Solo Tabletop RPGs Are Really Fun, Actually

It is hard to find the time to play a game in a TabletopRPG. If you're looking for a new way to get your dice-rolling fix, or if your D&D group isn't meeting as often, I have a solution for you.

I can imagine that some people in the game may be skeptical of the idea. The best parts of a game are sitting around a table with friends and playing with your friends.

It is true that the social element is lost when playing alone, but soloRPGs are just as fun and imaginative as any other game. It combines the feel of dice rolls and imagination-driven approach of group-based gaming with the pick-up and play nature of single-player video games.

It's a great way for new players to try out a game without having to build a whole group. Since many of these games can be completed in a few hours, you can play at your own pace, and they don't require a lot of time investment.

Finding the right game is the most important thing.

What kind of solo RPGs games are there?

There are a variety of settings and playstyles in solo games like there are in multi- player games. The focus on combat and exploration is a great fit for a single-player game. You Died by itchio creator bittripbrit is an example of a game that draws inspiration from video games. If you are familiar with the video game side of gaming, these are excellent choices for you.

There are many other ways to play the game. Journaling games emphasize the imaginative and "roleplaying" side of the game instead of just combat rolls and stat checks. A randomized creative writing prompt can be created using dice rolls, coin flips, and other common tools.

There are a lot of journalingRPGs that tell a fantasy or sci-fi story, but there are also many other creative settings, such as Sweaters by Hedgehog, where you play as a hedgehog who knits and sells sweaters, and write about the strange customers you meet each day.

If you want to play using rulesets you already know, there are solo hacks. There are some great online resources.

Get the most out of your solo TTRPG gaming

Setting up time is one of the advantages of playing solo. All you need to play most solo games is a pencil and piece of paper, some dice, and the game rules. You can usually get a deck of playing cards or coins to flip if you need it.

I would recommend including some optional elements to make your single-player sessions enjoyable.

• Use grid paper, minis, and other resources to visualize dungeons and other environments while you play (when possible). There are tons of cheap or free-to-use resources online, such as 2-Minute Tabletop.
• Add some background music to your game to set the mood, just like you would during a multiplayer session. There are tons of mixes on YouTube, including some awesome Dungeon Synth mixes that make for excellent dungeon crawling atmosphere.
• Share your journal RPG writing online in a blog or on social media. Some games even have Discord servers, forums, and social media pages where players can swap stories. And consider journaling for games that don’t normally use it. It can be a rewarding way to chronicle your single-player adventures (and keep track of what you’ve done).

These are optional, but they are great ways to enhance solo TTRPG sessions, and make them feel like more than just sitting at a table.