Dungons & Dragons (DnD) is a usually a group game, but this is for everyone who's every wondered "Can you play DnD by yourself?" The short answer is, "Yes, absolutely!"
If you want to play solo DnD right away, get yourself a copy of The Wolves of Langston. Or keep reading for the long answer.
Can I play DnD by myself?
Tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) are most often thought of as a social endeavor. This is great becuse it means quality time with friends, but it also presents challenges gathering those friends together for a game session. Some players turn to playing solo to enjoy their favorite TTRPGs.
The abundant success of single-player RPGs in the videogame realm show that people are also eager to roleplay without company, even if this comes with its limitations. There is also a scene of solo tabletop roleplaying games of various types that push against the boundaries of what we mean by roleplay. Some focus on the systemic-mechanical aspect, others on the storytelling, and others still on providing tools to modulate the experience in a more fine-grained fashion.
Why play DnD solo?
TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons thrive on creativity and indivuality, so there are many reasons why a player may want to play alone as opposed to with a traditional group.
Just getting started
One scenario where playing solo makes perfect sense is if you're new to DnD and feeling uncomfortable with some of the mechanics. Playing solo gives you the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the system without the pressure of other players. You can take your time with dice rolls, skill checks, and saving throws to gain a better understanding of how everything works. Think of a solo game as a tutorial for the full game that you'll play with a group. It's an excellent chance to learn the mechanics, even if it's not the best environment for practicing roleplaying.
Testing a character concept
Many players have more character ideas than they could even play at tabletop sessions. A solo adventure gives you a chance to build and try that character out in a real gameplay situation, but on your own time and at your preferred pace. If you get a winner, then maybe you can add that one to your roster of character in case your current character meets an untimely demise.
You're a forever DM
First off, if you're the forever DM thank you for your service. But DMs like to play, too. Without one of their friends stepping up and taking the reins for a session or two, how does a forever DM get to actually play a character? Sometimes, it's best to take matters into your own hands and play solo. It might not be quite the same as a DM-led session, but that doesn't make is worse. It's just a different kind of fun.
Game night is cancelled
Let's be real: scheduling conflicts are the real villains. As a fairly sophisticated game, DnD enthusiasts are mad up largely of older players who lead busy lives away from the gaming table. When homework, jobs, and families compete with a player's time, it's no surprise that players miss sessions. If enough players can't make it, your weekly (or montly) game night could be cancelled. What's a player to do? Well, a solo game experience is one option. So while you may miss your friends, you can at least enjoy your favorite TTRPG.
DnD 5e solo adventures
The basic unit of solo play is a solo adventure. Given Dungeons & Dragons is in its 5th edition, we focus on that when we put together our list of the best DnD 5e solo adventures. But here's a quick look for you:
- The Wolves of Langston is our own murder mystery 5e solo adventure that combines an original interactive story with DnD game mechanics.
- Eight Petals Argent is a 1st-level solo adventure available on DM's Guild set in the infamous Waterdeep.
- The Death Knight's Squire is a classic DnD adventure of exploration and combat to save an innocent.
Solo RPGs that aren't DnD
Just because we love Dungeons & Dragons, doesn't mean it's the only game worth playing by yourself. Here are a few other solo RPGs that you could try when you have a hankering for an adventure but no group to play with.
Also, in case you're curious you can check out the different between solo RPGs and solo adventures here.
Mythic Game Master Emulator (GME) 2nd Edition
The first edition of the GME came out in 2003 and left an indelible mark on the solo TTRPG scene. The 2nd edition is the result of 20 years of refinement and community feedback, which resulted in a book chock full of tools and tables that are in themselves a system but also serve as a way to make any TTRPG solo through the use of:
- A Yes/No question and answer mechanic.
- Random events to keep you on your toes.
- Meaning Tables to give scenes narrative depth.
- Goal-tracking aids.
- A Chaos Factor that modifies an adventure’s pacing.
There is certainly a learning curve, but the book teaches and reinforces the mechanics and approaches effectively and provides plenty of examples. You can check out the Mythic Game Master Emulator here.
Ironsworn
This Drivethru RPG Adamantine bestseller is a game with multiple modes, meaning it was designed to be enjoyed as a traditional TTRPG experience with a GM and a party, as a GMless duet [link our article on 5e duets], and as a solo TTRPG where you wear both GM and player hats. It is loosely based on the Powered by The Apocalypse formula, with a ruleset based on narrative moves.
The game has enjoyed a lot of success in the solo TTRPG world and spawned a number of expansions. It can work with any setting, but the one provided with the game’s rules is a low fantasy, viking-esque iron age affair.
Delve
In Anna Blackwell`s DELVE, you control a whole community of dwarves digging out the depths of the earth and fending off the dangers that lurk below. As the game progresses, you must dig out new territory, defend your hold in tower-defense-style battles and gather resources.
You are meant to draw the expansion of your dwarves’ mining exploits on graph paper. All you need to play is said the paper, a drawing implement, and a standard deck of cards. Want a sci-fi version? play Umbra; want to be the bad guy building out your dungeon? play RISE. Beyond these spin offs, DELVE itself has a series of expansions you can add to your diggy diggy hole shenanigans.
How to play DND by yourself
As for how to play solo, that's up to you and the adventure you choose. A lot of the products we mentioned have some good explanations on how to play.
Consider which genre you enjoy the most and how much time you have available. Think about the resources you'll need, such as paper, pens, dice, and any solo RPG books or modules. Once you've chosen an adventure, you're ready to start playing.
One essential element of playing DND solo is to stay engaged and focused on the game. It's easy to get distracted or lose interest when you're playing alone, but you must keep the story and the game mechanics in mind. Try to immerse yourself in the adventure and stay focused on the task at hand. It may help to take notes or track your progress to stay on track and motivated.
Conclusion
Playing D&D solo can be a valuable experience, whether you're a new player or an experienced one. It allows you to learn the game mechanics, explore different genres, and take your time with the story.
And if you ever want to try a 5e Solo RPG for yourself you can find our solo adventures here.
