Spending Christmas alone – for whatever reasons – doesn’t mean you have to be gloomy. There are dozens of games that can sweeten your time. We present to you 7 great solo games for the holidays.
What kind of games are these? We have selected seven games from the vast portfolio of games on the market that can also be played alone.
We are not explicitly presenting single-player games, but multiplayer and MMOs that you can also play alone. The great advantage of these games is that you don’t just play through them, but always have something to do. If you like them, you can always come back later.
Our selection was based on personal experience and particularly noteworthy solo activities in the respective games.
Relaxing gaming alone at Christmas
What are the benefits? Being alone during the holidays and dedicating yourself to your hobby also has several advantages:
- Your little nephews and nieces won’t wake you up at 12 noon for “lunch”.
- The curious aunt won’t ask how it’s finally going with a partner.
- Tasty cookies and other pastries are just for you, and you don’t have to share.
- You save traveling time and may even avoid crowded and delayed trains.
- You don’t have to pretend to be interested in boring family conversations but can actually have fun.
Another bonus: Since the games we mentioned are multiplayer, you can also play with other players and thus be among people online during the holidays – if you want. However, if you prefer to withdraw, there are also purely solo activities available.
1. Minecraft
What is Minecraft? Minecraft is a creative building and survival game where you can build and destroy anything in a voxel world. It’s even one of the best survival games of all time.
Minecraft stands here as a representative of the entire genre, which also includes more modern and visually appealing games like Conan Exiles and ARK: Survival Evolved.
In Minecraft, there is no specific goal you must pursue by default. You find something you want to do and just do it. The game is like a giant virtual sandbox.
Thanks to the unique terraforming, you can break “blocks” almost anywhere and place them elsewhere to clear areas or build structures.
For which platforms is Minecraft available? Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
Minecraft’s offerings for solo players
The whole experience that Minecraft offers can also be completed by solo players. The world is open for you to explore and build – both above and below ground.
Occasionally, you’ll even find NPCs to trade and talk with. However, not everything is peaceful. You will also encounter enemies and have the option to engage in combat with various armor and weapons. Specific solo activities could include:
- Exploring the world on your own
- Building your own houses, buildings, or entire cities in creative mode
- Challenges and survival in survival/hardcore mode
Who is Minecraft suited for?
- Creative players who like to create things
- Explorers who enjoy exploring vast worlds
- Free spirits who don’t need goals but always find something to do
- Players who just want to relax
2. GTA V
What is GTA V? GTA V is primarily a single-player game, but it has an online mode as well. With GTA Online, it offers the possibility to play multiplayer.
In GTA, you play as a petty criminal (with sometimes very big ambitions) in a pretty crazy world that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You often clash with the law but otherwise do what you enjoy.
GTA V offers a wide selection of weapons, houses, cars, and motorcycles that you can buy and use. As an alternative to the modern GTA, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a similar experience, but set in the Wild West.
For which platforms is GTA V available? PC, PS4, Xbox One
GTA V’s offerings for solo players
The campaign or the actual single-player game is clearly the biggest plus for solo players in GTA V. However, GTA Online is also worthwhile for lone wolves.
If you play GTA Online alone, you can earn money at any time to buy nicer hideouts or cars. You can participate in very lucrative races and achieve daily goals or simply play in the new casino.
If you enjoy solving tricky puzzles, you can even go on a treasure hunt. For finding some clues, you will eventually earn a Navy Revolver and a good amount of cash. You can find out here how to solve the treasure hunt. A few ideas for solo players:
- Play the solo campaign – several times, there are different endings
- get the free tank online on December 25th
- Gamble your virtual money in the casino or win a cool vehicle at the lucky wheel
- Join races and improve your time
Who is GTA V suited for?
- Players who enjoyed the predecessor titles or the Saints Row series
- Fans of crime series and quirky characters
- People with a penchant for expensive cars, bikes, and houses
3. No Man’s Sky
What is No Man’s Sky? No Man’s Sky is an exploration game in space where you travel to countless planets with your own spaceship and establish contact with aliens.
Here, you can discover unknown plants, minerals, and species, develop new technologies, craft items, and even tame mounts.
Since the NEXT update, No Man’s Sky has also become a real multiplayer game.
