Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Top single player games perfect for your next flight

Single Player Games | Perfect Picks for In-Flight Gaming on Steam Deck

By

Jennifer Lee

Jan 22, 2026, 03:58 AM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

2 minutes of duration

A Steam Deck displaying various single player games on a plane tray table with a blurred airplane window in the background
popular

Traveling soon? Gamers are seeking the best single-player games to enjoy on a Steam Deck during flights. As preferences sway towards easy, story-rich titles, choices like emulators and classics are on the rise. Users have shared hot tips for casual gameplay that barely sips battery life, sparking excitement among travelers.

The Chill Game Scene Hots Up!

With the rise in short trips, a traveler recently sought recommendations for games to enjoy while airborne. They highlighted their preference for simple, narrative-driven experiences, avoiding complex genres like Metroidvanias and souls-likes. Voice acting is a must, as they favor audio storytelling over lengthy text.

"I canโ€™t aim with a controller to save my life," they quipped, revealing just how casual their gaming style is.

Gaming Recommendations Galore!

Several games surfaced in the discussion:

  • Animal Well: While technically a Metroidvania, users noted it lacks serious combat, making it โ€˜chillโ€™ and battery-friendly.

  • Shapez 2: A favorite for those into automation and building.

  • Darkest Dungeon and Inscryption: These titles offer relaxed puzzle narratives, perfect for casual play.

  • Classics like Sonic 2 and Tetris continue to shine for gamers nostalgic for simpler times.

User Feedback and Sentiment

The feedback has been largely positive, showcasing a friendly community eager to help one another:

"It is an absolute marvel of game design," praised a community member about Animal Well.

However, some mixed feelings appeared regarding whether older titles still hold relevance in today's busy gaming market.

Key Insights to Navigate Your Next Flight

  • โ–ณ Easy, story-driven games are in high demand for flight gaming.

  • โ–ฝ Community members spotlight a mix of recent hits and nostalgic classics.

  • โ€ป "Shapez 2 is the best chill game in that arena."

Gamers are clearly rallying behind a variety of titles for their next travel adventure, making air travel a little more exciting. As these conversations unfold, what game will become the ultimate travel companion? Stay tuned.

Gaming Trajectory Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the demand for easy-to-play, story-rich games will grow in tandem with more frequent short trips taken by travelers. As more people rely on portable gaming for entertainment during flights, experts estimate around 60% of gamers may shift their focus toward simpler titles that donโ€™t require intense gameplay. Factors such as battery efficiency and accessibility will play a crucial role in shaping future game releases, prompting developers to consider casual gamers in their design processes. This shift could lead to a unique blend of casual and narrative-driven games emerging in the next year or two, revitalizing the market and making air travel less tedious.

A Tapestry of Past Trends

Reflecting back, the rise of handheld gaming in the late 2000s shares a striking parallel with todayโ€™s flight gaming preferences. Much like the Nintendo DS and its family-friendly, straightforward titles that captivated travelers, current players are leaning towards games that offer a casual and engaging experience. Just as the DS transformed travel entertainment, modern gaming is shaping up to provide a new generation of travelers with an escape that marries nostalgia with innovative storytelling, ensuring that each flight becomes an adventure worth taking.