For many years, single-player games would allow you to play on your own any time, anywhere. However, the internet has become more and more prevalent in everyday life since the late 90s and early 2000s. As a result, there are now a wide variety of single player games that feature and require an internet connection.

Related: Games To Play Without Internet

Single player internet-based games can feature a lot of fun and innovative gameplay that doesn’t center around other players. Sometimes you need an internet connection to tap into an open world, or a series of side missions to complete the game in its entirety.

10 Halo Infinite

halo infinite cortana

Since its release in 2021, Halo Infinite has remained a largely popular installment in the Halo franchise. While there are multiple modes of the game, you can choose to play Halo Infinite in single player if that is your style.

You will, however, need a steady internet connection even if you are playing single player. While the campaign is still technically available offline, it doesn’t work as well and your gameplay is limited. To avoid any issues, it is recommended that you keep the game online.

9 Super Mario Run

super mario run mario

Super Mario Run made waves as Nintendo’s first franchise-based mobile game when it was released in 2016. As with most mobile games, you will need a consistent connection to the internet to play this game. There is only one available mode in Super Mario Run, and it’s single player.

The purpose of keeping Super Mario Run tied to the internet has to do with security reasons. There is currently no way to play the game offline.

8 Suicide Squad

suicide squad harley quinn

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League requires players to stay connected to the internet while playing either single or multiplayer mode. So keep in mind that a connection is necessary to reap the benefits of the game, especially since it features an open world concept. If consistent internet is not something you have access to, make note of that before you buy it.

7 Need For Speed

need for spee two cars doing donuts

Many companies and developers have their reasons for requiring the use of the internet to play their games. These reasons can range from security purposes, to providing consistent updates for their audiences.

Need for Speed is a series where several games require the internet. However, there is consistently new and free content being updated. Without the connection, you will miss out on these updates. The original Need for Speed game came out in 1994, however, and does not need any connection to play.

6 Elite Dangerous

elite dangerous inside a ship

Elite Dangerous, the fourth installment in the series, is a space-themed game where you take on the role of a pilot of a spaceship. This game features an open-world design, which are famous for requiring the use of the internet to keep it running.

Unlike some other games, Elite Dangerous is virtually unplayable without a connection. While you can play both multiplayer and single player mode, neither are accessible without the internet.

5 Diablo 3

diablo 3 choose your class screen

The third Diablo game is a gritty adventure story with both single player and multiplayer options. While initially you will need an internet connection to play either mode, there have been many people who have found a way around this necessity.

If you are someone who does not have reliable access to the internet (or any connection at all), do not worry. There are ways to navigate around this potential roadblock so you can also enjoy the game.

4 Starcraft 2

starcraft 2 gameplay

Starcraft 2 can be a little bit iffy when determining whether or not you can play it offline. The game was made with the intent to play online, so trying to play offline can cause some problems. While you technically can play it offline, the game will require you to log in online from time to time to authenticate your account.

Related: Single-Player FPS Games That Need Co-Op

So while you may be able to enjoy Starcraft 2 offline for a little while, eventually you are going to need the internet to keep playing. For this reason, it is recommended that you have a connection.

3 Quantum Break

quantum break main character mid cutscene preparing for a fight

To enjoy a game thoroughly, especially single player games, it is important to be able to view the cutscenes that are provided in a game. These cutscenes often showcase main character interactions, and game-changing plot points. While not being able to watch cutscenes doesn’t make the game technically unplayable, it can hinder your understanding and enjoyment of the experience.

Related: Single-Player Open-World Games That Need Co-Op

With Quantum Break, you can play the game offline. However, you will need internet access in order to watch any of the cutscenes. It is recommended that you keep the game online for this reason.

2 Gran Turismo 7

gran turismo 7 car driving down the road

Gran Turismo 7 is the seventh installation in the series. This game can be a little tricky when considering whether or not to play it online or offline. There is an offline version of the game, however it heavily reduces the gameplay into something more akin to a demo or arcade mode. Because of this, the full game is not playable without an internet connection.

If you are content to play a little teaser of Gran Turismo 7, you can try your hand at the offline mode. But to get the experience you pay for, you’ll want to keep it online.

1 Hitman 3

hitman 3 cutscene

As the eighth addition to the Hitman series, Hitman 3 was released in 2021. To play this game offline, you will have to plan on beating the entirety of the game in one pass. Playing Hitman 3 offline removes your ability to save, access certain game modes, gain experience, and more.

By playing Hitman 3 offline, you are essentially playing a hollow skeleton of the game. There is not a whole lot you can accomplish, and saving what little you did accomplish is impossible.

Next: The Best Single-Player Games To Play With Friends