Solitaire is a classic card game that many people have played on their computers. It came with old versions of Windows. Even today, it remains a favorite on phones and online platforms. Due to its huge popularity, many businesses are now interested in Solitaire game development.
If you are also looking to build this game, then this guide is for you! It will explain everything you need to know, like how Solitaire games are made, what features they should have, how much does it costs to build, and more.
So, if you are planning to build a Solitaire game, keep reading till the end. This simple and complete guide will help you get started the right way.
What is Solitaire?
Solitaire is a skill-based card game that is played using a standard deck of 52 cards. The term “Solitaire” refers to a family of card games with many popular versions like Klondike Solitaire, Spider Solitaire, and more. It is a single-player game, but some online versions allow 2 to 4 players to play together.
Solitaire games are generally divided into three types:
- Card Solitaire (also called Patience): It is played with a standard deck of cards.
- Mahjong Solitaire: Played with tiles from a Mahjong set.
- Peg Solitaire: Played with pegs on a board.
In a classic Solitaire game, the layout starts with seven columns. The number of cards in each column increases from one to seven in the direction left to right.
Terminologies Used in the Solitaire Card Game
| Term | Definition |
| Deck | A standard set that includes 52 playing cards. |
| Tableau | The main table that consists of seven columns where cards are arranged. |
| Foundation | Four piles where cards are built from Ace to King to win the game. |
| Stock | A stack of leftover cards. Only one card is drawn from it at a time. |
| Waste | A pile where cards from the stock go after being turned over. |
| Suit | The card symbol: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, or Spades. |
| Rank | The card’s value (e.g., Ace is low, King is high). |
| Color | The suit’s color: red (Hearts, Diamonds) or black (Clubs, Spades). |
| Cells | Spaces where only one card can be placed (used in FreeCell). |
| Layout | Layout is the process of arranging cards at the start of the game. |
| Reserve | It is a pile where cards are kept that can be used later on. |
| Sequence | It is a specific arrangement where cards are arranged in order like 2, 3, 4, 5. |
| Patience | It is another name for Solitaire in countries like England, Germany, and Poland. |
| Deal | Placing cards onto the layout from the deck. |
| Move | An action like shifting a card from one place to another. |
| Auto-complete | A feature that finishes the game automatically when possible. |
| Undo | Let the player take back their last move. |
| Winning | Winning is a term used when all cards are moved correctly to the foundation piles. |
History of the Solitaire Game
Card games have been played for centuries. Many people scratch their heads wondering who invented the card game Solitaire. Being a popular card game today, it first appeared in the 18th century. In fact, the game became more well-known in the 19th century when its rules were published in a book called Illustrated Games of Patience. This is the reason why it is sometimes called “Patience”.
The version most people know today is Klondike Solitaire, which became very popular in the 1990s as it came installed on our computers. Later, Windows also introduced other versions like FreeCell and Spider Solitaire.
Solitaire used to be played with physical cards. But today, it is mostly played online, all thanks to the mobile solitaire game apps and websites. Its simple rules, relaxing gameplay, and nostalgic feel make it a favorite for all ages, even in the digital world.
The Popular Types of Solitaire Games
Solitaire has many variations. Each variant is played differently, but there are some similarities as well. Here are the most popular ones:
- Klondike Solitaire
The most well-known version, especially from Windows computers. It uses a standard 52-card deck. The game begins with 7 piles of cards. The first has 1 card, the next has 2, and so on up to 7. Your goal is to make four stacks, starting with Ace and ending with King, using the same suit in each stack.
- Spider Solitaire
Spider Solitaire is a more challenging game. The game uses two standard card decks. Here, players need to create sequences of cards from King to Ace in the same suit. Once completed, the sequence is removed. It is called “Spider” because it has 8 foundation piles, like a spider’s legs.
- FreeCell Solitaire
A strategic version of Solitaire that uses a 52-card deck and has four “free cells” to temporarily hold cards. All cards are visible from the start, and most games are solvable, which makes it popular among puzzle lovers.
- TriPeaks Solitaire
Named after the layout, which looks like three mountain peaks. Here, you can only remove cards that are either one number above or below the card you are playing with. It is fast-paced and simple to play.
