Why play solo RPGs?

Hey there, fellow adventurer! Have you ever felt the itch for some tabletop role-playing fun but couldn’t find a group to play with? Or maybe you’re just looking for a unique way to unwind and escape into a fantastical world of your own creation? Well, you’re in luck! Today, we’re diving into the wonderful world of solo RPGs—an underrated gem in the gaming universe—and find out why play solo RPGs.

A Brief History: The Dawn of Solo RPGs

Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Solo RPGs have been around almost as long as traditional RPGs themselves. In the early days of tabletop gaming, players were introduced to “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. These interactive stories allowed readers to make decisions for the protagonist, leading to various outcomes based on their choices. This was the precursor to solo RPGs as we know them today.

Fast forward to the 1980s, and we see the emergence of solo modules for popular games like Dungeons & Dragons. These modules, often called “solitaire adventures,” provided a framework for a single player to enjoy the RPG experience without the need for a dungeon master or a group of fellow players. Over the years, the solo RPG scene has evolved, with indie creators and larger publishers alike developing innovative systems and tools to enhance the solo gaming experience.

Now let’s explore some reasons why play solo RPGs.

Why Play Solo RPGs?

1. Flexibility and Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of solo RPGs is that you can play anytime, anywhere. No need to coordinate schedules with a group or find a dedicated game night. Whether you have a few minutes during your lunch break or a free evening at home, you can dive into your adventure whenever it suits you.
2. Creative Control: In solo RPGs, you’re the master of your own story. You have the freedom to explore the world at your own pace, make decisions without external influence, and create a narrative that resonates with you personally. It’s a fantastic way to flex your creative muscles and immerse yourself in a story that’s entirely yours.
3. Stress-Free Gaming: Let’s face it—group RPG sessions can sometimes be a bit stressful. Coordinating with others, managing different play styles, and dealing with in-game conflicts can take a toll. Solo RPGs eliminate these challenges, offering a relaxed and stress-free gaming experience. It’s just you, your imagination, and the adventure ahead.
4. Personal Growth and Reflection: Playing solo RPGs can be a deeply introspective experience. The decisions you make and the paths you choose can reflect your own values, desires, and fears. It’s a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, all while having fun and exploring new worlds.
5. Accessibility: Solo RPGs can be more accessible for those who might feel intimidated by traditional group play. If you’re new to RPGs or simply prefer a quieter, more controlled environment, solo play is an excellent way to dip your toes into the hobby.
6. Self-paced learning: If you want to learn a new TTRPG system but it feels overwhelming to join a more experienced group even if they’re welcoming (sometimes it may feel like you’re holding the group back if you don’t quite feel comfortable with the system), you can play solo to get a fell for the experience and understand the mechanics.
7. Build Your World: If you’re a Game Master, solo roleplaying is a great tool in helping you to develop the world in your campaign before showing it to your players. 
8. Explore a character background: Playing solo is also great to help developing and understanding a specific character, their fears, values, history and motivations moving forward.
9. Run away from judgement: We’re all different and sometimes you may feel like playing a genre of game that is not attractive to anyone else around you. Playing solo may just be what scratches that itch for you. When playing solo you don’t need to worry about what other people think of your style of playing, you’re free to experiment.
10. It’s fun! If it’s something you want to do and you’ll have fun doing it, that alone is already enough to allow you to do it.

In Defense of the Solo RPG Experience

Some might argue that solo RPGs can’t match the social aspect and collaborative storytelling of group play. While it’s true that playing with others brings its own set of joys, solo RPGs offer a different kind of satisfaction. They provide a unique space for introspection, creativity, and personal storytelling that you might not find in a group setting.

Additionally, solo RPGs have come a long way in terms of design and innovation. Many modern solo games incorporate sophisticated mechanics, rich narratives, and interactive tools that make the experience engaging and dynamic. The community of solo RPG enthusiasts is also growing, with plenty of resources, forums, and online communities where you can share your adventures and connect with like-minded players.

How does that sound to you?

What about you? Do you play solo RPGs? Do you want to play a solo RPG? What do you thing about this modality of RPGs? What are your reasons why play solo RPGs?

To help you in this journey, you can check the REFERENCES, TOOLS and BLOG pages here for material do help you in your adventures.