How To (Finally!) Play Your First Solo RPG Session - In 8 Easy Steps - Solospelunking Table Talk

In this video I walk you through eight easy steps to finally start your first solo rpg session. By step 8 you will be sitting at the table, playing your first session.

Timestamps:
04:25: Step 1
12:10: Step 2
15:58: Step 3
20:52: Step 4
24:38: Step 5
27:15: Step 6
29:36: Step 7
31:55: Step 8

#tabletopgaming #sologaming #solorpg #tutorial

[norwolf]

Nice simple steps. I agree that you can use *any* RPG system to play solo - pick one that you enjoy, not one that everyone tells you to use. If you are new to RPGs then a more simple system may help. It is also a great way to learn a new system or refamiliarize yourself with an old one. Take the opportunity to try out a lot of different RPGs. I've been immersing myself in Powers & Perils, one of my favorite old systems that I had stepped away from for over 10 years.

[GrayArmyGaming]

Excellent discussion! Thanks!! Although it sounds contradictory, I believe that the best way to start is simply to start. Two of the most important components of good solo rpg sessions are creativity and improvisation. These, however, are skills that can only be developed through practice, and practice requires playing. Thus, starting is the only way to start. As such, your first point about silencing negative thoughts is crucial. We all feel clumsy when we play, and we all are our own worst critics. So, perhaps the most important is to learn how to be your own biggest fan and best cheerleader (kind of like a parent supporting a child who is trying his or her hardest). And then, just dive in! Embrace the failures and celebrate the successes!! YOU CAN DO IT!! 💪🔥

[DennisCNolasco]

I just subscribed to your channel last week, but you've rapidly rose to number one of my favorite solo RPG channels!

[CharlesTersteeg]

good tips. i started with old d&d solo and moved to ironsworn. good point in saying if the system doesn't fit your playstyle, find one that does! i really like your point on analog play and the feel. rolling physical dice just has that old school feeling. i like to draw maps as i go even though they don't get used that much.

[Grognard-Solo-Gaming]

Great video! 👏😁 I have been forced to prioritize other things than Youtube due to IRL problems, but I’m trying to get back. And it makes me very happy to hear you say ”Hello gamers” again. And I have just rewatched the first tiny d6 episode so I can get back into that series 💪 I hope all is well with you!

[defaultidiot]

Brilliant video. The steps you have outlined are clear, direct and actionable. I've been trying to start solo rpg sessions for years, have read innumerable texts and seen just as many videos, but I always have some sort of excuse that I fall back on. You sir, have not allowed me to entertain any excuses. ThankYou!

[ziggurat-builder]

I play Hostile Solo, lots of gritty near future retro setting and dark horror.

[EternalRanger]

Thanks for the videos on how to solo! I started to play solo a little over a year ago (forever GM who wanted to try out some new systems) when I found out it was a thing and possible, but found my sessions to be clunky and not as enjoyable as I felt they could be. I learn better from a mix of how-to guidance described in logical steps, combined with active examples. So your method of explanation has been very useful in improving my solo play. Thank you. For me, keys to improvement have been using a system I know and enjoy and learning to start 'in medias res'.

[brads]

Excellent. I also don't know how to manage the pbta system. I'm trying to start with dragonbane deepfall solo

[samuelteare]

Awesome video! Nice and simple steps. I'm planning my next solo RPG session right now.

[SentientSoup]

Magic system in Maze Rats is amazingly creative and quite easy. Great advice sir. Thank you.

[ejihog]

That's actually some good advices. I'm kind of a solo player myself and sometimes I lack self discipline to sit and play, instead of fantasizing about it all the time

[JSilas]

Great minds think alike! ;) I'm finishing a video on this very topic, and got a notification about yours!

[Badartist]

I want to try this with the FFG Star Wars games ie Edge of the Empire. I think the way the dice are designed to be more narrative should work really well.