So what's the deal with solo gaming?

BenjaminPey · Feb 18, 2026

Micah Sweet said:
Not a fan of no prep either, but that term has been used to describe a variety of games that strongly feature narrativist mechanics.

Well, maybe it's not for you, then. But even so, that's a good way to be sure your solo-gaming will be full of surprises. A pbta engine for instance always works great. But anyway, my point is: solo gaming can be (and is) full of surprises. Even when you're following written modules, surprises will certainly arise, from your tools as well as from the depth of the fiction you produce (an unusual depth, for a roleplaying game; I play rpgs since the end of the 80s, have thousands of games under my belt and I'm yet to see any game that goes even half as deep as the shallowest solo-game I've played).

Reynard said:
I don't think so. Inhabiting a character to write them or play them on stage is not the same thing as roleplaying.

I think.

Oops, sorry, my French betrays me here: let rather say "add an element of game", than an element of play (same word in French). Wouldn't it work for you, then? With the "game" part added?

Reynard · Feb 18, 2026

BenjaminPey said:
Oops, sorry, my French betrays me here: let rather say "add an element of game", than an element of play (same word in French). Wouldn't it work for you, then? With the "game" part added?

I don't think that is the factor. After all, we call them roleplaying games, which strongly suggests that roleplaying is a thing independent of the game part. After all, we can roleplay with out therapists and our SOs, with needing dice.

Micah Sweet · Feb 18, 2026

BenjaminPey said:
Well, maybe it's not for you, then. But even so, that's a good way to be sure your solo-gaming will be full of surprises. A pbta engine for instance always works great. But anyway, my point is: solo gaming can be (and is) full of surprises. Even when you're following written modules, surprises will certainly arise, from your tools as well as from the depth of the fiction you produce (an unusual depth, for a roleplaying game; I play rpgs since the end of the 80s, have thousands of games under my belt and I'm yet to see any game that goes even half as deep as the shallowest solo-game I've played).

Oops, sorry, my French betrays me here: let rather say "add an element of game", than an element of play (same word in French). Wouldn't it work for you, then? With the "game" part added?

The best solo game experience I've seen recently was SoloDark, based on the Shadowdark rules.

BenjaminPey · Feb 18, 2026

Reynard said:
I don't think that is the factor. After all, we call them roleplaying games, which strongly suggests that roleplaying is a thing independent of the game part. After all, we can roleplay with out therapists and our SOs, with needing dice.

Then I'm at loss as to why you don't see any roleplaying in solo games.
You're responding to inputs, internal and external.
You're acting, making decisions in character.
You're trying to get immersed in a story.
You're trying to get immersed in the head of your character.

The only thing missing is, well, other people and their actions obviously, and while I totally get why this would be thought of and felt of as a crucial part of what one's seek in RPGs, in other words while I do understand why solo gaming is not to everybody's liking, I'm at loss as to why this shouldn't be considered as proper roleplaying.

GMMichael · Feb 18, 2026

BenjaminPey said:
The only thing missing is, well, other people and their actions obviously . . .

This can be a big part. I'll do a "role-playing" run-through of Skyrim, trying to do what my character would do instead of just completing all the tasks necessary to finish the game. I still consider it video-gaming instead of role-playing, but there's a role-play element there.

If anyone's interested in getting on exactly the same page: try my (our) solo RPG on Easy Mode. Play the Beginners' Cave quest. Come back here and report your findings - specifically, were you role-playing or not?

That'll provide some common ground, and of course, get me some feedback for improvement

EAMODOS

www.enworld.org

Parmandur · 2026-04-16T21:03:34+0100

Brotherwise Games has put out a playtesters call for the forthcoming Cosmere Solo rules product:

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Playtesting before publication!"
- The First Cosmere RPG Ideal

"We're seeking playtesters for the the Cosmere Solo Handbook! This book provides procedures, tools, bespoke content, and subtle alterations to existing rules -- all tailored for individual play without a GM. It also includes options and tips for game masters who want to use the solo tools for low-prep or no-prep gameplay."

"This is not a standalone ruleset, so you'll use the Solo Handbook alongside your Stormlight Handbook and World Guide. It's also compatible with upcoming Cosmere RPG releases such as the Mistborn setting coming this fall."

"If selected for the playtest, you'll receive an early PDF copy of the Solo Handbook manuscript. You'll then have between Saturday, May 2nd (5/2) and Sunday, June 28th (6/28) at 11:59pm EST to play several sessions or a short campaign using the Solo Handbbook and submit a feedback report. Those who submit a feedback report will be included in the playtesting credits in the final release."

"If you're interested in joining this playtest, please complete the following form by Sunday, April 19th (4/19) at 11:59pm EST. Those selected will receive an email with instructions on May 2nd."

Cosmere Solo Handbook Playtest Interest

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Playtesting before publication!" - The First Cosmere RPG Ideal We're seeking playtesters for the the Cosmere Solo Handbook! This book provides procedures, tools, bespoke content, and subtle alterations to existing rules -- all tailored for...

docs.google.com

Nytmare · 2026-04-17T00:51:20+0100

GMMichael said:
This can be a big part. I'll do a "role-playing" run-through of Skyrim, trying to do what my character would do instead of just completing all the tasks necessary to finish the game. I still consider it video-gaming instead of role-playing, but there's a role-play element there.

If anyone's interested in getting on exactly the same page: try my (our) solo RPG on Easy Mode. Play the Beginners' Cave quest. Come back here and report your findings - specifically, were you role-playing or not?

That'll provide some common ground, and of course, get me some feedback for improvement

EAMODOS

www.enworld.org

Oh my god... Is this a browser based Beginner's Cave from the old Eamon Adventures!?

aramis erak · 2026-04-17T01:09:45+0100

Nytmare said:
Oh my god... Is this a browser based Beginner's Cave from the old Eamon Adventures!?

If you're going to borrow, borrow the best...

definiteFreakyFishGuy · 2026-04-17T03:23:22+0100

Parmandur said:
Brotherwise Games has put out a playtesters call for the forthcoming Cosmere Solo rules product:

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Playtesting before publication!"
- The First Cosmere RPG Ideal

"We're seeking playtesters for the the Cosmere Solo Handbook! This book provides procedures, tools, bespoke content, and subtle alterations to existing rules -- all tailored for individual play without a GM. It also includes options and tips for game masters who want to use the solo tools for low-prep or no-prep gameplay."

"This is not a standalone ruleset, so you'll use the Solo Handbook alongside your Stormlight Handbook and World Guide. It's also compatible with upcoming Cosmere RPG releases such as the Mistborn setting coming this fall."

"If selected for the playtest, you'll receive an early PDF copy of the Solo Handbook manuscript. You'll then have between Saturday, May 2nd (5/2) and Sunday, June 28th (6/28) at 11:59pm EST to play several sessions or a short campaign using the Solo Handbbook and submit a feedback report. Those who submit a feedback report will be included in the playtesting credits in the final release."

"If you're interested in joining this playtest, please complete the following form by Sunday, April 19th (4/19) at 11:59pm EST. Those selected will receive an email with instructions on May 2nd."

Cosmere Solo Handbook Playtest Interest

"Life before death. Strength before weakness. Playtesting before publication!" - The First Cosmere RPG Ideal We're seeking playtesters for the the Cosmere Solo Handbook! This book provides procedures, tools, bespoke content, and subtle alterations to existing rules -- all tailored for...

docs.google.com