What Solo Games Feel Like a Full-Fledged Hobby?

Hello,

I’ve recently been rediscovering tactile gaming as a way to reconnect with more immersive, hands-on experiences. My background is rooted in 80s D&D, which sparked a lifelong love of RPGs. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed games like Neverwinter Nights, Diablo, and Baldur’s Gate but after spending long hours at work on a computer, I’ve started craving something more tangible. That search brought me here and opened my eyes to the world of solo boardgaming.

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on the following:

• Which solo games feel like a complete hobby in themselves? By this, I mean games with such depth, replayability, or immersive qualities that they could stand alone as a primary pastime.
• Which games have strong, well-established player communities? I’d love to dive into conversations, exchange strategies, and find others who are equally invested in exploring these games.
• Which games have communities with a mature tone? I’ve noticed that some online game communities tend to have a more welcoming and constructive atmosphere, while others can lean towards aggressive or negative themes. I’m definitely drawn to the former and would love suggestions where that’s the norm.

For context, I’m particularly drawn to games that emphasize rich storytelling, character-building, and the ability to experiment or develop over time. I enjoy exploring deep systems and well-realized worlds, which is what originally pulled me into RPGs and has kept me captivated for decades.

If you have recommendations or advice, I’d greatly appreciate it. This forum has already proven to be an inspiring and informative place, and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thank you in advance!