title: Solo RPG How To 
author: Nathaniel Leveck 
date: 2020-04-02
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So you want to play an RPG but have no group to play with, or there
might be a global pandemic keeping you isolated from your friends.
Well, you can always play alone. Any system, any time you'd like.

Step one: pick a game system. There are so many systems out there
I cannot list them all here. Quite a few are free such as Basic
Fantasy (https://www.basicfantasy.org/downloads.html) or White Box
(https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/190631). 
There are also a few right here on RPoD in the GAMES SECTION, 
including the ones mentioned above.

Step two: have an oracle. Since you are not playing with a dungeon
master (or game master), you need something to inject randomness into
the game. Knowing what's going to happen takes away the fun. Options
are endless for this, but some choices I have used are a Magic 8 Ball
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0149MC426), Mythic Game Master Emulator
(https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/20798),
Scarlet Heros (https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/127180), 
flipping coins, I Ching, tarot cards, etc.

Step three: build an adventure. You can use adventure modules for
games such as D&D or Basic Fantasy. You can also roll dice to point
at random pages in novels to get plot ideas. Maps and other materials
from games you own can also be used. You can base the starting plot
on a movie, show, book, or comic. However you do it, give your
character(s) a mission. This helps move things along. Other tools such
as the Index Card RPG decks (https://www.icrpg.com/) can be used for
added elements.

Step four: play. I use this method solo and in RPG'ing with my
daughter (so we can both be player characters and not have a DM). The
more work you put into this the more immerssive it becomes.

YOUTUBE RESOURCES

There are many good YouTube channels devoted to solo RPG play. Two of
my favorites are:

Artichoke Dip
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4Ne0FHlPq7qUMti4H--zA

Geek Gamers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLnDxuZE6qWwWxZCN9y8JQA

Both have a wealth of ideas and play throughs to show you what is 
possible.