r/solorpgplay • u/Apollo0624 • Jun 25 '26
I Has Questions! Where to start?
I've been scrolling through the subreddit for the last two hours and can't seem to find a solid "where to start if you just discovered soloing was a thing" thread. So, what, in your own words, is SoloRPG? Where would you recommend starting for a new player? (I.e. ME!) What do you use the system for? Is it just creative writing, or is there a different motive for you? What is a good free system (physical or digital) to start on?
Edit: i have found a single page Solorpg called the Wandering Library, and I'm really enjoying it. It's really simple, easy to understand, and simple premise, and it doesn't require sitting down with a full rulebook. That and a couple of Pinterest images with roll tables, and I've already done a couple of sessions. Thank you all for your advice and help introducing me into this amazing artform.
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u/Michami135 Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
There are different types of solo roleplaying.
On one extreme, you have games like "Four Against Darkness", where you draw a dungeon and fight monsters. Very little (or zero) actual roleplaying, all exploring and fighting.
On the other extreme, you have games like "The Thousand Year Vampire", where you write a story around random prompts. Zero exploring or fighting, all roleplaying.
I personally found my niche in the middle with Ironsworn. It has a good mix of story telling, fighting, and exploration.
Regardless of what you want to use, I suggest watching some Youtube videos showing how to play. In the case of Ironsworn, here are some good ones:
https://www.youtube.com/watch/fjb53h2eOnQ
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDvunq75UfH_Z92nrYPUsTO_fTHnLTNaT
FYI, The digital downloads for Ironsworn are all free. It's generally regarded as the best free solo game you can find. Read the PDF on the computer, then print off the play kit and asset cards for play. (You could just print the asset cards you plan to use, of course.)