Solo RPGs have become increasingly popular, offering a wide range of experiences tailored for individual play. Whether you’re looking for something light and easy or a deep, immersive adventure, there’s a solo RPG style that fits your needs. In this post, we’ll explore 6 different styles of solo RPGs that cater to various tastes and playstyles.
1. Scripted Solo RPGs: Choose Your Own Adventure
If you’re looking for a low-effort, guided experience, Scripted Solo RPGs might be your go-to choice. These games are like the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books, where everything is laid out for you. The story unfolds based on the choices you make at key points, leading you through a narrative that requires minimal setup and light roleplay.
- Pros:
- Easy to pick up and play with little to no preparation.
- Great for those new to solo RPGs or looking for a casual experience.
- The story is pre-written, so you just need to decide which path to take.
- Cons:
- Limited role-playing opportunities.
- The narrative is fixed, so there’s less room for creativity or deviation.
2. Sandbox Solo RPGs: A World of Possibilities
For players who enjoy more freedom and creativity, Sandbox Solo RPGs offer a rich, open-ended experience. In these games, you’re given a collection of tools, tables, and prompts, allowing you to craft your own story as you go. While they require more effort, they also provide endless possibilities for roleplay and narrative exploration.
- Pros:
- High degree of freedom to shape your story.
- Encourages deep roleplay and world-building.
- Adaptable to your own preferences and play style.
- Cons:
- Requires more preparation and effort.
- Can be overwhelming for new players due to the lack of structure.
3. System-Based Solo RPGs: Designed for Solo Play
System-Based Solo RPGs are specifically created for solo play. These games come with everything you need to dive into a solo adventure, including rules, mechanics, and often, a setting. The experience is designed with the solo player in mind, making it seamless to jump into the game.
- Pros:
- Tailored for solo play with dedicated mechanics and systems.
- Balanced gameplay that ensures a fulfilling experience.
- Often includes rich lore and settings crafted for solo adventures.
- Cons:
- Less flexibility compared to sandbox styles.
- You’re limited to the system’s world and rules.
4. Solo RPG Tools: Transforming Group Games into Solo Adventures
Sometimes, you might want to play a traditional RPG, but solo. This is where Solo RPG Tools come in handy. These tools include oracles, random tables, decks, and other resources that help you convert non-solo games into a solo experience. They allow you to take a system designed for a group and adapt it for a single player.
- Pros:
- Enables solo play for a wide range of RPG systems.
- Adds flexibility to play games not originally designed for solo.
- Can be used to enhance any solo RPG experience.
- Cons:
- May require additional work to integrate into existing systems.
- Not all tools work seamlessly with every game.
5. Journaling RPGs: Roleplay Through Creative Writing
For those who enjoy storytelling and creative writing, Journaling RPGs provide a unique and introspective experience. In these games, you document your character’s journey through written entries, often exploring their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a narrative form.
- Pros:
- Encourages deep character exploration and personal storytelling.
- A relaxing and introspective style of play.
- Great for players who enjoy writing and self-expression.
- Cons:
- Less focus on traditional gameplay mechanics.
- Can be more abstract and may not appeal to all players.
6. Solo Board Games: A Different Kind of Roleplay
Lastly, Solo Board Games can offer a blend of strategy and roleplay, providing a different yet rewarding solo RPG experience. Many modern board games include solo modes where you can play against the game itself, incorporating narrative elements that allow for roleplay within the confines of the board game’s mechanics.
- Pros:
- Combines strategic gameplay with roleplaying elements.
- Often includes beautifully crafted components and engaging mechanics.
- Perfect for players who enjoy tactile, board-based experiences.
- Cons:
- Limited to the scope of the board game.
- Roleplay elements may be less pronounced compared to traditional RPGs.
Some Examples for your reference
Scripted Solo RPGs
- “Choose Your Own Adventure” series – Classic books where you make decisions that alter the story’s path.
- “Fighting Fantasy” series – Combines choose-your-own-adventure with dice-based combat.
Sandbox Solo RPGs
- “Ironsworn“ – Offers a flexible, player-driven narrative with tools to create your own world and quests.
- “Scarlet Heroes“ – Designed for solo play with tools for creating your own adventures in a fantasy world.
System-Based Solo RPGs
- “The Wretched” – A survival horror game with a unique tower mechanic, designed specifically for solo play.
- “Four Against Darkness“ – A dungeon-crawling RPG where you explore, fight monsters, and gain loot.
Solo RPG Tools
- “Mythic Game Master Emulator” – A toolset for running any RPG solo by answering yes/no questions and generating story twists.
- “The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox“ – Provides a collection of oracles, tables, and generators to help you play any RPG solo.
Journaling RPGs
- “The Quiet Year“ – A map-drawing and storytelling game where you explore a post-apocalyptic world over the course of a year.
- “Thousand Year Old Vampire“ – A solo journaling RPG that chronicles the life of an ancient vampire.
Solo Board Games
- “Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion” – A tactical combat board game with a solo mode that includes narrative elements.
- “Mage Knight” – A complex strategy board game with a solo mode that incorporates RPG elements like character progression.
Conclusion
The beauty of solo RPGs lies in their versatility. You don’t have to stick to just one style—you can mix and match elements from these 6 different styles of solo RPGs to create a game experience that perfectly suits your mood and playstyle. For example, you might start with a System-Based Solo RPG, then incorporate Sandbox elements to expand the narrative, or use Solo RPG Tools to introduce random events. If you enjoy storytelling, adding Journaling RPG techniques can deepen your character’s journey. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can craft a solo RPG adventure that’s uniquely yours.
Do you have more suggestions of examples and how to play or combine those 6 styles? Comment below!
Check the menu here for more Games and Resources suggestions.