Top 10 Tips for Playing Solo

Start small#

Play a short session with a single objective. Fewer moving parts makes decisions easier and keeps momentum high. You can always expand later.

Use oracles#

When unsure, ask a clear yes/no question and roll on an oracle. Let twists add surprise without derailing the scene. See the Beginner’s Guide to Oracles.

Set a scene goal#

Before you start, state a small goal like “get past the guard.” It focuses choices and makes outcomes obvious. The scene loop helps.

Limit choices#

Pick two or three plausible actions. If stuck, use the Prompt Generator or a quick oracle question to nudge you forward.

Journal briefly#

After each scene, jot 2–4 lines: what changed, truths learned, and the next hook. The Session Log keeps it tidy.

Embrace “fail forward”#

Failure isn’t a dead end. Add a cost, complication, or new obstacle and keep moving. Ask: “What does this make true?”

Prep light#

Prep only what you’ll certainly use in the next session: a goal, a location, and 1–2 NPCs with a role and desire. Discover the rest in play.

Use simple tools#

Lean on lightweight helpers: a dice roller, oracle generator, name generator, and prompt seeds. Keep them handy.

Stop with a hook#

End sessions with a one‑line next action. Future‑you will thank you when you can resume in seconds instead of re‑reading notes.

Keep it fun#

Follow the energy. If a scene stalls, cut to something interesting, ask a new question, or switch location. Your table, your pace.

Next: Read How to Play Solo for a quick framework, keep an eye on the Quick Oracle Reference, and try the tools above to speed decisions.