Solo RPGs are an incredible way to dive deep into storytelling, creativity, and adventure. The best part? You do it all on your own terms. But they can also be overwhelming if you jump in without a plan. Here’s the catch: diving in blind may lead to frustration, overwhelm, or boredom. You might spend more time managing complicated rules than actually playing, or get stuck in slow setups that kill the excitement before it even begins. These six tips for Starting a Solo RPG are designed to fix exactly that, help you cut through the noise, dodge common pitfalls, own your adventure, and build an experience that’s fun, fluid, and totally yours. Whether you’re brand new or coming from other games, these principles will save you time, keep the creative spark alive, and make sure every session is worth your while.
1. Start small and keep it simple
Solo RPGs are meant to be fun, not a full-time job. Instead of trying to craft an epic world with tons of rules right off the bat, pick something easy to jump into, like a pocket game or a quick-to-play system. These streamlined games help you start playing fast without getting bogged down in complicated setups or endless rules. The goal is to play more than you plan. Once you get comfortable, you can always add layers or try more complex games. But starting simple means you actually get to experience the adventure, right from the first roll.
My suggestions on simple and easy Solo RPGs to get you going are the Dungeon Hero Modules (such as this one from yours truly) and the Pocket Delver. Both of these options are simple, easy and fast, also they are pocket sized, so you can carry them and play it anywhere with basically just a few six-sided dice and some paper (if you want to take notes).
2. Start in the middle to jump right into the action
Beginning a story from scratch can feel slow and awkward, like watching the credits roll before the good stuff starts. Instead, dive straight into an exciting moment, like the middle of a quest, or a sudden crisis, or even a straight dungeon exploration. This gets your adrenaline pumping and pulls you into the story immediately. Think of it like jumping into a movie right when the chase scene begins instead of the origin story. It keeps things interesting and helps you skip the boring setup that often kills the fun (unless you like all the prequels, like I do). So, don’t hesitate to drop your character into the thick of things and let the story unfold from there.
To do this Dungeon Hero and Pocket Delver are still great options. If you want a game with a little more “body” to it, though, you can go over to my own game called Pocket Heroes Adventures, create a character and a simple dungeon and just dive in.
3. When you hit a wall, don’t be afraid to cheat
In solo RPGs, you’re both the player and the game master. and sometimes that means bending the rules or nudging the story to keep things moving. If your character’s about to die but you want them to live, just make it happen. Stuck on where the story should go next? Twist it your way. The whole point is to have fun and keep the adventure alive. You’re in control, so cheat when you need to, no judgment. It’s your story, so make it as wild, dramatic, or smooth as you want.
One extra add-on to this tip that I would give is to be careful when you “cheat” the game, or else you may dull down the challenges. What I like to do is give my character a consequence whenever I decide to “cheat” to keep them alive or have something miraculous happening. One example could be the character loosing all of its gold or an important item. Another idea is to give them a permanent scar, which could be an actual ugly and undesirable SCAR, or it could be a recurring nightmare, some type of PTSD, use your imagination. The point is to not make things so easy, but if you have (or want to) just give it a little counterbalancing factor to go with it.
4. If you come from board games, forget what you know
Board games love rules, turns, and structure, it’s all about fairness and order. Solo RPGs? They play by a different code. Here, flexibility and flow are king. You won’t find strict turns or rigid systems; instead, you get freedom to bend, twist, and improvise as you go. Trying to force solo RPGs into the tight box of a board game only leads to frustration and breaks the magic.
My advice? Let go of the “must-follow” mindset. If a rule feels slow or boring, skip it. If a dice roll doesn’t add to the story, just narrate what makes sense. Think of solo RPGs like jazz, you’re riffing, improvising, and shaping your story on the fly. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the ride.
5. If you come from traditional RPGs, bring what you love
You’ve played tabletop RPGs with friends, felt the thrill of character arcs, epic battles, and wild stories. Don’t leave that behind just because you’re playing solo. Take the parts you love most and bring them to your solo endeavors. Whether it’s deep character backstory, dramatic roleplay, or tactical combat, find ways to weave them into your solo sessions.
Maybe you loved how your group handled tricky negotiations or the rush of a boss fight. Great! Build those moments into your solo game. On the flip side, if some parts bored you or felt like a drag, drop them without guilt. Solo RPGs are your playground, so make sure it’s filled with what sparks your joy. For me, narrative, dramatic plot twist are IT! So my weird brain is always thinking of ways to turn the story into a crazy turn of events that bring things back or show revelations.
6. Don’t stress about downtime
Not every moment in your solo RPG has to be epic or detailed. Sometimes, the “boring” bits, like traveling between towns or waiting for a clue can feel like a slog. If it’s not adding to your story or giving you juicy info, skip it! Give it a general description of what might have happened and move on.
Think of your solo game like a movie or a book: you don’t need every single minute shown. Cut to the scenes that matter, the moments that get your heart racing or your imagination firing. If downtime is important for the story, play it out. If not, fast forward and save your energy for the good stuff.
AND… THAT’S IT! Ready to Roll Your Own Story?
Solo RPGs are a wild ride, a chance to explore, create, and challenge yourself on your own terms. These tips aren’t rules, they’re your toolkit for keeping the game fun, flexible, and full of surprises. Remember, the only person you need to please is yourself. Start small, jump into the action, bend the rules when you need to, and most importantly, make the game yours.
So grab those dice, light that spark, and own your adventure. The story is waiting and it’s all yours to tell.
If you want to share some epic moments, or something that resonated with you and reminded you of a session you played, fell free to comment. I would love to hear from you.