Top 20 New Single Player Games of 2021

There are a ton of video games out that requires multiplayer. Battle royales and team-based titles are a big hit, but it doesn’t mean that there are no other great single-player-focused titles for players to look forward to playing. Unfortunately, 2020 was hit with the dreaded covid health pandemic outbreak, and it pushed a lot of developers into working remotely, which ultimately cost several games to get pushed back. However, here are the best video games that managed to release before the upcoming year hits.

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#20 The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes 

• Developer: Supermassive Games
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: October 22, 2021

Supermassive Games is known for its narrative-driven horror games. After the success of Until Dawn, the studio has kept up with the same type of gameplay as The Dark Pictures Pictures Anthology. These are shorter horror games that typically feature a storyline with multiple choices. Players would be controlling a series of characters as they go through the QTEs and deciding what to do when a choice is presented. Of course, depending on the choices and reaction times could result in character deaths. The latest installment to be released in 2021 is House of Ashes. Set in the early 2000s during the Iraq war, players follow a group of American soldiers investigating some intel. However, a battle breaks out, and our group ends up in a cave where they unleash a sinister evil. Again, these are shorter games, and if you enjoyed this installment, there are several past installments, each with its own unique characters and storylines.

#19 Grand Theft Auto The Trilogy Definitive Edition

• Developer: Grove Street Games
• Publisher: Rockstar Games
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S, Android, iOS
• Release: November 11, 2021

Rockstar Games is known for delivering the stellar Grand Theft Auto franchise. These games have been around for ages now and continue to thrive today. With each new installment, we’re thrown into an over-the-top crime-ridden narrative. Likewise, we’re given a large open world map to explore and create chaos within. While some fans have been waiting on the announcement of a Grand Theft Auto 6, Rockstar Games opted to give players something to tide them over. Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition is a remastered collection of Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. The narrative is intact here, but players are receiving some overhauls in visuals and modern mechanics.

If you’ve never played these three-game installments in the past, each features a unique protagonist and overall storyline plot. For Grand Theft Auto III, players are taking the role of Claude, who is on a revenge quest in a New York City-style location called Liberty City. With Grand Theft Auto Vice City, we’re taken to the late 1980s in a Miami-inspired area. Here you’ll be stepping into the role of a mobster named Tommy Vercetti, who is building up his own criminal empire. Lastly, with Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, you’re playing Carl Johnson, who ends up back in his hometown. Here he’s drawn back into the life of crime and corruption. If you played even the latest Grand Theft Auto installment, Grand Theft Auto V, then you know what to expect with these games. Of course, since they are a bit older, they might not have all the bells and whistles as the more recent releases. Still, it’s a thrilling experience to go back and play three iconic titles from the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

#18 Far Cry 6

• Developer: Ubisoft
• Publisher: Ubisoft
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: October 7, 2021

Far Cry received a new installment in 2021. Within Far Cry 6, players are tossed into a fictional Caribbean island called Yara. Under control by a ruthless dictator named Anton Castallo, portrayed by actor Giancarlo Esposito, the citizens of Yara have a tough life. Here the game has players taking the role of Dani Rojas, a guerilla fighter looking to end the regime’s grasp around Yara. In hopes of making the country flourish, the battle is going to be a challenge. Being a guerilla fighter, you’ll have a military to take out. Then there are the limited resources you’ll have to work with. If you played the previous Far Cry installments, you might find the gameplay quite familiar. It’s set in an open world where you’ll get to freely explore, interact with NPCs that may further aid you in the campaign.

#17 Bravely Default II

• Developer: Claytechworks
• Publisher: Nintendo, Square Enix
• Platforms: NS, PC
• Release: February 26, 2021

If the IP Bravely Default doesn’t ring a bell for you, this was a JRPG that launched back in 2012 initially. Made exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS, the game was a big hit. It even sparked a follow-up sequel with Bravely Second: End Layer in 2016. Now on the Nintendo Switch, we have a brand new installment with Bravely Default II. This installment has its own unique storyline, setting, and even characters. As a result, you don’t have to go back and play those earlier installments. Again, setup as a traditional JRPG, the game is centered around a group of heroes helping an exiled princess regain her kingdom along with the crystals that were stolen from it.

#16 Kena: Bridge of Spirits

• Developer: Ember Lab
• Publisher: Ember Lab
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5
• Release: September 21, 2021

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an action-adventure game that was the debut title for developers Ember Lab. Overall, the game focuses on a young spirit guide named Kena, who uses her supernatural powers to help different spirits move on from our realm. It’s a bit of a platformer where you’re interacting with the world to reach different heights. Meanwhile, there is combat here as Kena uses a staff to fight off enemies while the staff itself can turn into a makeshift bow to sink some arrows into an enemy. The reception of this game has been great, but there is one shortcoming fans might find with Kena: Bridge of Spirits. That’s the fact this is a relatively short game. It takes players under ten hours to complete, so if you’re after something to quickly get through, then this is a game we would recommend giving a try.

