When games like Call of Duty, Fortnite and League of Legends just aren't scratching that itch, it's time to try something different.
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Finding games you can play offline probably isn’t a high priority for most people. Your internet connection isn’t something you give a lot of thought to until it stops working. And no amount of swearing at your router is going to get your connection back if there’s an external fault which—much to my horror—is precisely what happened to me a few weeks ago.
My internet decided it needed an impromptu break—not just for an hour or so, but for three whole days. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t google random things that popped into my head that I wanted to know the answer to, and perhaps most devastatingly, I knew I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the unplanned time off and jump into Final Fantasy 14.
At first glance, games I already had downloaded didn’t seem to hold a lot of promise for working offline, and I almost resigned myself to the fact that I might have to venture outside to find some sort of entertainment. But before going to such extreme lengths, I decided to test which games would work in offline mode—and I was surprised.
I mean, sure, your internet is probably fine right now, but there are other circumstances where offline games are useful: visiting friends and family with dodgy wifi, moving house and waiting for a new connection, even the classic example of plane flights (now we can actually take them again).
Most launchers have an offline mode, allowing you to start them without internet access, but even so, not all games will run if they don’t have a connection. Most games will also need to be launched at least once with a connection present to work.
It’s also worth noting that for games that receive regular updates, make sure these have been downloaded and installed wherever possible to play them offline.
Platform: Ubisoft Connect
Eivor’s Viking adventure through Norway and 9th century England should keep you busy for a while. Even if you’ve finished the main story, there’s plenty of side stuff to keep any Viking busy.
Platform: Steam
Something as simple as an internet connection—or lack of—is not going to stop the Immortal Prince of the Underworld. Good news if you fancy jumping into this fast-paced action roguelike.
Platform: Steam
Final Fantasy 12 moved away from the turn-based combat of previous games and opted for the love-it-or-hate-it Gambit system. Set in the world of Ivalice, you’ll soon be taking on the Archadian Empire with Balthier, Fran, and others in an effort to save the world.
Platform: Steam
This co-op survival game set in the Viking afterlife has loads to do, and you can play at the pace you choose. Obviously, the co-op won’t work without an internet connection, but there’s nothing to stop you from playing solo and living your best Viking afterlife.
Platform: Steam
If you’re after a top-down ARPG to get stuck into, Grim Dawn could be your answer. While Path of Exile and Diablo 3 won’t work offline, Grim Dawn allows you to smash demons in the face without a connection.
