All Things Solo

Most of us start Solo Play because of necessities instead of choice. But it doesn't has to be that way. Once you taste the freedom of Soloing, you can find ways to motivate yourself.

My Motivation

My motivation for Solo Play started even before I knew TTRPGs exist. I played the original Diablo and thought "I want to play my character but in a story instead of a loot game." And I did it. I used Journalling method without any ruleset or dice. I dreamed about obstacles and conflicts that my character has to overcome and just wrote short notes about how he reacted to them. The feeling of freedom and creation it gave me was MWAH! Chef's Special!

Right now, after taking a break from so many Solo sessions with and without dice, rulesets or software, my motivation is to share my knowledge with everyone else!

But how can YOU motivate yourself?

Set Your Expectations First

Before you start to play, ask yourself "What Do I Want for Myself?" And don't care about anything else. You are here to create your OWN FUN.

• SETTINGS can determine general expectations. In a high fantasy D&D setting such as Forgotten Realms, you expect your PCs to go on heroic adventures whereas in Call of Cthulhu, they investigate bizarre events that leads them to insanity.
• Chosen DIFFICULTY can set expectations on how hard you want the game to be enjoyable. From Cookie-cutter characters to steam off, to standard rules to, Dark Souls level hardcore for challenge might motivate you.
• Closely related to difficulty, Pure ACTION can be your motivation for excitement.
• Pre-determined GOALS about the solo play can set expectations and lead the game into certain directions. Such as learning Game Mastery methods OR simply creating your own FUN without needing anyone else.
• One such goal can be the type of STORY you want to engage in or unravel which sets expectations on exploring certain themes, ideas, concepts, plots, etc. Surviving alone in a dangerous environment. Finding honor in a wretched world. Love triangles and betrayal as in soap operas...
• Certain type of CHARACTERS and their interactions you wanna portray can set expectations for learning to walk in their shoes. Create a simulation of their lives to understand them. OR maybe you always wanted to be Ironman. Roll an Artificer and make it your own.
• Maybe you're into META and Testing Build Ideas. This can set your expectations in a fun and spontaneous way.
• EDIT: Maybe you want to explore some LITERARY THEMES to bring out the WRITER in you.
• EDIT: Or if you want to use Playing as a Problem Solving Method, I got you covered.
• Whatever you choose, keep it as personal as possible.