For which platforms is No Man’s Sky available? PC, PS4, Xbox One
No Man’s Sky’s offerings for solo players
If you play No Man’s Sky alone, you can explore the universe at your own pace or challenge yourself in more demanding modes.
It offers four different game modes:
- Normal – Explore the world at a relaxed pace; upon death, you can collect your items again
- Survival – Here you need to manage your resources well; enemies are deadlier, and you lose your items upon death
- Permadeath – Like survival mode, but death is permanent
- Creative – Fully unleash your creativity; building costs nothing, you have access to warp and terraforming, but you can’t unlock trophies
Since the Beyond update, there’s even a new hub where you can meet other players, and VR support has been added.
Solo players should definitely take the time to explore the universe and discover new species.
Who is No Man’s Sky suited for?
- Science fiction fans who want to explore space
- Players who find EVE Online too extensive
- Curious individuals who want to discover the unknown
4. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)
What is SWTOR? Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG and represents many MMOs that you can also play solo. It takes place in the Star Wars universe, which became especially well known through the films.
You play different classes on the sides of the Republic or the Sith Empire, completing missions and learning new skills. You dive deep into the story, set thousands of years before the films.
SWTOR now has seven expansions, the latest expansion is Onslaught. Other popular representatives of the genre with good solo content include Guild Wars 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online.
For which platforms is SWTOR available? PC
SWTOR’s offerings for solo players
The special feature of SWTOR and the other mentioned games is that you can experience a very personal story. They are not classic MMORPGs that focus solely on multiplayer content.
As you level up, you receive quests that you are supposed to complete alone and that are part of your personal story. In this way, you develop your character similarly to a single-player RPG through behavior and relationships.
You don’t even have to spend money to do this. A large part of the game is free, and you can experience a lot even on the free-to-play model. If you play alone, you could aim for the following:
- Play through the stories of several classes
- Play for both factions and learn more about the story
- Equip your character differently – Light or Dark – and build various relationships
Who is SWTOR suited for?
- Fans of the universe and sci-fi in general
- Anyone who wants to experience a story with the option to also play with others
- Players who enjoy diving deep into their class and experiencing its fantasy through a story
5. Diablo 3
What is Diablo 3? Diablo 3 is a classic action RPG or hack and slash game where you, as a single powerful hero, fight against the demonic hordes of hell.
You choose one of seven classes (assuming you own the “Reaper of Souls” expansion for the Crusader and the Necromancer DLC) and learn new skills along the way up to level 70.
The gameplay primarily consists, as the genre name suggests, of killing a large number of different enemies. During this process, you collect increasingly powerful items to complete tougher challenges.
A sequel has now been announced, but when Diablo 4 will be released is still uncertain. A possible alternative with similar features is Path of Exile.
For which platforms is Diablo 3 available? Nintendo Switch, PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Diablo 3’s offerings for solo players
If you want to play Diablo 3 alone, the campaign is always the best option for your first playthrough. Here, you learn what happened in Sanctuary, who you are, and enjoy a great story.
If you have already done that or want to dive straight into the action, there is the “Adventure Mode”. Here, you complete various bounties or farm “portals”. Almost all activities consist of grinding and searching for the best items.
If you wish to compete against others, there are seasons. Currently, Season 19 is running with a special season affix that can even summon a super-boss.
In the seasons, you can rise on the leaderboard by completing particularly difficult greater Nephalem rifts. We have presented the best classes for that here. If you want to play alone, here are some suggestions:
- Play through the campaign (if you haven’t done so already)
- Create a season character and complete the journey tasks
- Set yourself the goal of mastering a level 100 portal and work towards that
Who is Diablo 3 suited for?
- Players who enjoy grinding and searching for the best items
- Fans of dark atmosphere and bloody effects
- Fans of the ARPG genre
6. Destiny 2
What is Destiny 2? Destiny 2 is a loot shooter from Bungie. You play a particularly powerful hero (“Guardian”) who is supposed to protect the world from various dangers. Additionally, a “Ghost” keeps you from dying and provides you with useful information.
In Destiny 2, you choose from the three classes Hunter, Warlock, and Titan, play through the story, complete raids and dungeons (“strikes”), or fight against other Guardians in instantiated PvP. In the process, you equip yourself with various specializations and unique exotic items.
Destiny 2 now has two expansions: Forsaken and Shadowkeep. Currently, Season 9 is running, where you can earn additional content with a season pass and a new artifact.