#15 Guardians of the Galaxy 

• Developer: Eidos-Montreal
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: October 26, 2021

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy has become a bigger hit with the cinematic universe. Now there’s a new game we can dive into right now. In Guardians of the Galaxy, we’re following the band of heroes looking to make a quick buck. However, most of their efforts end up backfiring, leaving a series of catastrophic events. Now to save the day, the group is forced into going through an uphill battle. In this game, players are only taking the role of Star-Lord, but you will be able to give out commands to another team like Rocket Raccoon and Groot. So it’s a bit unfortunate that you can’t take on some of these other iconic character roles from the franchise, but at least they are present throughout the game. You have a thrilling narrative to get through, and throughout the campaign, you’ll have some dialogue choices. It’s worth noting that while these dialogue choices will alter some of the relationships and scenes, but the game will only have one ending here.

#14 Scarlet Nexus

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: June 25, 2021

If you enjoy some anime-style video games, then you might be interested in Scarlet Nexus. This is a hack-and-slash RPG type of game. Set in a parallel world where mutated creatures have burst into the planet, humanity relies on a special task force. Dubbed the Other Suppression Force or otherwise known as the OSF. The group here will defend the world from these mutated creatures, but they’ll have their own unique supernatural power to help aid them. In the case of our protagonist, you’ll have psychokinesis which gives us the ability to throw objects at an enemy. However, you’ll also have party members that join in with their own unique abilities to use as well.

#13 Chernobylite 

• Developer: The Farm 51
• Publisher: All In! Games SA
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S,
• Release: July 28, 2021

Chernobylite puts players into the role of Igor, who was a former employee of the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant. Decades after the accident, Igor decides to travel back into the nuclear zone in hopes of finding out what happened to his wife, Tatyana. Being in the hazardous and radioactive zone brings quite a few obstacles. You’ll need to watch out for the military, other Stalkers, and mutated creatures. There’s a lot of exploring here, and fortunately, you can use the crafting system to make your gear better. Meanwhile, players will be presented with choices, which will help twist and turn the storyline for your playthrough.

#12 Lost Judgment

• Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
• Publisher: Sega
• Platforms: PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: September 24, 2021

A spin-off from the Yakuza franchise, Judgment was released with much success. However, the game didn’t put players into the role of a Yakuza member but instead as an investigator. A sequel came out in 2021 called Lost Judgment, where again, we’re tossed back into the private investigator role as you collect evidence from a suspect accused of murder and sexual harassment. If you played the previous game, then you know what to expect here. There’s plenty of exploration, interacting with characters, and, of course, the over-the-top melee combat that the Yakuza franchise has been known for. While you can play this game as a standalone experience, those wanting a bit more insight into various characters might find it worth playing through the first Judgment game.

#11 Resident Evil Village 

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: May 7, 2021

Resident Evil Village puts players into a narrative set shortly after the events of Resident Evil 7. We’re once again tossed into the role of Ethan Winters, who is living a normal life now with his wife Mia and their newborn daughter Rose. Within the first opening moments of the game, Chris Redfield bursts into Ethan’s home, killing Mia and kidnapping Rose. During your transport to an unknown location, something goes haywire, and you end up stranded in a remote village. Now Ethan is forced into uncovering where Chris is located and getting back his daughter. However, players will find that this village is peculiar with all kinds of hostile enemies to face ranging from lycans to vampires. Similar to previous Resident Evil games, you can expect a ton of exploration, plenty of boss battles, and puzzles to solve.

#10 Returnal

• Developer: Housemarque
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release: April 30, 2021

Returnal is a third-person roguelike title by developers Housemarque. In this game, players are taking the role of a female space pilot named Selene. Investigating a strange signal, Selene ends up crashing down on an alien planet only to find her own corpses. Soon she discovers that every time she dies, a loop starts over while the planet changes up. To find out what’s going on with the signal and a way off the planet, Selene will have to explore the planet carefully. That’s easier said than done as the planet is home to hostile creatures. Gameplay is mainly centered around a third-person shooter perspective, but it can be a challenge. You’ll have to keep your head on a swivel as the game is a bit like a bullet hell shooter. Here you’ll need to dodge different projectiles as you constantly move around the area during combat.

#9 Mass Effect Legendary Edition

• Developer: BioWare
• Publisher: Electronic Arts
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
• Release: May 14, 2021

Mass Effect was one of the most iconic RPG developed under BioWare. The video game franchise initially spanned across three installments, and players were enthralled with the series. You had this futuristic epic space opera tale where our protagonist and his team worked at saving the galaxy from impending doom. There were several side missions to take on, characters to meet, planets to visit, and of course, choices to make. These choices were crucial here as they allowed players to adapt the story between the games, giving players a somewhat unique experience. However, those games are quite older these days. Fortunately, BioWare stepped up and delivered Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which includes all of the games and most of the DLC from the initial series. With visual enhancements and mechanic tweaks, this is a collection well worth picking up today.

