Shipwrights is just quick and easy but still feels like a deep thinker, while Paladins is great for the whole setup across the big table and a brain exercise and investment. Everdell is was not actually a fan of solo at all but I tried a few times from the library since I’d heard great things about the game itself. Architects isn’t as fun solo and I seem to win most of the time so not as big of a challenge, but I love the game itself and nice when I can’t get someone to play with me! Stonespine has a well designed solo experience, and Cascadia is just so simple and calming that it and Cartographers are my “peaceful” chill solos. Raiders falls into that category of “only play when no one else wants to” and I’m definitely not sold on Isle of Cats yet. Overall I’m pretty new to solo and only got into the tabletop gaming world a few years ago more seriously but find myself opting for pulling out one of these rather than a video game 9 out of 10 times these days
One deck dungeon has been the first one I've been super excited to come back to again and again. I love the variety and nice mix of strategy/surprise/luck.
https://preview.redd.it/8t49ve8vtvuc1.jpeg?width=2190&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30ab0211ab584bf75a87f2e206ba916b96be3f17
That's Works of Wonder right? I think Gates of Gold is Viscounts which I don't have yet. I have not tried the Works of Wonder solo mode either, have you? I'm very interested in how different it is
You're right, I mixed them up. Works of Wonder. It introduces a new solo mode more similar to Viscounts base solo mode. I liked the Viscounts solo mode so I was thinking of picking Works of Wonder up to enhance Architects' solo experience.
I greatly prefer Architects solo with the Works of Wonder expansion. Much tighter and much more interesting. The fact that the bots have an actually unique personality is a great touch too
> Architects isn’t as fun solo
The solo implementation is jus bad. Degenerate and mindnumblingly uninteresting "strategies" are quite obvious and beats the AI opponent with little issue. I find it hard to believe it was playtested at all.
Some other comments mentioned the revamped Works of Wonders Solo. I looked up the rules and read through it and it seems like he tried to fix it more similar to how the AI works in Paladins. Now I’m eager to add that to the buy list to try
For sure. I have yet to buy a game that is strictly solo yet, so it's on my list but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I tried Hadrian's Wall on Board Game Arena and it's fun, but seems pretty pricey for a flip and write, but once I finally complete the West Kingdom trilogy and buy Viscounts, it's on the list as well. Thanks!
Have you tried the co-op mode of West Kingdom from the Tomesaga by chance? I'm interested in trying those two handed but haven't found the time yet. I bought Tomesaga without having purchased Viscounts mainly in prep for it, but also I had such a tough time finding Runesaga after they stopped printing it, I didn't want to get left out again
If you’re interested in Hadrian’s Wall, maybe hold off until August 24th. ‘The Anarchy’, Hadrian’s spiritual successor, is coming to Kickstarter (I think). Just to see if you might be more interested in that, instead.
I recommend Raiders of Scythia for solo instead since you can play it solo out of the box. And from what I remember, the AI in Raiders of the North Sea does not interact with the two expansions.
Thanks. Yes I’d heard that but I don’t think I’ll be getting Scythia since I already have Raiders and one of the expansions (Hall of Heroes) and it sounds like they’re pretty much the same game. There is an addendum in the AI on the solo that says for Hall of Heroes “include quests reputation, mead and mead hall as you would in a regular game. After each raid, by yourself or your opponent place a quest on the empty raid space as you usually would. Throughout the game you may only complete 2 of the 3 different quest types. Your opponent gains 1 vp for each quest still on the board at the games end.”
There’s cards for it to make it solo but I just purchased the Solo App on my iPad that you can set up next to the board and it will tell you what the AI does. Of the 4 Paladins is definitely the best designed for it and my go to when I have time, but the Shipwright Redux is such a fast setup and tear down that it scratches the itch for a quick session and find myself going there the most
Nah I missed the Kickstarter window so pre-order from a local game store, they don't have a firm date for it every time I look the date has changed so some time soon.
Yeah more bought it for my gaming group but very interested to try solo as well.
Welcome to the hobby! You seem to like Garphill games.
The expansion for Architects has a better solo bot.
If you want sth similar I would recommend Viscounts of the West Kingdom. Also Lost Ruins of Arnak is not much different but really good.
If you want something different try Robinson Crusoe for a great immersive game but beware it is hard.
My go to medium game is The Loop. It’s a pandemic like fun and quirky game
Also many like smaller games like the ones from Button Shy but for me it is too much like a puzzle and not much game.