For which platforms is Destiny 2 available? PC, PS4, Stadia, Xbox One
Destiny 2’s offerings for solo players
First and foremost, Destiny 2 offers you a story campaign in which you get to know the various enemies and dangers, meet antagonists and protagonists, and discover how your character is involved in all of this. With this alone, you can spend at least 20 hours in the game.
Additionally, Destiny 2 offers an open world with public events, side quests, or special tasks for exotic weapons. There’s also a group finder for some activities. Even solo, you have the opportunity to continue improving.
Although a large part of the endgame content is designed for groups, even this can be tackled alone. Here we show you how to complete the new dungeon “Grube der Ketzerei” alone. Some concrete ideas for solo players include:
- PvP – compete against others and climb the ranks.
- Events – join seasonal events like the sundial.
- Get stronger – increase your power level and upgrade your artifact (like currently the Lantern of Osiris)
Who is Destiny 2 suited for?
- More action-oriented players and shooter fans
- Players who like grinding but don’t enjoy Diablo
- Shooter players who like to experiment with various weapons and abilities
7. Pokémon GO
What is Pokémon GO? Pokémon GO is the adaptation of the famous adventure games for smartphones. It is an “augmented reality” game where you interact with your surroundings in real life.
In Pokémon GO, you search for and collect the titular Pokémon, fight against particularly strong opponents, powerful monsters, or other players, and try to complete your “Pokédex”.
However, to do this, you need to move. Collected eggs only hatch if you walk far enough (tracking via GPS), and you find special arenas and encounters only while on the go.
To ensure you don’t get cold especially during the winter months, here are some tips for Pokémon GO against the cold.
For which platforms is Pokémon GO available? iOS, Android
Pokémon GO’s offerings for solo players
Pokémon GO offers various challenges associated with collecting the little monsters or fighting. Alone, you can:
- Collect almost all the Pokémon available, although you may also need to travel to other countries
- Search for your favorite Pokémon in the best possible performance
- Compete against other players in PvP
- Hunt the special “Shiny” variants of Pokémon
- Catch and trade special Pokémon during special community days or events
There are also raids, which are typically designed for groups of players. Many of these can, however, be tackled alone, usually only up to level 3. You can find out how to complete the level 4 raid against Tengulist solo here. If you want to pursue specific goals, try:
- Catch all Pokémon and complete the Pokédex.
- Defeat all Rocket bosses.
- Earn medals and gild them.
Who is Pokémon GO suited for?
- Players who enjoy being outdoors and playing outside
- Fans of the Pokémon series
- Players seeking perfection and completeness
Bonus: World of Warcraft
What is World of Warcraft? World of Warcraft is another MMORPG, but it differs from the aforementioned ones. We have included it here as a bonus because it belongs to the same genre but works differently for solo players.
WoW has been around for 15 years now and has seven expansions – the latest and current expansion is Battle for Azeroth. You can choose from twelve classes and thirteen races, as well as eight allied races in two factions.
In WoW, it’s about the eternal conflict between Horde and Alliance, which is repeatedly interrupted by external threats. In the current story, it’s increasingly about the war, the old god N’zoth, and the path to the new expansion Shadowlands.
If you want to see how WoW was at its release 15 years ago, you can even dive into WoW Classic and experience the game “as originally intended”.
For which platforms is World of Warcraft available? PC
WoW’s offerings for solo players
In WoW, you don’t develop your character as in SWTOR and the other listed MMORPGs, but you can still immerse yourself in the story.
For anyone interested in the story of Azeroth and Warcraft, the many areas and expansions offer dozens of hours to experience them all. Additionally, there are many features with which solo players can engage:
- World quests to advance your character in “endgame” (at level 120)
- Pet battles (a kind of “Pokémon” system)
- The hunt for pets and mounts or particularly beautiful armor pieces (“transmog”)
- The raid finder, where you can visit even the hardest raids in simplified form
There are even many secrets to discover or puzzles to solve to earn special rewards, such as the puzzle mount Fabious.
Only the more challenging raids in heroic or mythic mode and the Mythic+ system only work in a group.
Who is WoW suited for?
- MMORPG players with a penchant for fantasy and steampunk
- Story lovers who want to discover a story developed over years
- Players who are more interested in gameplay and the world’s story than character development
