SoloRPG, or solo roleplaying, is gaining in popularity, especially among those who want to play Dungeons & Dragons.
While table-top solo roleplaying may sound odd at first – I mean, the game was initially designed as a social activity – there are some excellent reasons why you may want to play solo.
And solo roleplaying offers a unique and rewarding gaming experience that group sessions cannot give you.
Here are 12 reasons to start solo RPG.
Unleash Your Inner Storyteller
You can craft your own narratives, control the pace and style of the story as it unfolds, and let your imagination run wild without needing a group to agree.
Play Anytime, Anywhere
Solo RPGs require minimal setup and can be enjoyed anywhere, from your living room to a park bench. Create a “solo kit” and you can literally take your gaming anywhere, and you don’t need to worry about scheduling issues with other people.
Dive Into Any Genre
Do you have an RPG you really want to play, but your gaming group isn’t interested in it? Play it solo!
Explore fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery, or anything else that tickles your fancy, with no limitations on setting, or story.
Build Your World
As a world-building tool, solo roleplaying is a great way to build out your world before you bring it to the table for others to play in. And you can always use your characters as NPCs in a group campaign.
Deepen Character Development
You can focus on just one or two characters and their journey, allowing for richer exploration of their motivations, fears, and growth.
Scheduling Conflicts
Have you ever had players cancel on you at the last minute? Or you just cannot get the group together when you want to play? Enjoy a fulfilling gaming experience without the scheduling demands of group play.
Sharpen Your Creativity
Improvise solutions, make quick decisions, and build worlds on the fly, strengthening your problem-solving and storytelling skills.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Escape into imaginative worlds, find solace in solo adventures, and let the storytelling process wash away the day’s worries.
Experiment Without Judgement
Try out new ideas, mechanics, and characters without fear of criticism or peer pressure. Do your own thing when and where you want.
Once you feel comfortable that it works, then you can present it to your group.
Boost Self-Confidence
Master the game, overcome challenges, and build confidence in your decision-making and narrative skills. Solo roleplaying can really help you be a better GM. For example, one that can use random tables to help compel an emerging story.
Connect with a Vibrant Community
Share your solo play experiences, learn from others, and discover new resources online and at conventions. You can find fellow solo roleplayers everywhere online, be it YouTube, Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook.
It’s Simply Fun!
Solo roleplaying is just fun. Experience the joy of exploration, triumph, and emotional connection, all within the comfort of your own solo RPG journey.
Final Thoughts
Why not give it a try? You might just discover a whole new way to enjoy tabletop RPGs! And no-one else ever needs to know.
Over to You
Do you solo roleplay? Is it something you want to know more about? Let me know what you are struggling with in the comments below.
While You’re Here…
Since 2021 I have been publishing d12 Monthly, a monthly zine, which has a ton of articles for any edition of Dungeons and Dragons.
Printed copies are available in my store. The PDF is available on DriveThruRPG and you can get both, plus support my work, via my Patreon.
I will also be releasing some more products in the near future.
Feel free to reach out to me on Twitter or my contact page any time.
Solo RPGs are a great way to challenge yourself and explore your creativity without feeling pressure to collaborate or carry the burden of a group. I’m excited to try out some of these reasons and see how they can enhance my gaming experience!
Awesome. Good luck with it!