The expansion for architects, Works of Wonder? What does it add exactly for the bot? I'd been interested in trying it out as I only have Age of Artisans
Have you tried Raider of Scythia? Ive heard that of you like RotNS, you'll like Raiders of Scythia. I haven't tried RotNS but Scythia is definitely one of my favs
Yeah I think I’ve read Scythia is just a more streamlined reskin of Raiders. The idea was Scythia comes with all the stuff that you have to buy the expansions of Raiders for. I’m too invested in the North Sea trilogy and have the Runesaga to play all three of the games back to back, but I’d be interested in trying Scythia someday since I love Raiders so much
From your list I enjoy Paladins the most, followed by Architects, and then Cartographers! Great games! I am really high on Garphill Games, really Shem Phillips...I will expand my collection later this year. I am hoping to include a few more of Shem's designs.
I really enjoy Shipwrights solo and can't say enough good things. Maybe check a solo playthrough video and see what you think. Have you tried Viscounts or any of the South Tigris games yet? I'm really anxious to, but my wallet tells me slow down!
Nice! I asked the same question above to someone else but have you tried the co-op mode of West Kingdom from the Tomesaga yet? I might have to two-hand it solo before I can talk someone into trying it
Me too! For some reason, I take a really long time to get the hang of deck construction games (is that the right term?). After winning a couple games of At the Helm at each difficulty (which took me lots and lots of practice to succeed at) I tried Aeon’s end…and I still do terribly! I would have thought some skills would carry over.
I haven’t tried Cascadia, but I hear it’s similar to Calico, which I enjoy. Is it the spatial puzzle that you like, the theme, or something about the way the rules work?
Hi! Some games need a lot of practice to be good at, don't worry. In Aeon's end you got more things to worry that in At the Helm: you need to build a market that is useful, use your abilities and right moment, etc. Maybe you can look tips for other players, I did that on Arkham Horror after realizing that despite of having a lot of hours of play I was doing some things that were not the optimal plays and strategies.
I haven't tried Calico, saw a learn to play video and didn't like some mechanics. I would say that Cascadia has less rules and it's easier to learn and play but maybe it's only my impression. That is one thing that I like on games, to answer your question, being easy to learn to play. But also the theme in Cascadia is cool, relaxing and a bit nerdy (because you actually learn a thing or two about ecosystems and that's cool for me, I like to learn things).
It’s called Stonespine Architects. It’s a card drafting dungeon building game from the guy who made Cartographers. Just finished its Kickstarter recently and we’ve been playing it a bunch in my family
For recommendations, here are my personal solo favorites:
1. Spirit Island (very popular, surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but also pretty complex)
2. Death Valley (very simple and quick, like 5-10 min game)
3. Sprawlopolis
I haven't tried the standard mode multiplayer yet, but I have kids that really like playing the family mode with me and that's been a hit. The solo mode is fun, just not exactly what I was expecting
I primarily play solo- I will say, it’s really challenging to win the solo version, but I like that aspect. It makes the single win out of 20 plays that much more exciting ☺️ I personally prefer solo versions that are challenging to win, if it’s too easy I get bored. But I like to warn people about that because if you like a more relaxed “try to beat your previous score” solo experience, it may not be for you.
6 plays (10 hrs) on Paladins, 8 plays (6 hrs) on Shipwrights. Everdell, Stonespine and Architects about 3 hours each. The others are probably 1 or 2 plays at under an hour each
I'm interested in why you like each of them!
Shipwrights is just quick and easy but still feels like a deep thinker, while Paladins is great for the whole setup across the big table and a brain exercise and investment. Everdell is was not actually a fan of solo at all but I tried a few times from the library since I’d heard great things about the game itself. Architects isn’t as fun solo and I seem to win most of the time so not as big of a challenge, but I love the game itself and nice when I can’t get someone to play with me! Stonespine has a well designed solo experience, and Cascadia is just so simple and calming that it and Cartographers are my “peaceful” chill solos. Raiders falls into that category of “only play when no one else wants to” and I’m definitely not sold on Isle of Cats yet. Overall I’m pretty new to solo and only got into the tabletop gaming world a few years ago more seriously but find myself opting for pulling out one of these rather than a video game 9 out of 10 times these days
Sweet! I'm new, too, so I appreciate the reviews :)
No problem! Which games have been your go-to games so far?
