No More Room in Hell 2: How to Play Alone (Solo & Offline Guide)

Learn how to play No More Room in Hell 2 alone, including Solo Training mode, offline options, and what to do when matchmaking won't fill.

Overview

You can play No More Room in Hell 2 alone, but the way you do it matters depending on whether you want to earn XP or just practice. The game has two distinct solo paths:

  1. Solo Training mode – a true single-player experience where you play by yourself without other players. This mode does not award XP.
  2. Empty-server matchmaking – you queue up for a public match and wait. If no other players join, you effectively play alone. This mode does award XP, but it is not guaranteed.

This guide walks you through both options, what you need before starting, and what to do when things don't go as planned.

Requirements

Before you attempt to play alone, make sure you have the following:

  • A copy of No More Room in Hell 2 on a platform that supports it (Steam or Epic Games Store).
  • A stable internet connection – even Solo Training mode requires online connectivity to launch the game.
  • Updated game client – ensure your game is patched to the latest version so that Solo Training mode is available.
  • Patience for matchmaking – if you want XP, be prepared to wait in queue for an extended period, especially during off-peak hours.

Steps

Option 1: Play Solo Training Mode

Solo Training is the most reliable way to play No More Room in Hell 2 alone. This mode was introduced with the 1.0 update and is designed specifically for players who want to play by themselves.

  1. Launch the game from your library.
  2. Select Solo Training from the main menu. This option is separate from the standard multiplayer queue.
  3. Choose your map and loadout – the game will start you in a session with no other players.
  4. Play through the mission – you will face zombies and complete objectives alone. Note that this mode does not grant XP, so your progress will not contribute to character or weapon progression.

When to use this option: Use Solo Training when you want to practice mechanics, learn map layouts, or play without the pressure of other players. It is also the only guaranteed way to play alone.

Option 2: Empty-Server Matchmaking (For XP)

If you want to earn XP while playing alone, you can queue for a public match and hope no one else joins. This method is less reliable but can work.

  1. Launch the game and select the standard multiplayer option.
  2. Queue for a match – the game will search for other players. According to community reports from the Steam forums, developers have stated that it is not possible to start a match alone unless you are the only player online and you wait for an extended amount of time.
  3. Wait in the lobby – if no one joins after the queue timer expires, the game will start with just you.
  4. Play the mission solo – you will earn XP for completing objectives and surviving, just as you would in a full lobby.

When to use this option: Use this when you want to progress your character but prefer to play alone. Be prepared for long wait times, and be aware that other players may join mid-session.

  • Solo Training – best for learning and practice. No XP, but no waiting.
  • Empty-server matchmaking – best for progression. XP earned, but requires patience.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Expecting Solo Training to Grant XP

Many players assume that Solo Training will provide the same rewards as multiplayer. It does not. If you need XP, you must use the matchmaking route.

Fix: Decide what matters more – progression or guaranteed solo play. If progression is essential, use Option 2 and accept the wait.

Mistake 2: Giving Up Too Early in Matchmaking

Some players queue for a few minutes, see no one, and quit. Community reports indicate that starting alone can require an extended wait, sometimes significantly longer than a typical matchmaking session.

Fix: Stay in the queue. Use the waiting time to review your loadout or plan your approach. If the queue resets or errors out, try again.

Mistake 3: Assuming Offline Mode Exists

No More Room in Hell 2 does not support true offline play as of this writing. Even Solo Training requires an online connection to the game servers.

Fix: If you have a poor connection, focus on stabilizing it before attempting to play. A dropped connection mid-game will end your session regardless of mode.

Advanced Tips

Maximize Your Solo Run

When you successfully start a solo match, you have the entire map to yourself. Use this to your advantage:

  • Loot thoroughly – without teammates competing for supplies, you can take your time searching every building. Prioritize medical supplies and ammunition.
  • Control the pace – you do not need to rush objectives. Move slowly, clear rooms methodically, and conserve resources.
  • Use stealth where possible – with no teammates to alert zombies, you can often avoid unnecessary fights. Crouch and move quietly past patrols.

Recovering From a Failed Run

If you die in a solo match, you will respawn at a checkpoint (in Solo Training) or lose the run entirely (in matchmaking). Here is how to recover:

  • Solo Training – you will respawn with reduced resources. Re-loot the area before continuing.
  • Matchmaking – if you die and the run ends, you will return to the main menu. Re-queue and try again. Each attempt is a learning opportunity.

Use Solo Training to Learn Map Layouts

Solo Training is the perfect place to memorize objective locations, spawn points, and safe rooms. This knowledge carries over to multiplayer, giving you an edge when playing with others.

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