Solo RPGs - Part 1
Exploring the World of Solo RPGs: Play on Your Own Terms
Sometimes we just want to play an RPG on our own terms with no scheduling conflicts, no waiting for a group, just pure storytelling on our own time. When I started exploring ways to play solo, I quickly fell down the rabbit hole. There are so many creative tools and systems out there depending on what kind of experience you want.
The primary types of solo games I've been exploring are:
- Choose your own adventure style
- Journaling RPG
- GM emulator
Choose Your Own Adventure
Of the three types I've tried, this is the easiest way to jump in. If you've ever read a choose your own adventure book, it is very similar. You read blocks of text, make decisions and rolls, and depending on the results you get sent to a different section. Of the three types I've played with, this is by far the lowest overhead method to jump in and start playing.
Of the three types I've tried, this is the easiest way to jump in. If you've ever read a choose your own adventure book, it is very similar. You read blocks of text, make decisions and rolls, and depending on the results you get sent to a different section. Of the three types I've played with, this is by far the lowest overhead method to jump in and start playing.
I had been a part of Obvious Mimic's Kickstarter for a collection of short adventures called Side Quest Volume 1. They've been fun to play. They also have longer form solo games that I want to try soon. I created a character in D&D Beyond and just started playing from the interactive PDF.
Journaling RPG
Journaling RPGs are more about discovery than victory. You explore a world through writing, guided by prompts, dice rolls, and sometimes even a deck of playing cards. This style can have less structure and is more open-ended. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy taking your time and controlling how deep you go in your exploration, this could be a good choice. A journaling game typically makes use of dice (often a d6) and a deck of regular playing cards.
Journaling RPGs are more about discovery than victory. You explore a world through writing, guided by prompts, dice rolls, and sometimes even a deck of playing cards. This style can have less structure and is more open-ended. It's not for everyone, but if you enjoy taking your time and controlling how deep you go in your exploration, this could be a good choice. A journaling game typically makes use of dice (often a d6) and a deck of regular playing cards.
Games I'm currently playing:
- The Summer of Secret Places - has a vibe similar to Stranger Things
- For Small Creatures Such As We - this is a sci fi game where you are the captain of your own ship; this one is much more comprehensive when it comes to resources and options for playing the game
I'm also looking forward to playing Apothecaria, an RPG full of magical ingredients that also has a ton of expansions.
GM Emulator
If journaling RPGs are freeform storytelling, GM emulators are structured improvisation. They replace the game master with rules and tables that help you answer questions, create encounters, and guide the story forward. It's a toolkit, not any specific gameplay. You can sit down with pen and paper and just start asking questions and getting keywords to build from or have a fuller fledged adventure in mind. This method is the most flexible of all, but it does come with a learning curve.
If journaling RPGs are freeform storytelling, GM emulators are structured improvisation. They replace the game master with rules and tables that help you answer questions, create encounters, and guide the story forward. It's a toolkit, not any specific gameplay. You can sit down with pen and paper and just start asking questions and getting keywords to build from or have a fuller fledged adventure in mind. This method is the most flexible of all, but it does come with a learning curve.
Of the options out there, I'm currently learning and using the Mythic Game Master Emulator by Word Mill Games. You can start simple to get used to the system, then layer in complexity as you go.
Of the options out there, I'm currently learning and using the Mythic Game Master Emulator by Word Mill Games. You can start simple to get used to the system, then layer in complexity as you go. A nice bonus is they have a Patreon account where they publish a monthly ezine with more tools and resources for this system.
Have you tried any solo RPG systems yourself? Drop a comment or tag us on social. I'd love to hear what tools or games you're experimenting with. At Cindralis Games, we're all about creative ways to explore storytelling, whether with friends or on your own. Stay tuned for more tools and ideas for your solo adventures.