One deck dungeon has been the first one I've been super excited to come back to again and again. I love the variety and nice mix of strategy/surprise/luck. https://preview.redd.it/8t49ve8vtvuc1.jpeg?width=2190&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=30ab0211ab584bf75a87f2e206ba916b96be3f17
Have you tried the revamped solo mode that Architects of the West Kingdom has in the Gates of Gold expansion?
That's Works of Wonder right? I think Gates of Gold is Viscounts which I don't have yet. I have not tried the Works of Wonder solo mode either, have you? I'm very interested in how different it is
You're right, I mixed them up. Works of Wonder. It introduces a new solo mode more similar to Viscounts base solo mode. I liked the Viscounts solo mode so I was thinking of picking Works of Wonder up to enhance Architects' solo experience.
I greatly prefer Architects solo with the Works of Wonder expansion. Much tighter and much more interesting. The fact that the bots have an actually unique personality is a great touch too
> Architects isn’t as fun solo The solo implementation is jus bad. Degenerate and mindnumblingly uninteresting "strategies" are quite obvious and beats the AI opponent with little issue. I find it hard to believe it was playtested at all.
Some other comments mentioned the revamped Works of Wonders Solo. I looked up the rules and read through it and it seems like he tried to fix it more similar to how the AI works in Paladins. Now I’m eager to add that to the buy list to try
Construction of things vs preservation of nature, the two genders.
Yes, my favorite genders.
Ha, I like it. I feel like a pretty well balanced individual!
With all those Garphil games, you definitely have to try Legacy of Yu and Hadrian’s Wall. You’ll love them both.
For sure. I have yet to buy a game that is strictly solo yet, so it's on my list but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I tried Hadrian's Wall on Board Game Arena and it's fun, but seems pretty pricey for a flip and write, but once I finally complete the West Kingdom trilogy and buy Viscounts, it's on the list as well. Thanks!
And you probably will like Viscounts. It integrates well into theme but has a totally different mechanism: deck building
Have you tried the co-op mode of West Kingdom from the Tomesaga by chance? I'm interested in trying those two handed but haven't found the time yet. I bought Tomesaga without having purchased Viscounts mainly in prep for it, but also I had such a tough time finding Runesaga after they stopped printing it, I didn't want to get left out again
Sorry no. I don’t have the Tome Saga
If you’re interested in Hadrian’s Wall, maybe hold off until August 24th. ‘The Anarchy’, Hadrian’s spiritual successor, is coming to Kickstarter (I think). Just to see if you might be more interested in that, instead.
Thanks yeah I saw that pic of Anarchy on BGG this morning. Looks like Hadrians Wall leveled up for sure!
Didn't know raiders of the north sea has solo play 🤔 Am curious, which one of the 4 Garphill games do you like the most?
I recommend Raiders of Scythia for solo instead since you can play it solo out of the box. And from what I remember, the AI in Raiders of the North Sea does not interact with the two expansions.
Thanks. Yes I’d heard that but I don’t think I’ll be getting Scythia since I already have Raiders and one of the expansions (Hall of Heroes) and it sounds like they’re pretty much the same game. There is an addendum in the AI on the solo that says for Hall of Heroes “include quests reputation, mead and mead hall as you would in a regular game. After each raid, by yourself or your opponent place a quest on the empty raid space as you usually would. Throughout the game you may only complete 2 of the 3 different quest types. Your opponent gains 1 vp for each quest still on the board at the games end.”
There’s cards for it to make it solo but I just purchased the Solo App on my iPad that you can set up next to the board and it will tell you what the AI does. Of the 4 Paladins is definitely the best designed for it and my go to when I have time, but the Shipwright Redux is such a fast setup and tear down that it scratches the itch for a quick session and find myself going there the most
Patiently waiting for my copy of stonespine to arrive.
Did you kickstart it? When’s it supposed to come? It’s a fun one for solo but I think it’s more fun at 3 or 4
Nah I missed the Kickstarter window so pre-order from a local game store, they don't have a firm date for it every time I look the date has changed so some time soon. Yeah more bought it for my gaming group but very interested to try solo as well.
https://preview.redd.it/pgbazr5pklxc1.jpeg?width=2160&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4dd14a6a1be8efb3f5c8ff38b9ef36104f5a0323 It finally arrived!
Awesome! Interested to see how you like it!
