Tabletop roleplaying games are typically played with a group, however, some wonder if you can roleplay by yourself. The short answer is yes, it is possible to roleplay by yourself. Several methods and resources are available to help you do so.
Can you roleplay by yourself?
Having fun is the purpose of roleplaying
Solo roleplaying is not something Ive done as I enjoy the shared experience playing with others, so take what I share here as more of a learning experience for me as well. I do recognize that sometimes you cant find a group, or those nearby are just not fun to game with, amongst other reasons. With that said its easy to see why others would seek out solo roleplaying games.
I play video games with others for the shared experience, except when I’m tired and or don’t want to deal with others. Sometimes, I’ll play solo. So, I can understand the draw to solo gaming, including in tabletop roleplaying games. In my preparation to write this I have picked up one system and think its an intriguing approach (more on Method later).
Have fun.
Fun is the core idea we seek to have when we play games, regardless of the type. With TTRPGs specifically, it’s crucial to ensure your players are having fun. Alienating a player is the fastest way to lose him or her the next session. Worse, if that player came with others and doesn’t come back then some or all others may not rejoin.
So, if you find yourself alone after a session and want to do some roleplaying, then the following ideas can help you explore your imagination.
These systems have guidelines and mechanics that enable people to act as the storyteller and the player at the same time. Using these tools you are able to create intricate adventures, develop your character(s), and navigate quests all on your own.
What if structured systems aren’t your thing
There are other methods to enjoy solo roleplaying without buying a predefined system. The most common method is that of using writing prompts.
Writing prompts can be simple statements or full page long ChatGPT prompts. Either one is intended to help progress your story along. Sometimes its a prompt to initiate a starting quest, or maybe as a response from an NPC. For a really in-depth prompt look at RPGprompts dnd example.
Another way to go about sola roleplaying games is choose your own adventure books or interactive fiction games. This option has pre-written narratives with branching paths that allow you to make a choice at crucial moments which determines the outcome of your characters journey. These options are a bit more limited in scope with only select actions available but can be fun.
Solo rpg systems
A year ago it seemed like there were only a handful of solo RPG games, now when I search the topic there seem to be dozens and dozens. For this reason here are a few that I have found that seem to be the most popular. I will start with the one that I have purchased on DrivethruRPG Mythic.
Mythic solo RPG system
I didn’t know it until writing this but there are 4 different versions of Mythic. I purchased the blue covered PDF and really like the different concepts within it, mostly. I don’t really care much for the fate point idea but thats just personal preference. More than that though what I was looking for when I started looking for a solo RPG system was a replacement of a GM. I already have many different tabletop roleplaying game systems and just wanted to explore some adventure ideas.
After looking up some more information on the topic I have found that Mythic also has emulators that do exactly this. This is not something I have used at the time of writing but I do intend to check it out. In fact I plan on using one with my RPG group just to see if its feasible to have a full party playing without a game master.
If you want to read someones experience using Mythic emulators then check out the writers at The Story Engine.
Simplest RPG rules Ive ever read
The author over at Lunchbox RPG have made a ruleset that has got to be the simplest rule set Ive ever seen. Its the idea that you either live or die, all with one die roll. It only applies to a single party member and only at major moments. While this isn’t exactly the route I would go with a rule set as the characters I make in Rifts RPG usually take several hours to create. If it seems like the way for you to go then check them out.
AI generated storytelling
I found a site that has GPT generated story ideas and multiple genres as well. If you want to check them out head over to Oracle RPG
Story Prompts
Prompts can be used for just about any area in tabletop roleplaying. You could make multiple lists of them, search for your own, or write them down on 3×5 cards. Here are some examples to give you an idea of what they could look like.
Quest prompts
You hear an odd sound in the woods at the same time every morning, and the cities inhabitants say its been that way for about 3 weeks.
Birds passing by have been dropping dead when flying over a small area in the distance.
Friends and family members randomly begin disowning each other after visiting a certain establishment.
NPC reactions
Anger directed at the events occurring.
Joyous and friendly disposition towards the player.
Reluctant acceptance, volunteering nothing.
Violence
Complications
Friends turn foe.
The environment is not what it seems.
Passing authorities refuse to give up asking the player questions.
Rewards
Coins and basic items.
Large coins that will be hard to transport.
A few items directly related to the characters class.
Racial items, coins, and a minor magic item.