Solo role-playing is increasing as the popularity of D&D and the RPG hobby grows. Finding the best solo tabletop RPGs can be a challenge. However, that is good because it means more solo games are being created.
Here is my list of the best solo tabletop RPGs.
Ironsworn
Ironsworn is the gold standard of all solo tabletop role-playing games. The system is geared to provide target numbers and obstacles for solo players.
Walk through the creation of your unique world and your character with random tables.
Explore your game world by swearing iron vows that give your solo play structure. The vows also provide an easy and innovative way to track your progress in solo games.
By the way, Ironsworn is free! Yes, free. Grab it here. Also, it has a supplement called Ironsworn: Delve.
Ironsworn: Starforged
Ironsworn but science fiction. Ironsworn: Starforged is the premier solo sci-fi RPG.
From the description on DrivethruRPG:
“In Ironsworn: Starforged, you are a spaceborne hero sworn to undertake perilous quests. You will explore uncharted space, unravel the secrets of a mysterious galaxy, and build bonds with those you meet on your travels. Most importantly, you will swear iron vows and see them fulfilled—no matter the cost.
“Starforged is a standalone follow-up to the Ironsworn tabletop roleplaying game. Experience with Ironsworn is not required. Starforged builds on Ironsworn’s award-winning innovations (including its famed solo play!) to chart a path into an exciting new frontier.”
I have played this game and it is incredible. I even recorded my session in an actual play podcast.
The One Ring™ Strider™ Mode
Strider Mode isn’t actually a complete RPG. It is a set of rules for The One Ring role-playing game.
These solo rules were designed by Shawn Tomkin the designer of Ironsworn and Ironsworn: Starforged. It gives solo players random tables, tips, and guidelines.
Be aware that you will need the core rules to use Strider Mode to play The One Ring.
Quill: A Letter-Writing Roleplaying Game for a Single Player
Quill is a unique RPG. Instead of fighting and hacking and slashing you write letters.
Yes, you heard right. You write letters. Your goal is to write the best letter you can to get a favorable response.
If you want a break from the murder hobos and want a totally new role-playing experience, Quill may just be a good fit.
Also, it is important to note that the RPG is “pay what you want.”
Quill has inspired a number of supplements and expansions.
D100 Dungeon (Book 1)
D100 Dungeon (Book 1) is a solo dungeon crawl role-playing game book. You begin by creating a character and then do training missions. The challenges and missions grow as you progress and you have the chance of becoming an adventuring hero.
This solo RPG has spawned many supplements and other adventure books. Those can be found here on DriveThruRPG. It has also birthed a science fiction solo RPG called D100 Space (Book 1).
Utopia – Solo Role-Playing Game
From the description of the Utopia RPG on DriveThruRPG:
“Utopia is a neo-futuristic roleplaying game, drawing on elements of cyberpunk and speculative science fiction. In Utopia, you will make some decisions about your setting, create a character with goals and ambitions and work to achieve those goals, while dealing with whatever challenges the world throws at you.”
If you want some cyberpunk in your solo RPG this game is a good option. It also offers GM-less play for groups.
Retrograde – One Page RPG
Retrograde is a super fun one-page cyberpunk RPG from Grant Howitt the creator of Honey Heist. While this is not a solo role-playing game by design.
However, it is easily adapted for solo play with the use of random tables and a dash of imagination. the rules are simple and straight and you begin right in the story.
Plus it is listed as “pay what you want.”
Play D&D 5E Solo
What if you want to play the world’s most popular roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons solo? Well, you are in luck. Members of the RPG community have created resources to play 5e solo. Here’s a list.
- DM Yourself – solo roleplay for 5e, D&D and OSR adventures
- DM Yourselves – solo and GM-less roleplay for 5e, D&D and OSR adventures
- The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox
- The Solo Adventurer’s Toolbox Part Two: The Toolbox Expanded
- Mythic Game Master Emulator Second Edition
Random Tables Aid Solo PRG Play
Random tables of items and encounters are essential to solo role-playing. Explore the ever-growing list of random tables I create. Populate your dungeon rooms as your player arrives and head off on quests that are rolled randomly.
Solo Tabletop RPGs are Growing
With the best solo RPGs on the market today, you can have fantastic adventures in fantasy, science fiction, and many other genres. The games in the list I have provided will set you on a course of endless RPG enjoyment.