How to Play Solo

Core ideas, tools, and a simple first session outline.

~8 min read

Unsure about a term? Check the Glossary of Solo RPG Terms.

Start Small

Create a character and a short goal. Keep sessions bite-sized. Build a Solo Starter Kit if you want a quick checklist.

Use Oracles

Ask yes/no questions and roll to discover twists and outcomes.

Journal the Story

Write a few lines after each scene to keep continuity clear. Try the Session Log template to make it quick.

Set up a simple solo kit#

You can start with the system you already enjoy. Bring a way to roll dice, a character sheet, and a notepad or digital journal. If you want prompts and inspiration, browse our journals & prompts and solo-friendly systems to find an approach that fits your style. If journaling play sounds appealing, see Solo Journaling Systems — An Overview.

Ask oracles to drive play#

Oracles answer questions like “Does the guard notice me?” with weighted yes/no results and occasional twists. They help you keep momentum without planning every detail in advance. Try a classic emulator or random tables from our oracles section. For quick use, see the Quick Oracle Reference; for a deeper primer, read the Beginner’s Guide to Oracles.

Run a lightweight scene loop#

Repeat this loop for a focused session:

  1. State your immediate goal for the scene.
  2. Play forward; when uncertain, ask the oracle and roll.
  3. Resolve outcomes with your system’s mechanics.
  4. Journal 2–4 sentences: what changed and what’s next?

Keep scenes short. When you wrap a scene, note a hook for next time so it’s easy to jump back in.

Next steps: See a concise Solo Session Example that walks through goal → scene → oracle → resolution → journal.

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