Tabletop wargaming has long been a social pastime—armies lining up across a battlefield, dice rattling, and friends strategizing together. But for many, especially during the pandemic, solo tabletop wargaming became not just an alternative, but a deeply rewarding way to play.
Here are the top five reasons solo play has grown in popularity, supported with insights from hobbyists and creators who experienced the shift first-hand.
1. Flexibility & Convenience
Solo tabletop play removes the biggest barrier to gaming: scheduling. You don’t need to coordinate opponents, set aside a whole evening, or rush through games.
“Solo miniature wargaming means no more syncing schedules or long waits for game nights. … You set up and play, making the hobby fit your life.” — Wargames Delivered
One blogger added:
“I don’t have the time to go out to game … I could play a couple of turns each session and take a week or more over a game if I wanted to.” — Creative Twilight
Solo tabletop wargaming allows you to fit the hobby into your lifestyle rather than the other way around.
2. Self-Paced Learning & Experimentation
One of the strongest reasons players embrace solo play is the ability to learn and experiment without pressure.
“Learning new games solo means there’s no pressure. You can take your time with the rules, experiment with strategies, and replay scenarios until you feel confident.” — Wargames Delivered
Another gamer shared:
“I want to practice/try out new units/lists … before sending it into battle against a human opponent.” — Creative Twilight
Solo tabletop wargaming is the perfect laboratory to test strategies, try scenarios, and fine-tune your command skills.
3. Creating Your Own Narrative & Tactical Stories
Wargaming has always been about the stories that unfold on the tabletop. Solo play enhances that by giving you total control of the narrative. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of “house rules.’
“In solo wargames, you create the story with your miniatures.” — Wargames Delivered
“Playing a game is like watching a story unfold with dice rolls … providing for unexpected events and outcomes.” — Grymauch’s Solo Wargaming Blog
A Pandemic-Driven Surge
The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically accelerated the growth of solo tabletop wargaming. With clubs closed and gatherings banned, many gamers tried solo battles for the first time.
In 2020, U.S. board game sales grew by about 20%, and Games Workshop reported £187 million in sales from May to November, a jump of £38 million year-over-year. Online sales surged 87% during the same period (The Guardian).
As Mac of SB Minisguy put it:
“With the UK in lockdown because of the virus… what are we wargamers meant to do? Solo Wargaming is a thing and something that this wargamer is glad that he knew about.”
What began as a stopgap became a revelation for many.
4. Sharpening Strategy by Playing Both Sides
Another major benefit of solo tabletop wargaming is playing both sides of a conflict. This isn’t just efficient—it’s educational.
“Solo wargaming allows you to explore both sides of the battle. … you learn to anticipate maneuvers and develop counter-strategies.” — Wargames Delivered
Commanding both armies sharpens your understanding of tactics and teaches you to think like both attacker and defender.
5. Deep Immersion & Customization
Perhaps the greatest strength of solo tabletop wargaming is the ability to tailor every element of the game to your preferences.
“Solo wargaming empowers you to tailor the game’s complexity to meet your personal challenge level.” — Wargames Delivered
“The advantage is that you can include more exotic and risky options, but give them a low probability.” — Grognardia
And finally, from Grymauch’s Solo Wargaming Blog:
“Solo wargaming is actually quite liberating. You have complete freedom to choose whatever period, scale or rules to play…”
This freedom makes solo campaigns deeply immersive, letting you sculpt not only the scenarios but also the pace and difficulty of the experience.
Conclusion
What might have begun as a pandemic necessity for some in the hobby has now grown into a permanent, beloved way of enjoying the hobby. Solo tabletop wargaming offers flexibility, freedom, narrative depth, and a chance to hone strategy like no other style of play.
If you haven’t tried it yet, set up a battlefield and step into both generals’ boots—you may find your most rewarding battles come when you’re your own opponent.
If you HAVE tried it, share your thoughts and ideas with other readers on how to make your solo tabletop wargaming as immersive as possible.
