Solo gaming represents a significant portion of my board gaming hours and I am no longer embarrassed about it. The pandemic accelerated a shift in solo game design that was already underway — more games now ship with thoughtful solo modes rather than treating solo as an afterthought.

Wingspan's solo mode is a racing puzzle against a clock. Spirit Island's solo play is a full puzzle experience. Scythe's Automa is a genuine opponent simulation. Terraforming Mars solo is a tight turn-limit race. All of these are worth playing on their own merits, not just as substitutes for multiplayer.

Games designed from the ground up as solo experiences are worth mentioning separately: Sleeping Gods, Mage Knight, Under Falling Skies. If solo gaming appeals to you at all, these should be on your radar.