What Do I Need To Play Solo?

     Hi and welcome back to my blog! A common question is "What do I need to play solo TTRPGs?" And the answer is "Not much!" or "A few things" depending on which exact RPG you're playing.

    For most RPGs, like a certain world-famous one who shall not be named, you just need a core rule book, a pencil, your character sheet(s), some scratch paper, and some polyhedral dice. Bonus points if you also throw in a separate notebook for chronicling your adventure, like I do.

    There are other RPGs that require playing cards, Tarot cards, tokens, or even a Jenga tower or something like it. Make sure when you get a core rule book, you always read what it recommends you play with. I wouldn't recommend buying these things in advance because depending on where you buy them from Tarot cards can be expensive, and most homes are likely to have a deck of playing cards hiding around somewhere already. But if you find an RPG that you must play, and it requires one of these things, just buy as needed. 

    For my solo RPGs so far, I've made my own character sheets for some of them, like Goliath and Colossus. If I couldn't print out a character sheet right away, I used Google Docs (because I can edit the documents from my phone and/or computer) to make a list of things that are on the character sheet and fill it out until I get my actual character sheets printed. I also keep a list of items and lore and homemade monsters on Google Docs that I can access easily from my phone. So my phone is the number one thing I need when playing RPGs, besides the core rulebook.

    The second thing I need is a pencil. Not a pen! Trust me! You'll be erasing a TON of stuff on your character sheets as you play your RPG. Next I get a notebook JUST for that one game for chronicling my adventure. Then I have a second notebook that I use to write down notes, act out battles, keep track of characters' current HPs and other Stats if they are affected by Status Effects, and etc. So to summarize, I use two notebooks, one for the story, the other for the mechanics.

    Of course, I also have dice. Several sets, actually, in case I need to roll 3d6s or something like that. But if I'm somewhere where rolling my dice would be a hassle, I use a free dice-rolling app on my phone. You can find them in the app store of whatever phone brand you use.

    Perhaps the most important part of my setup, however, is a cup of coffee. It's a must to take a break from time to time while playing and refocus yourself. Water will also help if coffee isn't your thing. In fact, playing solo RPGs is a good way to stay hydrated. Every time you need to bounce out of the game to think about your next steps, just drink some water.

    Anyway, hope this helps and remember to always read the core rulebook before you start playing to know what you need for that specific game!