There are some games you can only play once. Those are the games that stay with you even after the credits roll.
Some of the best titles in the gaming landscape can only be played once. But that doesn’t mean you can’t cherish the lasting impact of the one-time experiences they offer. While they don’t provide endless hours of content or any type of replayability, the curated selection below will leave unforgettable traces on your gaming endeavours.
From Firewatch to games like Spiritfarer, we listed the titles that defy the traditional notion of replayability. Here are the best games you can only play once.
7. Spiritfarer
This beautiful game from Thunder Lotus is one of the most unforgettable games ever. It takes you to a mesmerising world and puts you in the shoes of a ferryman. As the Spiritfarer, your task is to fulfil the last wishes of those who are departing from the mortal world.
Since the game has a very special story, you should avoid any and all types of gameplay videos. Its heart-pulling story is also the reason why Spiritfarer is one of the best games you can play once.
6. Pony Island
Pony Island takes you on a psychedelic journey deep inside an arcade machine. It’s easily one of the best games you can only play once due to its highly innovative gameplay mechanics. Encountering the gameplay tricks of Pony Island for the first time will leave you in awe, for sure.
Developed by Daniels Mullins Games, Pony Island currently boasts more than 12,000 reviews on Steam with an Overwhelmingly Positive rating. Its puzzles and narrative design make it a unique title as well.
5. Firewatch
Firewatch is another brilliant title among the games you can only play once. You must be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of it yet. But if you did and added it to your backlog, this is your sign to start playing it right now.
That’s because Firewatch is a narrative gem designed for a singular, unforgettable playthrough. In this first-person adventure, you step into the shoes of Henry, a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness.
Firewatch is one of the best games you can only play once, thanks to gripping narrative, character development, and impactful player choices. And, of course, its beauty lies in witnessing Henry’s deeply personal Journey. That’s why subsequent playthroughs may lack the surprise and discovery that make the initial experience so compelling. It’s also one of the top games to play if you like Life is Strange.
4. Undertale
The cult classic Undertale is an impeccable game that has a special place in the hearts of millions.
It’s a gaming marvel created by Toby Fox, a solo developer responsible for one of the best games you can only play once. This indie role-playing game immerses players in a world filled with quirky characters and moral choices.
Undertale’s narrative strength lies in its compelling story, memorable characters, and the impact of player decisions. The game also has surprises and emotional moments that truly shine in the first playthrough. That’s why Undertale is one of the best games you can play once. However, you can still go for another playthrough and make different decisions to see how the finale will turn out. Still, Undertale stands as a testament to the power of a singular, impactful playthrough in the realm of indie gaming.
3. Doki Doki Literature Club (DDLC)
Here we are, discussing one of the most famous graphic novels of all time. This incredibly popular visual novel developed by Team Salvato offers a one-time playthrough filled with horrifying surprises. It’s safe to say that DDLC breaks through a plethora of traditional boundaries in the gaming landscape.
Of course, the game’s powerful impact is deeply tied to the surprise and emotional intensity of the first time you play it. This makes DDLC a one-of-a-kind game, along with the best games you can only play once.
2. Milk Inside a Bag of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk
Milk Inside a Bag of Milk Inside a Bag of Milk is a very short game made by Nikita Kryukov. It’s also a special title that stands out among the games you can only play once. Although it takes around 15 minutes to beat it, Milk Inside a Bag of Milk will have a lasting impact that won’t fade away easily.
1. Journey
Journey epitomises a gaming experience that you can only cherish in a single, unforgettable playthrough. It is a mesmerising gem that has endured the test of time thanks to its immersive and enchanting gameplay.
There is a myriad of words to describe Journey’s emotional resonance. But we’ll simply say that it is arguably the best title among the games you can only play once. If life never gave you the time to play it, put it on top of your backlog and experience Journey.
Final Thoughts
Some games are like stories you live only once. But despite their rather brief appearance, they surely leave a lasting mark. Titles like Spiritfarer, where you guide souls, or the mind-bending Pony Island offer unique experiences meant for a single playthrough. That’s why we always want to forget the first time we played these games to relive some of those moments.
While that’s not possible, the best video game stories, well-developed characters, and powerful narratives don’t fade away easily. That’s why we consider gaming one of the most enduring forms of art.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.
