 Hours |
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.
Almost everything about this game is absolutely incredible and made with a ton of thought. Even the side quests, which, at first glance, appear like absolutely nothing important, end up telling the most interesting stories and giving flavor to the game you probably didn’t expect to find.
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.
5. Final Fantasy XVI
| Platforms | Windows, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Developer | Square Enix Creative Business Unit III |
| Average playtime | 59 Hours |
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, which 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.
6. DOOM Eternal
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | id Software |
| Average playtime | 21 Hours |
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, 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. The action rarely ever stops as you’re constantly thrown into relentless and fast-paced combat, which is great considering how well optimized this game is on PC.
If you ever wanted to feel like the boss of the game, and let’s be real, you probably have, this is the game to go for. There’s really no other game filled with as much energy and adrenaline as DOOM Eternal, and that’s what makes it so perfect.
7. God of War
| Platforms | Windows, PS4 |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Developer | SIE Santa Monica Studio |
| Average playtime | 33 Hours |
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
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | CD Projekt RED |
| Average playtime | 63 Hours |
Despite its controversial launch, Cyberpunk 2077 has since recovered and has earned itself a spot on 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 from 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.
9. Ghost of Tsushima
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | Sucker Punch Productions |
| Average playtime | 46 Hours |
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.
10. DOOM: The Dark Ages
| Platforms | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2025 |
| Developer | id Software |
| Average playtime | 20 Hours |
DOOM: The Dark Ages takes an unexpected turn and throws you into a brutal medieval nightmare. But while it’s undeniably different than its predecessors, the spirit is still the same, and the fun level just as high.
This time, the game trades sci-fi Mars labs and modern Earth cities for gothic castles on planet Argent D’Nur, many years before the DOOM (2016). While some of your weaponry is not as advanced as in other games, it’s more diverse and certainly no less fun.
The same goes for the combat. It’s a tiny bit slower and more strategic, but on the grand scale, it’s just as hectic and exciting as before. It’s not the same as before, but it’s still easily one of the best DOOM games ever made.
So grab your shield saw and go slay some demons. Fighting the forces of hell is just as epic as you’d imagine, especially when you’re riding a dragon to battle.
11. Skyrim
| Platforms | Windows, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch |
| Year of release | 2011 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Average playtime | 109 Hours |
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.
12. Resident Evil 4
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, iOS |
| Year of release | 2023 |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Average playtime | 22 Hours |
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 revamped 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.
13. The Last of Us Part I
| Platforms | Windows, PS5 |
| Year of release | 2022 |
| Developer | Naughty Dog |
| Average playtime | 18 Hours |
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.
14. Fallout 4
| Platforms | Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2015 |
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios |
| Average playtime | 83 Hours |
Fallout 4 is the second Bethesda title on this list, and that should come as 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.
15. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
| Year of release | 2020 |
| Developer | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Average playtime | 68 Hours |
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.
16. Hades
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Mobile |
| Year of release | 2018 |
| Developer | Supergiant Games |
| Average playtime | 49 Hours |
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.
Both the story and gameplay of Hades 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 birthplace-turned-prison (also Hades), no matter how many tries it takes.
What are the greatest games to play with friends?
Playing through a game with a great campaign can be an experience that creates some of the most cherished memories in our minds. Yet, a fair amount of these stories can be even more fun when they’re shared with others.
After all, not every multiplayer game is necessarily PvP, and coming across a worthy PvE experience can be incredibly rewarding. For example, titles like Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Diablo IV, and even Baldur’s Gate 3, which we have on this list, can all be played with your friends from the beginning until the end.
Of course, that absolutely doesn’t mean that either one of these options is better than the other. Both solo and co-op gaming are as different as they are similar and have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can’t really know what works best for you until you try it out.
Additionally, most cooperative games can be played single-player just as well, so even if you have no one to play with or don’t feel like playing with others, I strongly suggest you check out this amazing co-op games list. You might just find some incredible surprises out there.
FAQs
Are RTS games worth it for single-player only?
Yes! Some of the best RTS franchises, like the Total War and the Civilization series, feature deep, highly replayable single-player campaigns.
Are there any good, underrated single-player games on PC?
Yes, there are many great yet underrated single-player games. Days Gone, Sleeping Dogs, and Judgment are just a few titles in this massive list.
