Solo‑Friendly Systems: Quick Overview

New to solo? Start with How to Play Solo, then use this overview to pick a system that fits your vibe. Each blurb includes a quick feel, why it excels solo, and a link to learn more. For more options, browse Resources — Solo‑Friendly Systems.

Ironsworn#

Feel: Gritty quests in a harsh frontier. You swear vows, take risks with strong/weak hits, and track progress toward your goals.

Why solo: It’s built for solo/co‑op from the ground up. Clear moves, progress tracks, and oracles keep momentum without a GM.

Get Ironsworn • See oracles for tools that pair well.

Scarlet Heroes#

Feel: Classic fantasy adventures where a single hero can tackle modules meant for groups.

Why solo: The damage/defense math lets one PC stand up to many foes. Works great with a lightweight oracle to drive scenes.

Get Scarlet Heroes • Try a simple oracle from Resources.

Cairn (+ Solo)#

Feel: Lightweight, lethal fantasy with fast rulings and exploration-first play.

Why solo: Simple rules get out of the way, and the community‑made Cairn Solo adds procedures for oracles, travel, and dangers.

Get Cairn • Cairn Solo • Related: more systems.

Ironsworn: Starforged#

Feel: Spacefaring vows, discoveries among the stars, dramatic risks, and rich factions.

Why solo: It carries Ironsworn’s solo DNA into sci‑fi with excellent oracles, assets, and expedition rules that drive story.

Get Starforged • See our Oracles Guide.

Five Parsecs / Five Leagues#

Feel: Narrative campaign skirmish. Build a crew or band, run missions, advance gear, and watch stories emerge from tables.

Why solo: The campaign engines excel at pacing and generating hooks between battles; session prep is mostly rolling and reacting.

Five Parsecs • Five Leagues • See Session Log for tracking.

Next steps: Browse more solo‑friendly systems, or head back to How to Play Solo for quick-start tips.