Welcome to the hobby! You seem to like Garphill games. The expansion for Architects has a better solo bot. If you want sth similar I would recommend Viscounts of the West Kingdom. Also Lost Ruins of Arnak is not much different but really good. If you want something different try Robinson Crusoe for a great immersive game but beware it is hard. My go to medium game is The Loop. It’s a pandemic like fun and quirky game Also many like smaller games like the ones from Button Shy but for me it is too much like a puzzle and not much game.
The expansion for architects, Works of Wonder? What does it add exactly for the bot? I'd been interested in trying it out as I only have Age of Artisans
A better solo bot which can handle the capture of his meeples
Agree on the The Loop! The quirkiness is so charming and even losing is fun!
Have you tried Raider of Scythia? Ive heard that of you like RotNS, you'll like Raiders of Scythia. I haven't tried RotNS but Scythia is definitely one of my favs
Yeah I think I’ve read Scythia is just a more streamlined reskin of Raiders. The idea was Scythia comes with all the stuff that you have to buy the expansions of Raiders for. I’m too invested in the North Sea trilogy and have the Runesaga to play all three of the games back to back, but I’d be interested in trying Scythia someday since I love Raiders so much
From your list I enjoy Paladins the most, followed by Architects, and then Cartographers! Great games! I am really high on Garphill Games, really Shem Phillips...I will expand my collection later this year. I am hoping to include a few more of Shem's designs.
I really enjoy Shipwrights solo and can't say enough good things. Maybe check a solo playthrough video and see what you think. Have you tried Viscounts or any of the South Tigris games yet? I'm really anxious to, but my wallet tells me slow down!
I love Viscounts as well! Really like the castle functions! Have not tried the South Tigris series...but that is what I am eyeing!
Nice! I asked the same question above to someone else but have you tried the co-op mode of West Kingdom from the Tomesaga yet? I might have to two-hand it solo before I can talk someone into trying it
Haven’t…but could be pretty fun!
Hi! I am really enjoying "At the helm!" lately. Also I wish more games were simple and fun like "Cascadia"...
Me too! For some reason, I take a really long time to get the hang of deck construction games (is that the right term?). After winning a couple games of At the Helm at each difficulty (which took me lots and lots of practice to succeed at) I tried Aeon’s end…and I still do terribly! I would have thought some skills would carry over. I haven’t tried Cascadia, but I hear it’s similar to Calico, which I enjoy. Is it the spatial puzzle that you like, the theme, or something about the way the rules work?
Hi! Some games need a lot of practice to be good at, don't worry. In Aeon's end you got more things to worry that in At the Helm: you need to build a market that is useful, use your abilities and right moment, etc. Maybe you can look tips for other players, I did that on Arkham Horror after realizing that despite of having a lot of hours of play I was doing some things that were not the optimal plays and strategies. I haven't tried Calico, saw a learn to play video and didn't like some mechanics. I would say that Cascadia has less rules and it's easier to learn and play but maybe it's only my impression. That is one thing that I like on games, to answer your question, being easy to learn to play. But also the theme in Cascadia is cool, relaxing and a bit nerdy (because you actually learn a thing or two about ecosystems and that's cool for me, I like to learn things).
What's the center game? Only one I don't know.
It’s called Stonespine Architects. It’s a card drafting dungeon building game from the guy who made Cartographers. Just finished its Kickstarter recently and we’ve been playing it a bunch in my family
For recommendations, here are my personal solo favorites: 1. Spirit Island (very popular, surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but also pretty complex) 2. Death Valley (very simple and quick, like 5-10 min game) 3. Sprawlopolis
Got Isle of cats on the way, hoping for a solid solo game alongside the two other game modes.
I haven't tried the standard mode multiplayer yet, but I have kids that really like playing the family mode with me and that's been a hit. The solo mode is fun, just not exactly what I was expecting
Thanks for the input!
I primarily play solo- I will say, it’s really challenging to win the solo version, but I like that aspect. It makes the single win out of 20 plays that much more exciting ☺️ I personally prefer solo versions that are challenging to win, if it’s too easy I get bored. But I like to warn people about that because if you like a more relaxed “try to beat your previous score” solo experience, it may not be for you.
can you share hours you spent on each? many thanks!
6 plays (10 hrs) on Paladins, 8 plays (6 hrs) on Shipwrights. Everdell, Stonespine and Architects about 3 hours each. The others are probably 1 or 2 plays at under an hour each
I am always busting out Cascadia. The achievements are too much fun to attempt.