Finding a group to play tabletop RPGs (TTRPGs) with can be one of the toughest challenges for fans of the genre. Logistical hurdles, along with the ongoing emergence of high-quality indie TTRPGs, have ignited a renaissance in solo tabletop role-playing games—primarily by adapting traditional group games for individual play.

The solo TTRPG movement actually has roots dating back to the 1980s with wargames, but it gained significant traction during the COVID pandemic. During lockdowns, many turned to solo gaming as a compelling way to engage in storytelling and adventure without needing a group. Notable standalone TTRPGs like Tim Hutchings' Thousand Year Old Vampire, Shawn Tompkin's Ironsworn, and Chris Bisette's The Wretched paved the way for this genre, offering rich experiences for solo players.

Fast forward to 2023; the demand for solo tabletop games has only increased. At recent gaming conventions like PAX Unplugged, many attendees expressed their eagerness for solo role-playing games. With gaming shelves already overflowing and the uncertainty of gathering groups, designers have adapted their games to include solo play options through various approaches. Here are three prime examples of games embracing this trend:

1. Vaesen

Swedish game publisher Free League has beautifully integrated solo rules into its Nordic horror RPG, Vaesen. Developed by Per Holmström, the solo version offers a guided experience where players uncover mysteries at their own pace. Using a combination of a deck of cards and the game’s random tables, players use dice rolls to reveal clues and outcomes. The immersive storytelling allows solo players to become engrossed in solving chilling dilemmas within a rich narrative context.

2. HUNT(er/ed)

This innovative game from Meghan Cross and Dillin Apelyan pits players as a hunter and a monster, utilizing a classic 2d6 rolling mechanic. The solo adaptation shifts the focus, allowing one player to explore themes of monstrosity and humanity's acceptance through guided prompts from the game cards. Written by Elliot Davis, who has crafted his own solo games, this additional solo rule set enhances the game's depth, promoting a solitary yet challenging experience.

3. The Zone

Taking inspiration from Jeff VanderMeer’s novel Annihilation, this surreal horror game was designed with solo play in mind from the start. Players must navigate through quarantine zones with mutated horrors, drawing “Not-So-Easy” cards that dictate the outcome of their choices—balancing risks and rewards. What sets The Zone apart is how it blends narrative prompts with survival mechanics, making it just as engaging for a solo adventurer as for those playing with a group.

With more designers recognizing the desire for solo tabletop experiences, the market is bursting with imaginative games tailored for individual players. For those who love storytelling and exploration but find it hard to gather a gaming group, diving into the world of solo TTRPGs may just be the perfect solution! So grab your dice, set up your cards, and let the adventures begin!