Best cRPGs You Can Play Without A Party

Key Takeaways

Going solo is viable in certain cRPGs like Pillars of Eternity, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and Torment: Tides of Numenera.
Lone wolf perks offer advantages like increased attributes and damage output for those who prefer to play without companions.
Planning and specialized character builds are crucial for successful solo gameplay in games like Arcanum and Age of Decadence.

As a seasoned RPG adventurer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that I have a deep appreciation for the solitary journey. The lone wolf, the lonesome drifter, the one-man army – these are the characters that resonate most deeply within me.

Translating tabletop roleplaying games, which are inherently social, into computer-driven roleplaying games feels somewhat unusual. Although having full control over every aspect of your party, including their builds, could potentially make you unbeatable in combat situations, it can be disconcerting for those who relish the spontaneity of interacting with a diverse group of players. Instead of having a single, all-knowing entity, they prefer the excitement of engaging with a collection of minds to navigate through a story.

Some role-playing game enthusiasts appreciate the solitude of being a “solitary traveler,” and they find the conversations and actions of their party members disruptive to their immersion. Fortunately, there are several computer role-playing games that cater to solo players (however, some games offer more freedom from parties than others).

Pillars of Eternity

Pillaring Above All Else By Going Solo

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? No

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that venturing solo in the epic world of Pillars of Eternity isn’t just possible with the right character setup, but it also comes with a unique challenge. The coveted “Solo” achievement is bestowed upon players who manage to conquer the game without relying on any companions, save for those briefly introduced during the game’s tutorial and initial phase.

In this timeless role-playing game, the character build options are quite generous and lenient. However, constructing a single-player character requires thoughtful planning during character setup. Monks and devout, pious paladins make solid starting points since they have strong defensive abilities. With the right mix of stats, it’s feasible to complete the game solo using any class.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

The Lone Wolf Needs No Pack

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? No

Given that the initial Divinity games were primarily meant for single-player adventures, it’s not surprising that this game leans towards solo play experiences. For gamers yearning for an unadulterated solo journey in Divinity: Original Sin 2, despite the captivating companions and their interwoven quests, there is the Lone Wolf advantage. This advantage caters to those seeking to conquer the game with a minimal number of companions, yet it rewards players who opt for a strictly solo playthrough.

Lone Wolf greatly increases attributes like health and damage output. This gives the lone adventurer a powerful edge against Rivellon’s many dangers. Regardless, going solo still requires strategic planning and creative use of the game’s environment and abilities. Builds focused on self-sustainability, such as those that grant invisibility or summons, while not strictly necessary, are helpful.

Torment: Tides Of Numenera

A Lonely Philosophical Wander

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? Yes

For individuals who enjoy a single-player experience rather than being part of a group, the protagonist’s name in the game “Torment: Tides of Numenera” (the Last Castoff) may not perfectly fit, given how numerous companions can effectively be dismissed. Unlike many other computer Role Playing Games, experience points in “Tides ” are not distributed among the party members, meaning that a solo main character will not gain from following a solitary path as one might anticipate.

Even though each player has their own unique experiences, they can still draw on shared skill checks. This implies that if a player’s character lacks certain skills, solo runs could prove extremely challenging because there won’t be teammates to help out. In essence, this type of adventure is best suited for those who are brave and confident in their abilities.

Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura

All That Is Social Melts Into Air

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? No

In the fictional world of Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura, where the social structure has drastically changed due to novel economic systems, some players might be inclined to act independently, mimicking this shift. The companion system in Arcanum isn’t overly demanding when it comes to micromanagement, as followers generally take care of their own tasks.

If you prefer a more solitary gaming experience, you can certainly complete the game without a partner in Arcanum. You might need a character with specific abilities, like some healing magic, to balance things out. Since experience points are shared among party members in this game, your character will grow stronger at a faster rate when playing alone.

Age Of Decadence

In An Unforgiving World, Trust No-one

Companions Available? No

In a world as ruthless, self-centered, and deceitful as portrayed in the game “Age of Decadence“, it’s understandable to consider traveling the land on one’s own due to the constant fear of betrayal. However, this gritty role-playing game doesn’t offer that luxury, instead forcing the player to confront a heartless world and its hostile denizens alone in their fight for survival.

Due to the lack of fellow party members, strategic thinking and expertise in character development are crucial because each interaction seems like a struggle for existence. Players must choose their conflicts wisely, leaning on negotiation, sneakiness, or exceptional combat skills (which may come at the expense of other abilities).

Fallout

There Has Always Been A Lone Wanderer

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? No

It’s been demonstrated in later games within the series that exploring the desolate landscapes of Fallout solo has its own charm. Although companions cannot be directly managed once they join the Vault Dweller, it’s possible to finish the entire game without relying on any potential party member for assistance.

For a solo journey through the perilous wasteland, a resilient or stealthy character could be beneficial, given the abundance of dangerous mutated beings. Choosing a non-violent, peaceful approach may still be feasible for navigating this hostile environment, and often, it’s possible to outrun or avoid confrontations with assailants.

Planescape: Torment

Defying The Charm Of The Genre’s Best-Written Companions

Companions Available? Yes
Increased Difficulty By Going Solo? Yes

In the acclaimed game Planescape: Torment, it’s feasible to play on your own. The Nameless One can be joined by up to seven unique companions, such as the witty Morte, a floating skull, and Annah, a no-nonsense character. These companions not only offer assistance during battles but also contribute significantly to the storyline through their well-crafted dialogues.

If you’re new to the timeless RPG masterpiece known as “Planescape“, it might be wiser to avoid a solo playthrough on your first go. However, if you’re determined to tackle it alone, keep in mind that while there’s a focus on non-combat elements, battles will crop up quite often. In such instances, it’s generally more beneficial to retreat than engage in combat.

UnderRail

Only Room For One On The Underground Track

Companions Available? No

In the extensive system of underground metro stations that serve as dwellings for the remaining humans in UnderRail, solitude is prevalent due to the absence of recruitable companions within the game. This lack of companionship may be disheartening for those who derive joy from social interaction and the extra storage capacity their presence provides, but it caters wonderfully to those who prefer a solo adventure.

In the absence of other options, the responsibility falls on the player to discover a self-sufficient game build, as there are several blind alleys along the way. This challenge can be disheartening at times, yet it contributes to the ominous, isolating, and perilous feel of the subterranean environment.

2024-12-08 06:06