Start Your Solo RPG Journey
Everything a beginner needs to know about playing solo tabletop RPGs. Follow this guide step-by-step.
Your 5-Step Journey to Solo Roleplay
Step 1: Choose Your Game
Pick a solo RPG that matches your interests. Whether you want classic solo D&D, narrative-driven adventures, or GM-less RPGs, there’s a game for you. Start with something simple if you’re brand new.
Step 2: Gather Your Tools
You’ll need dice, paper or a journal, and the game rules. Many solo tabletop RPGs come with printable character sheets and oracle tables. Some people use apps or digital tools — it’s entirely your choice.
Step 3: Create Your Character
Build a character you’re excited about. Think about their background, personality, motivations, and quirks. In solo RPG journaling, your character is the heart of the story.
Step 4: Run Your First Session
Roll the dice. Consult your oracle tables or randomizers. Describe the scene, roll to determine outcomes, and react to what happens. Let the story unfold naturally.
Step 5: Develop Your Practice
Play regularly. Experiment with different games, tools, and storytelling styles. Solo RPG adventures get richer the more you practice. Build your own house rules and customize the experience to your taste.
Core Principles of Solo Roleplay
Embrace Randomness
Dice, oracle tables, and randomizers remove bias from your storytelling. This creates genuine surprises and makes the adventure feel real — even when you’re controlling both sides.
Be Your Own GM
You wear two hats: player and game master. As the player, you control your character. As the GM, you control the world, NPCs, and consequences. Switch between these roles.
Follow the Oracle
Let randomization tools (oracle tables, Yes/No charts, prompts) answer questions like “Does the shopkeeper trust me?” This keeps you honest and prevents you from railroading the story.
Trust Your Creativity
There’s no “right way” to play solo. If a rule feels clunky, modify it. If you want to change the setting, do it. Solo RPG is yours to shape.
Essential Tools for Solo Play
Dice
Standard polyhedral dice (d4–d20) for rolling outcomes. Physical dice add tactile satisfaction, but digital dice rollers work too.
Character Sheet
Document your character’s attributes, skills, inventory, and story. A good sheet keeps you organized and grounded in your world.
Oracle Tables
Pre-made tables (or generators) that answer story questions randomly. Examples: NPC reaction tables, encounter tables, theme generators.
Journal
Write down your adventures, character thoughts, and narrative. Solo RPG journaling transforms play into a creative writing practice.
Campaign Notes
Track NPCs, locations, plot threads, and world-building details. Keep it simple — a notebook or document works perfectly.
Your Imagination
The most important tool. Visualize scenes, imagine dialogue, and think about your character’s inner world. This is what brings solo adventures to life.
Questions Beginners Ask
How long should a solo RPG session last?
There’s no set time. Some people play for 15 minutes, others for 3 hours. Start with 30–60 minutes and see what feels natural. Solo play fits around your schedule.
Can I play solo D&D if I don't know 5th Edition rules?
Yes! Many solo RPG systems are designed to be simpler than traditional D&D. You can also play solo D&D with simplified rules. Start with beginner-friendly games, then graduate to complex systems.
What if I'm not creative enough?
You don’t need to be a novelist. Randomizers and prompts do a lot of the heavy lifting. Your job is to react to what the dice tell you and follow the story where it leads.
Do I need to buy a lot of expensive books?
No. Many solo RPGs are available free or pay-what-you-want. Look for “indie RPGs” on itch.io. You need the core rules and a set of dice — that’s it.
Is solo roleplay lonely?
It can be social in different ways. Join online communities, share your stories, and discuss games with other solo players. The hobby is growing fast.
Can I switch between different solo RPGs?
Absolutely. Many players run multiple campaigns at once using different systems. This keeps things fresh and lets you explore different types of adventures.
Ready to Begin?
Check out our guide to the best solo RPGs for beginners, or explore our full resource library.