2020 was a landmark year for single-player gaming, proving that the immersive, narrative-driven experience is far from “ignored” as it might have seemed in previous years. In fact, gamers saw an incredible resurgence, with dozens of highly anticipated titles, innovative new IPs, and beloved remakes hitting consoles and PCs. From sprawling open-world adventures to intense horror experiences and strategic masterpieces, the sheer variety available was a testament to the thriving creativity within the industry.
The video above highlights many of these standout titles. We’re delving deeper into why these games captured our imaginations and why 2020 truly delivered a treasure trove for those who love to embark on solo adventures.
Embracing the Solo Journey: The Best New Single Player Games of 2020
Single-player games offer unique storytelling, deep character development, and worlds designed for individual exploration. 2020 delivered these experiences in spades. Here’s a closer look at some of the most impactful titles that graced our screens.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Kicking off the list of exciting single player games, Yakuza: Like a Dragon redefined a beloved franchise. Traditionally known for its real-time brawling combat, this entry bravely shifted to a turn-based JRPG system. This bold move wasn’t just a gimmick; it breathed new life into the series, offering a fresh perspective on its signature blend of dramatic crime narratives and absurdly humorous side quests. Players step into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, a new protagonist whose idealism and love for RPGs shape his journey. The game provides a rich, vibrant open world in the fictional district of Ijincho, Yokohama, filled with memorable characters and endless activities. It truly is a new beginning for Yakuza, promising both familiar charm and exciting innovation.
Mafia: Definitive Edition
Reliving the Golden Age of Gangsters, Mafia: Definitive Edition brought the classic 2002 title into the modern era with a complete visual overhaul and enhanced gameplay. Set in the fictional city of Lost Heaven during the 1930s, this game masterfully captures the gritty atmosphere and compelling narrative of prohibition-era organized crime. You follow Tommy Angelo, a cab driver drawn into the allure and danger of the Salieri crime family. The Definitive Edition wasn’t just a simple graphical update; it re-recorded voice performances, expanded on story elements, and refined the combat and driving mechanics to offer a more polished experience. It allows both long-time fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in one of gaming’s most iconic crime stories.
The Medium
Pushing the boundaries of psychological horror, The Medium was a standout next-gen title for the Xbox Series X. Its most innovative feature was the dual-reality gameplay mechanic. Players control Marianne, a medium who can exist in both the real world and a haunting spirit world simultaneously. This means solving puzzles and navigating environments often requires interacting with obstacles in both dimensions at once. The game effectively uses its chilling atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares, diving deep into themes of trauma and revelation. It offered a truly unique take on the horror genre, showcasing the potential of new hardware to deliver truly immersive experiences.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
After years of anticipation, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time delivered the long-awaited sequel to the original trilogy. Following the success of the N. Sane Trilogy remake, this game brought back the classic precision platforming Crash is famous for, while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a vibrant art style. Players experience new quantum masks that grant Crash (and Coco) unique abilities, such as altering gravity or slowing down time. The levels are larger, more intricate, and filled with challenging obstacles, perfect for fans of the original. It was a nostalgic return for many, while also being a fresh, expansive adventure that proved the franchise still has plenty of bounce.
Nioh 2
Building upon its “Souls-like” predecessor, Nioh 2 delivered a brutal yet rewarding action RPG experience. Set in a fictionalized Sengoku period of Japan, the game deepens its combat with more weapons, expansive skill trees, and the ability to transform into a Yokai to unleash powerful demonic abilities. This sequel refined many aspects of the original, offering improved balance and an even greater sense of scale. Players create their own half-human, half-Yokai protagonist, delving into a world teeming with dangerous mythical creatures and challenging samurai warriors. Its deep combat system and relentless boss battles provide hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of challenging action titles.
Crusader Kings III
For those who prefer grand strategy and dynasty management, Crusader Kings III proved to be an unparalleled experience. This historical grand strategy game lets players lead a medieval dynasty through generations, navigating complex political landscapes, religious conflicts, and personal intrigues. Unlike typical strategy games, CK3 emphasizes character-driven storytelling, where traits, ambitions, and relationships define the gameplay. The shift to a fully 3D rendering mode brought the detailed map and character models to life like never before. With its intricate systems for managing your family, vassals, and realms, it offers a truly unique blend of role-playing and strategic conquest, promising endless emergent narratives.
The Thrill of Discovery and Revenge: More Single Player Gems
The single-player landscape of 2020 was incredibly diverse, offering experiences from role-playing in early access to unleashing monstrous revenge.
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Stoneshard: An unforgiving turn-based RPG currently in early access, Stoneshard transports players to a grim open world that feels very much like a classic dungeon crawler. Its focus on deep character customization, challenging combat, and constant content updates makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a hardcore rogue-like experience.
