Great Games That Proved Single-Player Isn’t Dead

Throughout the 2010s, as online co-op and constantly updated multiplayer games became increasingly popular, many people believed single-player games were losing their appeal and would eventually disappear. This idea seemed exaggerated, but it gained traction because online games like MOBAs and hero shooters were incredibly successful, leading many to predict that major game franchises would shift towards this trend.

Single-player games are thriving, and several recent titles demonstrate just how much players still enjoy solo adventures. These games, listed below, have been particularly influential, not only because of their popularity, but also because they’ve innovated the classic single-player experience, proving that this style of gaming remains important.

Baldur’s Gate 3

The Smash-Hit RPG Appealed To People Who Weren’t Even Into Gaming

Man, everyone was hyped for *Baldur’s Gate 3* because the first two were legendary RPGs, so we knew it’d do well. But seriously, nobody predicted *this*. The launch was insane! It felt like the whole world was talking about it. I’ve never seen a game blow up like that, even people who normally don’t touch games were checking it out because everyone was raving about it. You really had to be there to understand just how big it got.

Many modern single-player games now include microtransactions or limit features unless you pay extra, but *Baldur’s Gate 3* did things differently. It included absolutely everything within the game itself, letting players discover and enjoy all the content without needing to spend more money. This allows for an incredible amount of player choice, as every decision and conversation can significantly alter the story, creating a uniquely personal experience for each player. The game’s success shows how eager players were for a fresh single-player adventure, and it’s also helped bring Western-style RPGs back into popularity after years of Japanese RPGs being the dominant force in the genre.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Creative And Unique Single-Player Games Can Become Absurdly Popular When Done Right

It’s no surprise online multiplayer games are so popular – developers constantly update them with new goals and content to keep players engaged. But while many of these games rely on familiar features like battle passes and new characters, it’s much more refreshing when a single-player game arrives and does something truly original, like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* did from the start.

Though clearly influenced by classic role-playing games, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* also borrows elements from the challenging ‘Soulsborne’ style, letting players block and evade attacks during turn-based battles. The game tells a surprisingly grand story, powerfully engaging players without feeling overly long. It quickly became a worldwide success – the kind of popularity usually reserved for single-player games that truly stand out, offering fresh gameplay that evolves familiar ideas.

Resident Evil 7

Not Every Horror Game Needs To Include A Co-Op Mechanic

The horror genre, and especially the *Resident Evil* series, struggled for a while in the 2010s. Capcom tried to revitalize the franchise by adding co-op gameplay to some of the main *Resident Evil* titles. While *Resident Evil 5* and *6* were really fun to play with a friend, this shift also made it seem like there wasn’t room for traditional, single-player horror experiences, as very few were being made at the time.

With Resident Evil 7, Capcom intentionally went back to the series’ original survival horror style. The switch to a first-person perspective was a change, but it put players back in a truly isolated and terrifying situation, greatly increasing the tension. Since then, many successful single-player horror games like the remakes of Dead Space and Silent Hill 2 have proven that horror games don’t always need a co-op mode to be enjoyable, and Resident Evil 7 deserves recognition for demonstrating that.

The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Nintendo Stuck To Their Guns And Continued Making Excellent Single-Player Games

Before the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, many wondered if Nintendo would focus heavily on popular online games. Fortunately, they prioritized single-player experiences instead. While *Super Mario Odyssey* was highly anticipated, *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild* was the main game Nintendo used to promote their new console.

When the Switch first came out, there weren’t many games available, so people weren’t sure how well it would sell. It ultimately became very successful, and many believe that *Breath of the Wild* was the key reason. Gamers worldwide rushed to buy the Switch, often specifically to play the new *Zelda* game. This showed that there was still strong interest in single-player games, even though they weren’t as popular as they once were, and Nintendo made a big impact with the console’s launch.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Can Make Great Online Modes, But They Never Forget About The Story

Although *Grand Theft Auto 5* was a massive success, it’s *GTA Online* that really kept players engaged for years. The story mode of *GTA 5* is enjoyable, with memorable characters, but its popularity hinted at Rockstar’s future focus. It seemed players preferred the online experience, which likely influenced the development of their next game, *Red Dead Redemption 2*.

Unlike some games, Rockstar really focused on the story for *Red Dead Redemption 2*, creating a narrative that’s incredibly captivating, moving, and makes you think. The game follows Arthur Morgan and the end of the Wild West era, and it immediately draws you in. While there’s an online component, it feels like it was added later and wasn’t developed with the same care as the main story. Considering how popular and well-received *Red Dead Redemption 2* became, Rockstar proved that many players still value a strong story in a new game.

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk’s Journey To Success Proved That Players Are Willing To Stick With Single-Player Games For A Long Time

The launch of *Cyberpunk 2077* was disastrous, to put it mildly. It was full of technical problems and lacked features that had been shown in previews. Despite the strong negative reaction, many players saw potential in the game and believed it could be fixed with updates. They continued playing and supported CD Projekt Red, encouraging them to keep working on it.

Many online games need a strong launch to keep players interested, but *Cyberpunk 2077* proved that single-player games, particularly large and complex ones, can recover even from a rocky start. Through ongoing support and feedback from its fans, *Cyberpunk 2077* ultimately became a highly-regarded RPG, known for its stunning and detailed open-world city, Night City, and the incredible freedom it gives players—becoming the game its creators and fans had envisioned.

Persona 5

Persona 5 Brought JRPGs Back To The Forefront Of Gaming

For years, Japanese Role-Playing Games, or JRPGs, were incredibly popular. However, many players started to feel the genre was becoming stale, mainly because traditional turn-based battles were giving way to faster, action-focused combat. At the time, the *Persona* series was just beginning to gain widespread recognition with its fourth main installment, leading many to believe *Persona 5* wouldn’t be a huge hit. It turned out those predictions were surprisingly off the mark.

When *Persona 5* launched in 2016, it quickly became a global phenomenon thanks to its striking visuals and surprisingly mature story, filled with thought-provoking themes. Crucially, the game kept the classic turn-based combat system, but elevated it with incredible style and energy, preventing it from feeling outdated. Since then, single-player Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) have seen a resurgence in popularity, largely due to Atlus’s commitment to honoring the genre’s traditions while also updating them for a modern audience – proving there’s still a strong demand for these kinds of games.

2025-10-12 09:35