#8 Tales of Arise

• Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S
• Release: September 10, 2021

The long-running Tales series received another installment. Tales of Arise was developed to revitalize the series, which may help appeal more towards a Western audience. This is still an action RPG title if you’re familiar with the game, and as a result, you’ll find that the Linear Motion Battle System will be intact. In the narrative, the game will focus on two worlds, Dahna and Rena. Rena is an advanced world filled with magic and technology, while Dahna has been repressed into a medieval state. As a result, Rena has been using those that inhabit Dahna as slaves. Here, the protagonists will be Alphen, from Dahna, and a woman named Shionne from Rena. Both find themselves traveling together in a new dark adventure as they attempt to make a big change. It’s a thrilling experience players will find themselves in and a relatively lengthy one as well. Despite the Tales franchise being around for several years, the installments are generally standalone. This means you won’t have to play through the past games to enjoy this one.

#7 Hitman 3

• Developer: IO Interactive
• Publisher: IO Interactive
• Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, XBO, X/S, NS
• Release: January 20, 2021

The final installment to the Hitman World of Assassination trilogy came out this year. Without spoiling anything from this concluding chapter, players can still expect a stealth third-person title. You’ll be taking on the role of Agent 47 as he’s tasked with taking out various contract criminal targets across different locations around the world. Just as before, you’ll have control over how to carry out these hits as you explore the level and potential exit strategies for when you finally take the kill. One element that will be unique for players this time around is that there will be VR support on the PlayStation VR headset. However, we know that 2022 will see more content tossed into this game, including VR support on the PC platform.

#6 Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart

• Developer: Insomniac Games
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS5
• Release: June 11, 2021

Another installment to the beloved action third-person platform, Ratchet & Clank series, came out in 2021. This is a PlayStation 5 exclusive, and we know that 2021 was another challenging year to get hands-on with this console platform. With that said, if you were able to secure a unit, this is one of the games you likely picked up alongside it. If you’re familiar with the franchise, many of the same mechanics and characters will pop up in this game, but it’s not necessary to go back and play those previous games to enjoy this installment. Overall, the big aspect of this particular installment is the Rift Tether, which allows players to warp between areas and even levels quickly. It’s one of the features developed to show off the power of the PlayStation 5 console. Meanwhile, the game narrative is another rush to save the day from Doctor Nefarious, who manages to get his hands on a device that can open rifts between dimensions.

#5 Monster Hunter Rise

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Platforms: NS, PC
• Release: March 26, 2021

The Monster Hunter franchise is quite the beloved one. It’s a thrilling action RPG that has players dropped into a fantasy world. Here you’re simply going on hunts to take down giant monsters. The formula gets tweaked a little bit with each new installment, and the latest happens to be a Nintendo Switch exclusive. In 2021 we saw the launch of Monster Hunter Rise, another take of the franchise that offers familiar mechanics. Here you’re working either alone or with some friends as you track down a monster and try to take it down. From there, it’s all about gathering the resources it drops in order to make better gear. However, as the name suggests, there is more verticality play here so that you can grapple or swing around gaps within higher locations. While this is a Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2021, players will eventually see the game launch on the PC platform in 2022.

#4 Metroid Dread

• Developer: MercurySteam, Nintendo EPD
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: NS
• Release: October 8, 2021

Metroid Dread was a brand new entry to a classic action-adventure franchise. Set after the events of the previous Metroid games, this put our leading protagonist Samus in her biggest challenge yet. Set after the events of Metroid Fusion, the Galactic Federation had found evidence leading them to suspect more X parasites have thrived on the planet ZDR. As a result, they sent out advanced robots called EMMI’s to deal with the parasite. Unfortunately, the Galactic Federation soon find their androids suddenly go offline. Now Samus is forced into traveling to Planet ZDR to take care of the parasites and uncover what other strange oddities have appeared within this planet. Additionally, it seems that these unstoppable androids have turned on Samus giving here an even more brutal fight to deal with. This has been a highly regarded installment for the franchise and one well worth the pickup.

