The Rise of Solo Tabletop: Exploring the One-Player RPG Trend

Tabletop RPGs are usually thought of as group adventures. Friends gather around the table, roll dice, and create stories together. But there’s a growing trend that’s changing the way people play: solo TTRPGs.

These one-player games prove that you don’t need a full party to have an epic adventure. Whether you’re running Dungeons & Dragons alone or trying games built for solo play, you can experience deep stories at your own pace.

WHY TRY SOLO TTRPGS?

Solo role-playing games aren’t just a backup plan when a group isn’t available. They offer their own unique rewards:

• Play Anytime: No scheduling headaches. You can start your story whenever you have free time.
• Full Creative Control: As the only player, you shape every detail of the world and its events.
• Skill Practice: Great for DMs who want to practice running encounters, pacing, or improvisation.
• Deep Immersion: With no group chatter, it’s easier to get lost in your character’s story.

HOW DO SOLO RPGS WORK?

You might wonder: how do you surprise yourself when playing alone? Solo games use different tools to keep things exciting.

• Solo Systems: Some RPGs are written specifically for one player.
• Oracles & Generators: Random tables, dice rolls, or cards create unexpected outcomes.
• Journaling Games: Prompts guide you to write out your character’s thoughts and choices.
• Adapting Existing Games: You can adjust systems like D&D with oracles and random encounters.

The goal is to combine structure with chance so the story never feels predictable.

GREAT SOLO RPS TO TRY

If you’re curious, here are some popular options:

• Ironsworn: A free, gritty fantasy RPG that works perfectly in solo mode.
• Thousand Year Old Vampire: A journaling game about memory, loss, and immortality.
• Apothecaria: Cozy and lighthearted, you play as a village potion-maker.
• The Wretched: A tense survival game using a Jenga tower to track your doom.
• Mythic GM Emulator: A toolkit that lets you adapt almost any RPG (including D&D) for solo play.

RESOURCES FOR SOLO ADVENTURES

Even though you’re playing alone, you’re not isolated. Plenty of communities share advice and inspiration:

• Reddit’s r/Solo_Roleplaying for tips and play reports.
• Solo RPG blogs with reviews and journaling examples.
• Podcasts and YouTube playthroughs that show solo campaigns in action.

These resources help you see how others approach one-player games and give you new ideas to try.

CAN YOU PLAY D&D SOLO?

Yes. While Dungeons & Dragons is designed for groups, you can absolutely run it solo with a few adjustments. Use encounter tables, oracles, and emulators like Mythic to simulate a DM.

Many players like to keep different DND dice sets for different parts of the game:

• One gemstone dice set for their main character.
• A resin dice set for random tables.
• A heavy metal d20 for big, dramatic moments.

This small touch adds variety and helps separate the mechanics of solo play.

THE ROLE OF DICE

Dice are at the heart of role-playing, even in a solo game. Each roll carries weight, deciding fate in ways you can’t predict.

• Gemstone dice feel ceremonial, with their natural beauty and heft.
• Resin dice come in bold colors and styles, perfect for matching moods.
• Metal dice make every roll feel decisive, especially in tense survival games.

At Runic Dice, you’ll find dnd dice sets in gemstone, resin, and metal that add personality to your solo sessions. The right dice set becomes your trusted companion for the journey.

THE FUTURE OF SOLO TTRPGS

The popularity of one-player games is only growing. Designers are creating more systems built for solo play, and communities are helping new players discover them. For many, solo TTRPGs aren’t a replacement for group play but a new way to enjoy the hobby.

They’re perfect for:

• Players who want practice before DMing.
• Writers who enjoy journaling and creative prompts.
• Fans of DND dice sets who want to roll even when the group isn’t available.
• Anyone craving a quiet, personal adventure.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Solo tabletop RPGs prove that imagination doesn’t need a full party to thrive. With the right tools, oracles, and dice, you can tell powerful stories on your own terms.

If you’ve ever wanted to try, now’s the time. Start with a simple journaling game or use oracles to adapt D&D for one player. Then pick a dice set that feels right for your character’s journey.

Explore handcrafted dnd dice sets at Runic Dice to find the perfect partner for your solo adventures. From shimmering gemstone dice to versatile resin sets, your story deserves the right tools.

Tell us in the comments: Have you tried a solo TTRPG? What did you enjoy most about it?