What Is a Standalone Video Game Title?

A standalone title is a complete, self-contained game that does not require prior knowledge of a series to understand its story, characters, or mechanics. It has no mandatory prequels or sequels.

Key Traits

• Narrative Closure: Story begins and ends within the game.
• Mechanical Independence: Tutorializes all systems; no assumed literacy from prior entries.
• No "Required Reading": Lore compendiums are optional flavor, not homework.
• Unique Identity: Often new IP or a radical departure (soft reboot).

Examples

• Portal 2 – Enjoyable without Portal 1 (recap included).
• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – New continuity, tutorialized systems.
• Shadow of the Colossus – Singular vision, no series baggage.
• Disco Elysium – Complete RPG, no franchise.
• Outer Wilds – Self-contained time-loop mystery.
• Baldur's Gate 3 – D&D 5e rules taught in-game; prior BG games irrelevant.

Nuance: "Standalone Expansion"

Uncharted: Lost Legacy, Infamous First Light, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider – sold separately, playable without base game, but share engine/assets/lore. Marketed as standalone, technically DLC-scale.

Bottom line: If you can buy it, put it in, and get the full intended experience with zero prerequisites → it's standalone.