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Carrion: Dubbed a “reverse horror” game, Carrion lets players embody the monster. You play as an amorphous, tentacled creature escaping a lab, exacting bloody revenge on those who imprisoned you. This Metroidvania-style game offers incredibly satisfying gameplay as you grow in power, stalk unsuspecting scientists, and tear through environments. It’s a cathartic experience in visceral destruction.
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Desperados III: A tactical masterclass, Desperados III is a real-time tactics game set in the Wild West, serving as a prequel to the cult classic Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive. It challenges players to use stealth, environmental interactions, and the unique abilities of a diverse team of bounty hunters to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The option for a non-lethal playthrough adds a layer of strategic depth, making every encounter a puzzle to solve.
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Half-Life: Alyx: Valve’s triumphant return to the Half-Life universe came in the form of a groundbreaking VR shooter. Half-Life: Alyx isn’t just a tech demo; it’s a full-fledged narrative experience that redefines what’s possible in virtual reality. With its innovative physics-based puzzles, intense combat, and compelling story, it offers an unparalleled sense of immersion. It proves VR can deliver AAA gaming experiences, not just novelties.
Remakes and Revivals: Iconic Stories Reimagined
2020 also saw several beloved franchises return with stunning remakes, allowing a new generation to experience their magic.
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Final Fantasy VII Remake: One of the most anticipated titles, Final Fantasy VII Remake brought the iconic JRPG to life with breathtaking graphics and a modernized combat system. While its episodic nature and changes to the original story were initially controversial, it delivered a fresh and engaging experience that broadened the universe while honoring its legacy. The remake brought Midgar to life in stunning detail, making its characters and world feel more tangible than ever.
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Resident Evil 3 Remake: Following the success of the Resident Evil 2 Remake, this survival horror gem reimagined Jill Valentine’s escape from Raccoon City and the relentless Nemesis. While a shorter experience than its predecessor, the Resident Evil 3 Remake still offered a high-octane, terrifying journey through a city ravaged by the T-virus. Its stunning visuals and refined gameplay made it a thrilling, if brief, addition to the remake library.
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Persona 5 Royal: Already a critically acclaimed JRPG, Persona 5 Royal expanded on the original with significant new content, including an entirely new semester, characters, and gameplay mechanics. It tells a stylish story of a group of high school students who moonlight as “Phantom Thieves,” battling corrupted hearts in a vibrant Tokyo setting. Royal added hours of gameplay, quality-of-life improvements, and an even deeper narrative, solidifying its place as the definitive version of an already incredible game.
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Destroy All Humans! Remake: Embracing its goofy charm, the Destroy All Humans! Remake faithfully recreated the cult classic alien invasion sandbox game. Players control Crypto-137, an alien on a mission to harvest human brains, unleashing chaos with an arsenal of futuristic weapons and psychic powers. The remake preserved the original’s humor and voice acting, while updating the graphics to modern standards, making it a delightfully silly and satisfying romp.
Blockbusters and Beloved Worlds: The Biggest Single Player Games of 2020
The year was also packed with new installments in major franchises, from Viking sagas to superhero epics.
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Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Setting sail for a brutal Viking age, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla immersed players in the shoes of Eivor, a Viking raider leading their clan to settle in Anglo-Saxon England. Building upon the open-world RPG elements of Origins and Odyssey, Valhalla introduced robust settlement management, large-scale raids, and a deep mythological narrative. It delivered an expansive world filled with discovery, combat, and compelling historical intrigue.
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Ori and the Will of the Wisps: This stunning Metroidvania platformer built upon the emotional foundation of its predecessor, Ori and the Blind Forest. Ori and the Will of the Wisps offered an even larger world to explore, more varied combat mechanics, and a deeply moving story about friendship and sacrifice. Its breathtaking art style, fluid platforming, and poignant soundtrack make it a truly unforgettable experience, and the addition of an autosave system was a welcome improvement.
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The Last of Us Part II: A monumental and often intense narrative experience, The Last of Us Part II continued Ellie’s harrowing journey through a post-apocalyptic America. Known for its challenging themes, brutal combat, and stunning technical achievements, this action-adventure pushed boundaries. Despite early leaks, its profound storytelling and relentless gameplay solidified its place as one of the most impactful single player games of 2020, even if it wasn’t always an “easy” play.
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Halo Infinite: Positioned as a flagship launch title for the Xbox Series X, Halo Infinite promised a new era for the iconic Master Chief. While facing some delays, the vision for an expansive, semi-open-world Halo experience generated immense excitement. It aimed to redefine the FPS genre’s future for the next generation, building on the series’ legacy of epic sci-fi storytelling and tight gunplay.
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Watch Dogs: Legion: In a dystopian near-future London, Watch Dogs: Legion introduced a revolutionary “play as anyone” mechanic, allowing players to recruit virtually any NPC in the city to their DedSec resistance. Set against a backdrop of a surveillance state and corporate oppression, the game offered unparalleled freedom in approaching missions, blending hacking, stealth, and combat. Its bold premise of “tech fascism” and open-ended gameplay made it a unique open-world experience.