#3 Deathloop

• Developer: Arkane Studios
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
• Platforms: PC, PS5
• Release: September 14, 2021

Arkane Studios delivered Deathloop this year. This was another highly anticipated video game coming out in 2021 where we got thrown into an unusual island. Taking the role of an assassin named Colt, you’re stuck in a time loop within the island. The only way of breaking the loop and freeing yourself is by hunting down eight specific targets and taking them out. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done as you also have to fight off different henchmen along the way. If you run out of time or Colt loses his lives he ends up back at the start of this loop. You’ll find that there are different areas to explore, some of which will prove crucial in returning at different times of the day in order to gain more valuable information. Meanwhile, while you have a list of eight targets to take out, there is another skilled assassin on the island named Julianna. Unfortunately, she only has one name on her list, and that’s Colt. While the game AI will attempt to hunt your down, there is a multiplayer component here that will allow players to invade each other’s games as the character Julianna.

#2 Psychonauts 2

• Developer: Double Fine
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, X/S
• Release: August 25, 2021

After a long wait, fans of the Psychonauts video game finally got their hands on a sequel this year. Psychonauts 2 is another platformer action-adventure game where players take on the role of Raz. Now that original game came out in 2005, and we did receive a VR installment called Rhombus of Ruin. However, you don’t have to play those earlier games to enjoy Psychonauts 2. The development team over at Double Fine Productions offers a decent recap of the events that happened prior to where this game picks up. Overall, Psychonauts 2 is about this international task force. Players are a young Psychonaut named Raz who has different unique psychic abilities. Your main goal here is to find out who is behind the kidnapping of their leader, but the only way to figure that out is by entering the minds of different characters. Each brings players into a twisted new world where you’ll need to use your platforming skills and psychic powers to get around the area or battle against unusual enemies.

#1 Halo Infinite  

• Developer: 343 Industries
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Platforms: PC, XBO, X/S
• Release: December 8, 2021

Easily one of the most anticipated video games in general for 2021 is Halo Infinite. We’re still waiting on this game at the time of writing this post. 343 Industries was initially trying to get Halo Infinite out the door alongside the launch of the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. However, that didn’t happen. Their first campaign footage showcase was a disaster. Fans quickly pointed out flaws to the gameplay and design, which ultimately caused the studio to delay Halo Infinite. Now a year later, we’re nearing its release. This December, we’ll finally get a chance to dive into this game featuring a brand new narrative as we battle against some more Covenant forces. This time around, we know that our leading spartan protagonist will have a grapple system to allow players the ability to zip around the map. Furthermore, while fans will have to pick up Halo Infinite to enjoy the campaign, the multiplayer component is completely free. Players will be able to face each other through iconic game modes and maps. There are seasons planned out, so ideally, we’ll get more content to enjoy online over the coming years.

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BONUS

Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut  

• Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
• Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
• Platforms: PS4, PS5
• Release: August 20, 2021

Ghost of Tsushima was released in 2020, and it was a solid game. You took the role of Jin, a samurai that had to battle against the Mongol forces that invaded Japan. However, the reason we have this game as a bonus title is the Director’s Cut. This is an expanded version of the game which adds some new features exclusive to the DualSense and PlayStation 5. However, for gameplay, there’s also the addition of Iki Island, another area that the Mongol Empire invaded.

Age of Empires IV

• Developer: Relic Entertainment, World’s Edge
• Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
• Platforms: PC
• Release: October 28, 2021

Another Age of Empires installment launched in 2021. If you’re familiar with the franchise, you know exactly what to expect with Age of Empires IV. This is another real-time strategy game where you’re tossed in the middle ages. Here you’ll have to build up your empire, gather resources, and battle against opposing forces. It’s a classic franchise that’s been around since the late 1990s. However, if you’re entirely new to the series, then Age of Empires IV is a great starting point to jump into.

Subnautica Below Zero

• Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
• Platforms: PC, NS, PS4, XBO, X/S
• Release: May 14, 2021

Subnautica was a massive hit, so it wasn’t a surprise to see another installment release for the franchise. Subnautica Below Zero has players taking the role of a scientist named Robin Ayou, who smuggles herself into the planet 4546B. When your sister ends up dead, and the corporation only suggests that this was a result of employee negligence, you venture to her last known whereabouts in hopes of uncovering the truth. If you played the previous installment, you know that this is largely a survival action-adventure game. You’re dealing with a mostly aquatic planet with hostile creatures lurking below the water depths. You’ll also have to keep an eye on your hunger, thirst, oxygen, overall health, and even temperature as the planet is quite frigid.

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights 

• Developer: Adglobe and Live Wire
• Publisher: Binary Haze Interactive
• Platforms: NS, PC, XBO, X/S, PS4
• Release: June 22, 2021

Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights is a Metroidvania platformer. It’s a dark atmospheric game where players are thrown into a fantasy world. When a rainstorm strikes the kingdom and turns all living things into a demented enemy, players are tossed into the role of a girl named Lily. Awakened up in the local cathedral, Lily discovers what has happened. Now players are fighting an uphill battle as they seek out the source of this mysterious rain. Fortunately, with the added ability to summon spirits, players will have some level of protection against enemies. It’s often compared to Hollow Knight but a bit less focus on platforming.