Arcs

The comments don't point to a solo mode for Arcs; the game is for 2 to 4 players and players say it really comes alive with 3 or 4 at the table. Opinions about solo modes differ, by the way: some players feel they rarely work well in multiplayer games, while others happily play plenty of games on their own.

Many players find Arcs works really well with two, especially if you enjoy the card play. It does feel different though: sharper and rather harsh, because your gain is directly your opponent's loss and there is little room for deals. Some players therefore prefer three or four, where the dynamics between players matter more.

Players are divided: some call it one of their favourite games, while others find it too harsh and too random and really dislike it. The advice that keeps coming back is to try it once first, ideally with the group you want to play it with, because it stands or falls with players who enjoy conflict and staying flexible.

Players recommend not stripping anything out of the rules, but setting expectations instead: treat the first game as a learning game and warn everyone up front that it gets rough, with stealing, prisoners and bombed cities. Many prefer to explain the rules through the theme and to declare an ambition first themselves, so others can see how it works. Some deliberately play at full strength, exactly to show what a single turn can really do.