The Best Games About One-Man Armies

Games where you play as a single, incredibly powerful character can be incredibly satisfying. When well-made, they let you feel like an unstoppable force, capable of taking on overwhelming odds and defeating countless enemies. These games come in many different styles, and aren’t always simple – a good challenge can actually make winning even more rewarding.

Let’s explore some games where you play as a single, powerful hero. We’re looking at a variety of genres, not just shooting games. The focus is on titles where you are specifically chosen to be the lone warrior – unlike games like the Warriors series with many playable characters. We’re also highlighting games that really make you feel like you’re on your own; for example, we’re leaving out Halo because Master Chief often works with other soldiers.

8. Sniper Elite: Resistance

France’s Freedom Depends Upon You

This list was inspired by Sniper Elite: Resistance, the newest game in the popular Sniper Elite series, known for its single-player, one-man army gameplay. Instead of the usual protagonist, Karl, you play as Harry, who is working with the French Resistance to liberate France from Nazi occupation.

This stealth game stands out because of its incredibly detailed and violent animations when players eliminate enemies with bullets or in close combat. These animations are as graphic as those in the latest Mortal Kombat games. If you enjoy World War II games focused on defeating Nazis, Sniper Elite: Resistance and other games in the Sniper Elite series are top choices.

7. DOOM (2016)

One Man Versus The Armies Of Hell

The 2016 reboot of Doom was highly anticipated, and it exceeded expectations. It successfully captured the spirit of classic first-person shooters while updating the gameplay for a modern audience. Instead of focusing on hiding behind cover, the game encourages fast-paced, aggressive combat, rewarding players for skillful shooting and creative finishing moves, even while managing ammunition.

The DOOM Guy is right at home battling demons in Hell, expertly using any weapon he can get his hands on – from rifles to rocket launchers – and he’s a lone warrior, depending on no one else. Players will find this shooter incredibly satisfying and empowering.

6. Ghost Of Tsushima

Defeat The Mongols, Save Your Home

Ghost of Tsushima draws inspiration from real events – the Mongol invasion of Japan. The game focuses on the invasion of Tsushima Island, where, after a devastating initial battle, Jin Sakai embarks on a quest to reclaim his home and defeat the Mongol forces.

Throughout his journey, Jin receives help from loved ones, but he’s mostly a skilled samurai who completes missions and can also fight like a ninja, quietly eliminating opponents. Ghost of Tsushima is a massive open-world game with lots to do, including liberating towns and visiting stunning shrines. Combat often involves facing large groups of enemies, and strategically managing the chaos is key to success, alongside engaging in one-on-one duels.

Ghost of Yotei also fits.

5. Max Payne

A Father’s Love Knows No Bounds

The game Max Payne launched a gritty trilogy centered around the main character’s relentless pursuit of revenge. After his wife and child were murdered by gangsters, Max coped with his grief through alcohol and a constant stream of painkillers. He’s a solitary figure on this vengeful path, often lost in thought and narrating his experiences in the style of a classic 1930s film noir.

The game was filled with fast-paced action, lots of bullets, and slow-motion sequences reminiscent of The Matrix. Max fought primarily in city streets, turning them into a chaotic warzone for his enemies. Though he wasn’t overwhelmed by massive hordes, Max was a powerful, self-reliant hero – a classic action star taking on the bad guys.

4. Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

Big Boss’ Big Break

The story of a lone soldier is central to every Metal Gear game, whether it stars Solid Snake or Big Boss. However, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain really embodies this idea. As the most recent main installment, it features vast, open environments, giving Big Boss more enemies and varied landscapes to contend with.

What sets this game apart is that although you primarily play as Big Boss on solo missions, you build up an army at Mother Base to support him. It’s a shame Konami and Hideo Kojima couldn’t have continued working together – it would have been fascinating to see how that army developed.

3. Just Cause 2

Grappling With Disaster

The second game in the Just Cause series, Just Cause 2, really made the franchise popular, largely due to its groundbreaking grappling hook. Players take on the role of Rico Rodriguez, who is sent to the chaotic island nation of Panau, plagued by widespread corruption. The game is an open-world adventure where you must liberate areas by taking out enemies and destroying enemy bases.

The grappling hook is what really makes this game enjoyable, letting you both get around and fight. You can use it to connect enemies, or even attach bombs to them – feel free to experiment and see what crazy things happen! Beyond his weapons and love for explosions, experimentation is Rico’s biggest strength. Ultimately, Just Cause 2 is about causing massive destruction, and Rico can wipe out hundreds of enemies in just minutes.

While Just Cause 3 and 4 really emphasize Rico’s ability to take on entire armies single-handedly, many fans consider the original Just Cause 2 to be the strongest game in the series.

2. Middle-earth: Shadow Of Mordor

Saved From Death

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is a new story set in the world of The Lord of the Rings. It follows Talion, a Ranger who is killed and resurrected with the spirit of Celebrimbor bound to him. Together, this unlikely duo seeks revenge in a vast open world overrun by Orcs and other monstrous creatures.

This game cleverly features a single character with two distinct sides, which is a unique approach. It’s famous for introducing the Nemesis System – a feature that makes enemies feel more personal and memorable based on how you play. This system significantly heightened the emotional weight of the revenge storyline, making it feel more meaningful for both the player and their opponents.

Shadow of War follows suit, and the gameplay is just as satisfying.

1. Wolfenstein: The New Order

An Alternate History Worth Fighting For

When it comes to defeating Nazis, only B.J. Blazkowicz from the Wolfenstein games is more skilled. He’s been battling them since the first game came out in 1981. Wolfenstein: The New Order reimagines the series in a world where the Nazis won World War II, but humanity isn’t willing to accept defeat, so B.J. and a group of rebels fight for freedom over decades of hardship.

Though it doesn’t have the detailed x-ray kills seen in games like Sniper Elite, the main character still delivers brutal takedowns. He’s driven to fix past mistakes, and this new series takes some surprisingly violent and engaging turns.

2025-12-06 18:08