If you’ve been trying to scratch the RPG itch and you’re missing the camaraderie of your tabletop gaming group because of stay at home orders and social distancing, we understand because we’re feeling it, too. And if you’re like me, after a day of staring at a computer screen for work, your eyes are tired and the last thing you want to do is stare at a screen to play online versions of your favorite games that often fail to achieve the same magic anyway. Additionally, RPGs and other tabletop games may not be your spouse’s idea of a fun or relaxing evening. So, what can you do? Maybe the solution lies in single-player role playing games.
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Now, we know what you’re thinking: isn’t spending time with your friends and playing through imaginative and dramatic stories together the whole point of tabletop RPGs? In most circumstances, we would definitely agree with you: more people gathered around the table equals more imaginative stories and solutions, which equals more fun–simple math, really. Unfortunately, though, it’s not always possible to gather all of your fellow explorers in one room to go adventuring (this is often why it takes months or even years to complete a Dungeons & Dragons campaign).
But sometimes we have to make do with what we’ve got, which takes us back to the scenario we pondered at the beginning. Single-player RPGs: can they be the answer you seek? Let’s talk about it.
You may think that tabletop role playing games require a devoted DM, but this is not necessarily the case. Some D&D players found the appeal of DM-less campaigns, and other games have been specifically designed to be played individually—and this doesn’t mean playing a computer game. But we’re not talking about D&D today. There are also “solo RPG engines,” which are a game’s ruleset with some added mechanics that automate the functions a DM would ordinarily serve, especially in a single-player environment. These are known as emulators, which add a level of dynamism to the game.
Single Player RPGs: Flashing Blades, HeroQuest Glorantha, Supers!, and Wing and a Prayer
Also consider solitaire games. We’re not talking about the solo card game, but the genre of single-player games. These are often very thematic or genre specific while still allowing your imagination run wild. Some of these games include Flashing Blades, a game which takes place in the era of The Three Musketeers; HeroQuest Glorantha, which is an imaginative fantasy game; Supers!, which lets you live out a comic book adventure; and A Wing and a Prayer; a war-themed game.
Playing a single-player RPG may not hold the same appeal as one which gathers your friends together for a night of adventuring. The single-player campaign may lack the depth, nuance, and imagination of these, but they can still be a fun alternative–especially when you can’t gather everyone around. This is a growing genre of games, so if your interest has been piqued, maybe it’s worth keeping your eyes open for new releases.
