The Last Lighthouse vs Embers: The New Guard – Solo Game Comparison
By Button Shy | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: Comparisons
Compare The Last Lighthouse and Embers: The New Guard, two solo wallet games from Button Shy. Learn which fits your play style and budget.
Quick answer
If you want a dedicated solo-only game with a survival theme and high replayability, choose The Last Lighthouse. If you prefer to expand an existing game with new heroes and mechanics, choose Embers: The New Guard.
Core differences in design and audience
The Last Lighthouse is a standalone solo-only game built for one player from the ground up, with light rules and a focus on replayability. Embers: The New Guard is an expansion for the Embers base game, introducing three new heroes and a Reserve Hero mechanic that changes setup strategy.
The Last Lighthouse costs USD 10.50 (compared to USD 15.00), while Embers: The New Guard costs USD 3.40 (compared to USD 5.00). The price reflects their scope: one is a complete game, the other is an add-on that requires the base Embers game to play.
Tradeoffs to consider
- Standalone vs expansion: The Last Lighthouse is a complete game you can play right out of the box. Embers: The New Guard requires the base Embers game to function.
- Gameplay focus: The Last Lighthouse is a survival game where you defend a lighthouse from nightmares. Embers: The New Guard introduces new heroes and a Reserve Hero mechanic that changes setup strategy.
- Price and value: At USD 10.50, The Last Lighthouse gives you a full solo experience. At USD 3.40, Embers: The New Guard is a budget-friendly way to refresh an existing game. If you already own Embers, the expansion is a low-cost way to add variety. If you are new to Button Shy solo games, The Last Lighthouse is a better entry point.
Product facts at a glance
- Embers: The New Guard: Embers: The New Guard introduces three new heroes with unique maneuvers and special abilities, plus a Reserve Hero mechanic where two upgraded heroes are placed into the tent during setup. This expansion adds strategic depth and replay value for players who already own Embers, but it is not a standalone game.
Embers: The New Guard - The Last Lighthouse: The Last Lighthouse is part of the Button Shy Simply Solo series, designed for one player only, with light rules and big replayability. It offers a complete, self-contained solo experience without needing any other game, ideal for players who want a quick setup and a survival challenge.
The Last Lighthouse
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Players who want a complete solo-only game with a survival theme and high replayability (The Last Lighthouse)
- Embers owners who want new heroes and a fresh mechanic without buying a full new game (Embers: The New Guard)
Not for
- Players who want a multiplayer or cooperative experience (neither game supports more than one player)
- Players who do not own the Embers base game and want a standalone experience (Embers: The New Guard is not for them)
