August 2026 Solo Games Review: Ratings, Awards, and More
Look back at the highlights from memorable solo games and the lessons to carry forward in this review of August 2026.
This might be a little on the delayed side, which seems to be a common trend for me, but I still had a pretty excellent time with solo games throughout last month! My plays were limited towards the end of August, yet plenty of memories and lessons will come along with me. Who knows what September’s plays will look like… But first, a final ode to August!
A Look at the Ratings
My rating system is still flawed and subjective, but I like how my scores often level out over time for most games.
Anything that scores in the 70s is good. The tier of the 80s is for my great games, and moving up to the 90s is the mark of many favorites. Numbers don’t mean everything, though.
That’s part of why I enjoy these monthly reviews: I get a chance to remember the little moments that stood out!
This is also one of those months when my top solo game came to my table. A perfect 100 is virtually impossible, yet there’s still one game in my collection that holds the honor!
- Obsession 100%
- Ark Nova 92%
- Railroad Tiles 89%
- The LOOP 88%
- Apiary 76%
- Castellans 65%
- Fishing Lessons 59%
- The Royal Limited 59%
- Steam Power 56%
The Award Goes To…
This wasn’t necessarily a light month for overall plays, although I didn’t quite click with a fair number of games. Always a good lesson when my collection is pretty large!
A few awards seemed obvious. There are usually some pretty tough decisions. This was an easy awards season!
Some months end up feeling more or less filled with gaming memories. I still look back at a few older posts to remember the fun times, no matter how much I played.
It’s interesting when a single game scoops up multiple awards. Just points to some surprisingly great game plays!
Full Listing of August 2026 Award Winners
If you would rather read a quick listing without clicking or looking through photos, here are the winners:
- Action-Packed Scene: The LOOP
- Back for More: Railroad Tiles
- Calico Critters Twin: Ark Nova
- Freshly Hatched Box: Apiary
- From the Ashes: Apiary
- Inspired by Nature: Apiary
- It’s a Trap!: Obsession
- Next Gallery Exhibit: Castellans
- Roses are Red: Apiary
- Surprise Party Time: Railroad Tiles
- The Gold Cheesecake: Railroad Tiles
- The Jeweled Crown: Castellans
- Uh-Oh, Hot Dog!: The LOOP
- Winner of All: Obsession
Descriptions of the awards are in the photos above, but the bottom line is that they’re mostly random for some laughs!
Monthly Highlights
Everything slowed down after my valiant work patching up my house and aggravating my elbow, but there were lots of excellent plays of my favorite solo game, Obsession!
Apiary proved to be an interesting hit that kept my attention for awhile, and I played a single challenge in Railroad Tiles over and over until I finally won. Hurrah!
I spent time with smaller wallet-sized games, like Fishing Lessons and The Royal Limited, only to move them on.
It felt like I floundered a bit in terms of settling into a routine with games I enjoyed. That’s September’s goal!
Lessons of the Month
There isn’t an exact moment to pinpoint, yet I felt like I lost my way with my solo games. I found plenty of things to enjoy, but I felt more like I lucked into those situations.
Choosing what to play next can be a challenge, and I know exactly what I tend to do… Turn it into an opportunity to play a solo game I’m pretty sure I won’t enjoy one last time.
Sometimes, it’s nice to go back to older favorites. No surprises! Just a sense of familiarity and expected fun.
I still had a great time trying out some unplayed games, yet sticking to some older favorites might be better for me!
Continue the Conversation
Although it’s already receding into the distant past, what were some of your solo game highlights from August? Did you return to an old favorite, or discover some new experiences to enjoy? I’m excited to be on the mend again and in a place where I can focus at my solo table again. This month might be a little short on overall play time, but the fun continues!
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