- Pyramid Solitaire
The game is called Pyramid because the cards are arranged in a pyramid shape. The goal is to remove pairs of cards totalling 13. Although it is a bit tricky and has a lower win rate, but it is fun and engaging.
- Yukon Solitaire
Similar to Klondike but with no stockpile. All cards are dealt at the start, and you can move groups of cards even if they’re not in perfect order, which adds a unique twist.
- Golf Solitaire
Golf Solitaire is a fast and easy game where you take away cards that are one number above or below the card you have. It is easy to play but needs smart thinking to win.
Exclusive Benefits of Developing a Solitaire Game App
Creating a solitaire game brings various benefits for users, companies, developers, and buyers. Let’s check them:
Benefits of Solitaire Game for Users
| Benefit | Description |
| Improves Mental Skills | Playing Solitaire helps you think better and stay mentally active. |
| Enhances Memory | Remembering card positions boosts memory power. |
| Fun and Entertaining | It’s a relaxing and enjoyable game to pass time. |
| Builds Patience | The game teaches you to wait and think before moving. |
| Improves Strategy | Players learn how to plan and think ahead. |
| Calms the Mind | It reduces stress and brings peace to the mind. |
| Offers Me-Time | Great for playing alone and enjoying some quiet time. |
Benefits of Solitaire Game Development for Companies
| Benefit | Description |
| High User Engagement | Players spend more time on Solitaire, increasing user activity. |
| Boosts Revenue | In-app purchases and ads can bring more income. |
| Builds Brand Value | A good game adds value and trust to your brand. |
| Improves Customer Loyalty | Players keep coming back, which helps with long-term success. |
| Easy Promotion | Popular games like Solitaire are easy to market and promote. |
Benefits of Solitaire Game Development for Developers
| Benefit | Description |
| Good Salary Potential | Game development jobs offer competitive pay. |
| Creative and Fun Work | Developers get to use creativity and logic together. |
| Huge User Base | Build games that millions of people enjoy. |
| Skill Growth | Working on different versions improves coding and game design skills. |
| Career Satisfaction | It’s rewarding to see people enjoy the games you create. |
Benefits of Solitaire Game Development for Buyers
| Benefit | Description |
| Ready-Made Solutions | Buy and launch the game quickly without waiting months for development. |
| Attracts More Players | The popularity of Solitaire brings a larger audience. |
| Saves Time and Money | No need to build from scratch — lower costs and faster results. |
| Focus on Marketing | Spend more time promoting the game than building it. |
| Scalable and Customizable | White-label options can be branded and adjusted to your needs. |
Also Read :- 10 Best Computer Card Games to Try in 2025
Features of Solitaire Card Games
Before scrolling down to know how to build a solitaire game, you must know what features to consider when developing your solitaire card game:
| Feature | Description |
| Highlight Available Moves | It shows the player what moves are possible, so they don’t miss any options. |
| Display Hints | This feature helps new or stuck players by suggesting the next best move. |
| Card Count | The card count shows how many cards are in the deck or in each pile. |
| Game Statistics | The stat feature tracks wins, losses, win percentage, and other performance data. |
| Scoring System | It gives points based on performance like speed or fewer moves used. |
| Leaderboards | It is a central board that shows top players globally or locally, encouraging friendly competition. |
| Daily/Weekly/Monthly Challenges | Challenges offer regular tasks or goals to keep the game fun and engaging. |
| Rule Variations | It allows different ways to play the game with new or custom rules. |
| Realistic Sounds | The realistic sounds of card shuffling, card moving, winning, and clicking make it feel as if you are playing the game in the real world. |
| Save Game | It allows users to save the game by pausing the progress and continuing from the same point where they left off. |
Step-by-Step Solitaire Game Development Process
Creating a Solitaire game involves several steps. Here’s a simple breakdown of the full process:
1. Planning and Idea Generation
Decide what kind of Solitaire game you want to build, what features it will have, your target audience, and your budget. This step helps you set a clear direction before development begins.
2. Market Research
Before jumping into development, study the market. Look at similar games, understand what users like, and identify what’s missing. Through competitor analysis, you can avoid common mistakes and find new opportunities.
3. Pre-Production
It is an important step that marks the foundation of your game. You will create wireframes, design mockups, and a Solitaire game design document that outlines the game’s features, user experience, and layout. GDD is similar to the house plan that we make before building a house.
