Solo role-playing games (RPGs) can be an incredible source of fun and creative outlet. Here are some general tips and tricks for optimizing your solo RPG experience:
- Choose the Right Game: Not all RPGs are equally suited to solo play. Some games, like Ironsworn or Thousand Year Old Vampire, are explicitly designed for solo play. Other games might require more modifications to play solo. Consider your preferences (setting, complexity, etc.) and choose the game that matches them the best.
- Use a Game Master Emulator: A Game Master Emulator (like the Mythic GM Emulator) can help provide the unpredictability and storytelling twists that a human GM usually provides. It can generate random events and responses to your character’s actions, making the game more dynamic and interesting.
- Be Flexible: Part of the fun of solo RPGs is the creative freedom they offer. If a rule isn’t working for you, feel free to modify it or ignore it altogether.
- Embrace Randomness: Use dice rolls, card draws, or random tables to inject uncertainty into your game. This can make your story more unpredictable and exciting.
- Keep a Journal: This can be a great way to keep track of your adventures and to provide a source of inspiration for future games. It’s also a nice way to practice creative writing.
- Don’t Rush the Story: Take your time with the story and let it unfold naturally. Don’t try to force a specific outcome, but instead, let the actions of your character and the randomness of the dice guide the narrative.
- Try Different Characters and Scenarios: Don’t get stuck playing the same character in the same setting all the time. Mix things up by trying new characters, settings, and scenarios.
- Use Tools and Resources: There are plenty of resources available online to help with solo RPGs. These include random encounter generators, plot hooks, maps, and NPC creators. As time allows, and insights become available, I’ll review them here at The Old Bard for you and give you my personal take on the resource.
- Set Goals: Having a clear objective for your character can help provide direction and purpose to your game.
- Relax and Enjoy: Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. If something isn’t working or you’re not enjoying a particular aspect of the game, don’t be afraid to change it.
As the curator of these resources at The Old Bard, my objective is not just to guide you through the intricacies of solo role-playing games, but also to provide a well-rounded support system for your adventures. The resources, reviews, and gameplay sessions shared here are intended to empower you with various approaches to solo RPGs and inspire you with new ideas. Keep in mind however, what I will provide is not just limited to solo game play. You can use these techniques in your group play as well.
Moreover, I aim to introduce you to an assortment of valuable tools and aids that can enhance your gameplay. These resources have been carefully selected based on my own experiences and insights, ensuring they’re tried and trusted. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of solo role-playing, my hope is that the knowledge shared here will help you navigate your journey with ease, excitement, and above all, enjoyment.
Whether you’re delving into solo adventures or preparing to guide a group through epic campaigns as a Game Master, the essence of role-playing remains the same – it’s a journey built on creativity, narrative, and boundless imagination. With these resources at your disposal, my hope is that you will find new and exciting ways to shape your experiences, imbuing every decision with the weight of storytelling and every challenge with the thrill of choice.
Remember, solo role-playing games are a personal journey, a unique form of expression where you, the player, also take on the role of the storyteller. Here at The Old Bard, we are committed to providing you with the tools, guidance, and inspiration necessary to help you navigate these immersive narratives. So, explore, create, and above all, enjoy the remarkable journey that role-playing games offer. Happy adventuring!
Please ensure you read this Resource Disclaimer.
Mythic Game Master Emulator 2nd Edition 
Solo Game Master’s Guide 
The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox – Part 2: The Toolbox Expanded 
The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox