D&D 5E House Rules for Two Players

[WayOfTheFourElements]

I don't think you need house rules, but I would consider not starting them off at level 2, instead of level 1. They will need the extra hit points.

 

[commandercrud]

I'd recommend against a player running 2 PCs, especially for more inexperienced players. Roleplaying tends to go out the window when that happens.

 

[NotAYakk]

If you like roleplaying and not just tactics, having 2 PCs is really hard to roleplay. I'd advise against that.

I also generally advise against a DMPC. DMing is hard enough without splitting your ego in half.

Sidekicks are a decent plan. That is different than a DMPC or a 2nd PC, as the sidekick is definitely a supporting character. Players can control the sidekick 90%+ of the time, and know that they aren't "their character".

Animal companions/mounts make good sidekicks on many kinds of adventures. They are quiet, don't talk, and loyal to a specific person. Just ensure they aren't ridiculously stronger in combat than the players are. Or something like a pixie friend.

 

[WayOfTheFourElements]

If you like roleplaying and not just tactics, having 2 PCs is really hard to roleplay. I'd advise against that.

Why do you say that?

 

[The Green Hermit]

Having one DMPC isn't that difficult. Having two is. I was really glad when my kids could start picking up more than one character.

As far as roleplaying multiple characters, DMs do it all the time. As soon as they get the hang of announcing who is doing the talking/decision making things work out fine.

Honestly, having a sidekick would have the exact same roleplaying issues if played correctly.

 

[Ath-kethin]

or do nothing different and just throw fewer/weaker monsters at them

This is such an obvious solution it blows my mind that people don't think of it first. I've been running 1 on 1 games (often with a DMPC but often without) for over 25 years and the answer is ALWAYS "adjust to the group."

 

[Oofta]

If you're really worried about it and don't want to add another PC you could always give them a pet. Just make sure he's under the effect of a permanent sanctuary spell.

 

[billd91]

If you like roleplaying and not just tactics, having 2 PCs is really hard to roleplay. I'd advise against that.

<snip>

Sidekicks are a decent plan. That is different than a DMPC or a 2nd PC, as the sidekick is definitely a supporting character. Players can control the sidekick 90%+ of the time, and know that they aren't "their character".

I've run campaigns where the players had 2 PCs each - one of which was designated primary and which they'd do most of their role playing through. The other would be kind of a sidekick and be a role play focus in a more secondary fashion. One of my players, however, had some interesting fun with then as one of his PCs foiled the other's attempt to nobly sacrifice himself in a really entertaining bit of role playing. Admittedly, he's a highly experienced player - he just knew that one of his PCs would act a particular way and the other would react contrary to that based on their personalities so he ran with it.

 

[Davo3]

2 PCs each is great, especially if they're designed as a team from the ground up, like a Barbarian and a Rogue - or two Fighters both with the Sentinel feat.

 

[Blue]

I would just let them play 2 PCs each.

Not a bad idea, but in this case it's novice players so it's not an option.