4. Development (Production)
This is where the actual game starts coming to life. The development team consists of designers, programmers, audio engineers, and project managers, who work together to build the game. Graphics, coding, sound effects, and all core features are developed in this phase.
5. Testing
Testing helps find and fix bugs or issues that could affect gameplay. Different testing types, like system, integration, and performance testing, ensure the game works smoothly on all platforms. Therefore, the game must be thoroughly tested before it is released to the public.
6. Launch
Once everything is good, it is time to launch the game. Depending on your target audience, you can release it on platforms like Android, iOS, Microsoft Store, Steam, or as a web-based game.
7. Post-Launch Support
The job doesn’t end after launching the game. There are some crucial tasks like game maintenance, bug fixes, addition of features, and integrating new content keep the game fresh and players engaged. Regular updates help keep your game fresh and popular among users.
Also Read :- Best Trading Card Games 2025
Tech Stack to Develop a Solitaire Game
Game developers use a tech stack to build games. To build a top-notch solitaire game app, here is the tech stack required:
1. Game Engines
They simplify the process of developing online solitaire card game apps. Here is the list of popular game engines, which solitaire game app developers must optimize:
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Godot
- CryEngine
- Amazon Lumberyard
2. Game Tools
Here are the common game design and animation tools used to create in-game elements:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Blender
- GIMP
- Maya
3. Game Programming Languages
Programming languages used in game development include:
- JavaScript
- C++ (Used by Unreal Engine, Lumberyard, Godot)
- Python
- C# (Used by Unity)
- Java
- Lua (Used by CryEngine)
Cost to Develop a Solitaire Game
The average cost to build a solitaire game comes around $20,000 to $30,000 with optimum features and functions. This includes everything needed to run it. However, it can cost above $35,000 for a more advanced game with high-end features. Share your project idea with a prominent card game developer to know the estimated cost of your project:
Let’s break down the average solitaire game development cost:
| Development Factor | Estimated cost |
| UI/UX Design | $2k to $3k |
| Backend | $4k to $5k |
| Server costs | $4k to $6k |
| Testing | $2k to $3k |
| Game Animation | $3k to 4k |
| Sound Design | $2k to 4k |
| Project Management | $3k to $5k |
| Total Cost | $20k to $30k |
Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop a Solitaire Game
Here are the factors that influence the overall solitaire card game development cost:
- The location of the developers
- The complexity of the features
- Quality of graphics
- Type of tech stack
- Game type and size
Why is BR Softech the Best Choice for Solitaire Game Development?
BR Softech is the leading Card game development company with deep roots in the card game industry and has cast experience in creating card games for the global clientele. Our in-house team of certified game developers brings the most innovative, creative, and engaging multiplatform card game solutions that exceed client requirements.
If you are looking to develop a Solitaire game, BR Softech is your one-stop shop for all your needs. Partner with the best company to transform your dream into a reality. will make your dream come true. Choose us to get:
- Dedicated Solitaire Game Developers
- Highly Customised Solutions
- Modern Technology Integration
- Seamless Customer Support
- Prompt Client Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. There are a variety of solitaire games that are available online. Some popular free-to-play solitaire games include FreeCell, Klondike, Spider, and Golf Solitaire, which let you earn real money online.
Ans. To win the game, you need to:
Learn the rules
Keep looking for kings and aces
Target big stacks first
Uniformly distribute tableau piles
Play quickly in Timed Solitaire
Think about color when filling spaces
Manage facedown cards
Create the same suit stacks
Only empty a spot with a king
Make similar suit piles
Play confidently
Ans. Yes, it is legal to create a Solitaire game app. Solitaire is a classic game that’s not owned by any one company. Just make sure you don’t copy someone else’s exact design or name. Create your own version with original graphics and features, and you’re good to go.
Ans. It usually takes 2 to 4 months to build a basic Solitaire game app. The time depends on features, design, and the size of your team. Developing a feature rich game takes more time than a simple game.
Ans. The best ways to earn from Solitaire games are showing ads, offering in-app purchases, and creating a paid version without ads. You can also offer extra features or custom card designs for a small fee. There are many games also earn through daily rewards and subscription plans.
