Whether you're unwinding alone or looking for something to play with a group, the right game makes all the difference. Here are 14 titles across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo that deliver great experiences no matter how many controllers are plugged in.

1. God of War Ragnarök 

A cinematic action-RPG that follows Kratos and his son Atreus across the Nine Realms of Norse mythology as they face the prophesied end of the world. The game blends brutal, satisfying combat with emotional storytelling, making it one of the most complete single-player experiences on PlayStation.

2. It Takes Two 

A co-op exclusive platformer designed entirely around two players working together. You play as a couple on the verge of divorce who get transformed into tiny dolls and must cooperate to find their way back. Every chapter introduces a completely fresh gameplay mechanic, keeping things surprising from start to finish.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom 

An open-world adventure that expands on Breath of the Wild by adding vertical exploration, new sky and underground regions, and a creative building system that lets players construct machines and contraptions to solve puzzles. The sheer freedom of the game means no two players will have exactly the same experience.

4. Overcooked! 2 

A chaotic cooking game where players work together to prepare, cook, and serve meals in increasingly ridiculous kitchens. It works as a solo challenge but truly shines as a loud, frantic group game where every session ends in laughter, arguments, or both.

5. Elden Ring 

An open-world action RPG developed by FromSoftware in collaboration with George R.R. Martin. Set in the Lands Between, players explore a dark fantasy world filled with challenging enemies, hidden lore, and towering bosses. Difficult solo, but friends can drop in and help through the summoning system.

6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 

The definitive kart racing game and one of the best-selling Switch titles of all time. With a roster of beloved Nintendo characters, 96 tracks, and responsive multiplayer, it's the kind of game anyone can pick up and enjoy regardless of their gaming experience.

7. Halo Infinite 

Master Chief returns in a sprawling open-world campaign that can be tackled solo or with a friend in online co-op. The free-to-play multiplayer ensures there's always a match to jump into, and the classic Halo feel is very much intact with modern movement options added on top.

8. Stardew Valley 

A farming and life simulation RPG where you inherit a plot of land and build it into a thriving homestead. Incredibly relaxing as a solo experience, and the multiplayer update lets up to four players share a farm, making it a great co-op game for laid-back sessions.

9. Resident Evil 5 

Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar investigate a bioterrorism threat in Africa in this action-packed entry built from the ground up with co-op in mind. The entire campaign is designed around two players managing resources, covering each other, and surviving relentless enemy encounters together.

10. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The most content-packed entry in the legendary platform fighter series, with over 80 playable fighters and full support for up to 8 players locally. The solo World of Light adventure mode also offers dozens of hours for those playing alone, making it a great all-rounder.

11. Uncharted 4: A Thief's End 

The concluding chapter of Nathan Drake's story, sending him on one final globetrotting treasure hunt alongside his long-lost brother. It blends cinematic set pieces, platforming, and gunfights into a polished adventure that feels like playing a blockbuster film.

12. Minecraft

A sandbox survival and building game with virtually no limits on what you can create or explore. Works beautifully as a solo creative outlet and scales effortlessly into a multiplayer world where friends can build, survive, and adventure together across platforms.

13. Mortal Kombat 1 

A reboot of the iconic fighting franchise with a redesigned roster, a new Kameo fighter assist system, and a story mode that reimagines the series timeline from scratch. Whether you're grinding through the Towers solo or going head-to-head with a friend on the couch, it delivers the over-the-top action the series is known for.

14. Hogwarts Legacy 

An open-world RPG set in the 1800s Wizarding World, long before the events of Harry Potter. Players attend Hogwarts, learn spells, and explore the castle and surrounding regions while uncovering a hidden ancient magic. A deeply immersive solo experience for fans of the franchise and RPG lovers alike.