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Spider-Man: Miles Morales: A crucial launch title for the PlayStation 5, Spider-Man: Miles Morales built upon the highly acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4). This standalone adventure followed Miles as he steps into his own as a superhero, developing his unique venom and camouflage powers while protecting New York City. It continued the captivating narrative from the original’s DLC, delivering stunning next-gen visuals and fluid web-slinging action.
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Marvel’s Avengers: Offering a new original story within the Marvel universe, Marvel’s Avengers brought together Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in a dynamic action-RPG. Following a catastrophic event known as A-Day, where the Avengers are blamed and disbanded, a new threat emerges. The game featured a compelling single-player campaign alongside evolving multiplayer content, allowing players to embody iconic heroes like Captain America, Iron Man, and Black Widow with unique combat styles.
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Animal Crossing: New Horizons: A global phenomenon, Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided a much-needed escape during a challenging year. This social simulation game allowed players to create and customize their own deserted island paradise, interact with charming animal villagers, and visit friends’ islands. Its relaxing gameplay loop, boundless creativity, and strong community features made it an incredibly comforting and engaging single player game, capturing the hearts of millions on the Nintendo Switch.
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Ghost of Tsushima: A visually stunning action-adventure set in feudal Japan, Ghost of Tsushima immersed players in a tale of samurai honor and cunning stealth. Players take on the role of Jin Sakai, the last surviving samurai on Tsushima Island, as he battles invading Mongols. The game offered both intense sword combat and strategic stealth options, alongside a breathtaking open world inspired by classic samurai cinema. Its incredible photo mode and serene exploration balanced out the violent narrative, making it a truly artistic and engaging experience.
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Doom Eternal: Unleashing pure, unadulterated demon-slaying action, Doom Eternal built upon the critically acclaimed 2016 reboot, taking the FPS genre to new heights of intensity. With its fast-paced “push-forward combat” philosophy, players are constantly encouraged to engage enemies aggressively to regain health and ammo. The introduction of the super shotgun with a grappling hook became an instant fan-favorite mechanic, adding incredible mobility and combat options. It’s a relentless, metal-infused ride that epitomizes over-the-top first-person shooting.
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Cyberpunk 2077: One of the most anticipated single player games of the decade, Cyberpunk 2077 promised an expansive, choice-driven RPG set in the sprawling, neon-drenched metropolis of Night City. From CD Projekt Red, the creators of The Witcher 3, expectations were sky-high for its immersive storytelling, character customization, and branching narratives. Despite delays, the promise of a deep, impactful futuristic world where every choice matters had gamers eagerly awaiting its arrival, hoping to carve their own legend in this dystopian vision.
More Adventures Await: Bonus Single Player Experiences
Beyond the top list, 2020 surprised us with several other fantastic single-player options, including ports and unexpected remakes:
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Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition (PC): This critically acclaimed open-world action RPG, featuring a compelling story and magnificent robot dinosaurs, finally arrived on PC. It brought Aloy’s journey of discovery and survival to a new audience, showcasing stunning visuals and deep lore.
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 Remake: A triumphant return to arcade skateboarding, this remake flawlessly recreated the beloved classics with modern graphics. It offered a pure shot of nostalgia and tight, satisfying gameplay, reminding players why these games were so revolutionary.
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Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning: A visually impressive action RPG that found a second chance. This remaster brought back a game known for its vibrant fantasy world, deep lore, and unique combat system, giving it the attention it deserved.
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Maneater: Dubbed a “ShaRkPG,” this unique title put players in control of a shark, evolving and terrorizing the coastal waters. It was a refreshing take on the open-world genre, offering ridiculous fun and plenty of aquatic violence.
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Gears Tactics: A surprising but successful foray for the Gears of War franchise into the turn-based tactics genre. It offered a compelling X-COM-like experience with the brutal action and over-the-top characters synonymous with Gears, proving the series could excel beyond its shooter roots.
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Serious Sam 4: The return of the iconic over-the-top arcade FPS. Serious Sam 4 delivered exactly what fans wanted: hordes of enemies, massive weapons, and relentless, chaotic action, making it a pure adrenaline rush.
Your Questions on 2020’s Top Solo Adventures, Answered
What are single-player games?
Single-player games focus on individual experiences, offering unique storytelling, deep character development, and worlds designed for personal exploration.
Why was 2020 considered a notable year for single-player games?
2020 saw a significant rise in single-player gaming, with many anticipated titles, new game ideas, and beloved remakes released across various platforms.
What types of single-player games are featured in the 2020 list?
The list includes a diverse range of genres, such as open-world adventures, psychological horror, action RPGs, platformers, grand strategy games, and even social simulations.
Are there any remakes or updated versions of classic games mentioned?
Yes, 2020 featured several remakes, including titles like Mafia: Definitive Edition, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Resident Evil 3 Remake, which brought iconic stories to modern platforms.
