God of War Ragnarök is a strong place to start if you want a story-driven solo adventure: it topped PlayStation LifeStyle’s dedicated 2022 single-player ranking, and PlayStation Blog readers voted it PlayStation’s Game of the Year for both PS4 and PS5. Those are two distinct awards, not proof of a universal consensus. For other tastes, the year’s notable solo choices range from Elden Ring’s challenging open world to Stray’s quieter exploration.
How to choose a solo game from 2022
There is no one style of single-player game represented here. These recommendations span narrative action-adventure, open-world action RPG, martial-arts beat ’em up, roguelike action-adventure, and exploration-and-puzzle storytelling. Start with the kind of play you want—guided story, open-ended exploration, demanding combat, or a more relaxed adventure—rather than treating any award list as a definitive ranking for every player.
PlayStation LifeStyle published a dedicated single-player ranking on December 15, 2022; PlayStation Blog published reader-voted awards on December 20; GameSpot’s year-end feature followed on December 12. Their placements are useful signals of contemporary recognition, but the lists have different scopes and do not survey every 2022 release or platform.
Best single-player games of 2022
God of War Ragnarök — best for a story-led action adventure
Choose God of War Ragnarök if you want a directed narrative set in Norse mythology, paired with action combat and exploration. PlayStation LifeStyle ranked it first in its dedicated single-player awards, while PlayStation Blog readers selected it as their PS4 and PS5 Game of the Year. Those separate recognitions make it a particularly well-supported lead recommendation, not an objective declaration that it is best for everyone. PlayStation LifeStyle’s 2022 single-player ranking and PlayStation Blog’s reader-award results.
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Elden Ring — best for open-world exploration and challenging combat
Elden Ring suits players who want a large, open-ended world, build choices, and demanding fights. GameSpot emphasizes the freedom to explore and the ability to leave a difficult area, grow stronger elsewhere, and return later; that flexibility is a useful distinction from a more tightly directed story adventure. GameSpot lists the game for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC in its December 12, 2022 year-end feature. Check the relevant storefront for current editions and compatibility before buying.
Horizon Forbidden West — best for a sprawling machine-filled adventure
In this action-adventure follow-up, Aloy explores a broad world populated by machines. It ranked third in PlayStation LifeStyle’s dedicated single-player awards, making it a sensible pick if exploration and a large-scale adventure appeal more than a compact, tightly focused story. PlayStation LifeStyle’s ranking.
A Plague Tale: Requiem — best for a directed, story-led journey
This sequel follows Amicia and Hugo in a narrative-focused adventure. PlayStation LifeStyle placed it second in its 2022 single-player ranking. Consider it if you favor a guided story over the freedom to roam and set your own route through an open world. PlayStation LifeStyle’s ranking.
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Sifu — best for martial-arts fighting
Sifu is a beat ’em up built around a revenge story. It ranked fourth in PlayStation LifeStyle’s single-player awards, and its combat-focused design makes it the shortlist’s clearest choice for players seeking martial-arts action rather than a sprawling exploration game. PlayStation LifeStyle’s ranking.
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This genre-mixing roguelike action-adventure combines combat with a management component. PlayStation LifeStyle ranked it fifth. It is a good fit if you want more than a straightforward sequence of fights, with management play alongside the action. PlayStation LifeStyle’s ranking.
Stray — best for exploration and puzzles
Stray casts you as a cat exploring a science-fiction city, with puzzles woven into the adventure. PlayStation Blog readers named it Independent Game of the Year, a reader-award recognition separate from PlayStation LifeStyle’s dedicated single-player ranking. Pick it for an exploration-led experience rather than a combat-first one. PlayStation Blog’s reader-award results.
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The Last of Us Part I — best for a story-focused remake
The Last of Us Part I is a story-focused remake recognized in PlayStation Blog’s story and accessibility award categories. That recognition is a reason to consider it if narrative is your priority; it was not a placement in PlayStation LifeStyle’s dedicated single-player ranking. PlayStation Blog’s reader-award results.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Quick picks by play style
| If you want… | Try | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| A directed, story-led action adventure | God of War Ragnarök | Norse-mythology narrative, combat, and exploration; top-ranked by PlayStation LifeStyle and a PS4/PS5 reader Game of the Year. |
| Open-world freedom and demanding fights | Elden Ring | Explore, change direction when an area is too difficult, and return stronger. |
| A broad world of machines | Horizon Forbidden West | Aloy’s sprawling action-adventure follow-up. |
| A guided story about Amicia and Hugo | A Plague Tale: Requiem | A story-led sequel rather than an open-ended RPG. |
| Martial-arts beat ’em up combat | Sifu | A revenge story built around fighting. |
| Action mixed with management | Cult of the Lamb | Roguelike action-adventure with a management component. |
| City exploration and puzzles | Stray | A cat-led science-fiction adventure recognized by PlayStation Blog readers. |
| A story-focused remake | The Last of Us Part I | Recognized in PlayStation Blog’s story and accessibility categories. |
Check platform and edition before you buy
Platform details should be verified game by game. The reviewed GameSpot feature explicitly lists Elden Ring for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, and PC. The award and ranking sources cited here do not establish a complete platform matrix for all eight games, nor do they establish present-day editions, prices, or stock. Check the official store or product listing for your platform and region before purchasing.
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