Are you a die-hard Dungeons & Dragons fan who’s itching for adventure but can’t always gather your party? Fear not, brave adventurer! We’re about to embark on a thrilling journey into the world of D&D solo adventures. By the end of this post, you’ll have a treasure trove of resources, tools, and tips to help you conquer the realm of solo play.
First, let’s see what you’ve got! Warm up those dice rolls and take on our free single-player solo adventure, The Tavern Quest! Then, read on to learn how to play D&D on your own.
With 8 possible endings, can you find them all?
Ready to play D&D alone?
Yes, you can totally play Dungeons and Dragons without a sidekick. Be the game master, the Death Knight’s Squire, and everything in between with the solo adventurer’s toolbox of random dungeons and combat encounters.
The gameplay might not be as … interesting … as it is with a group, but let’s face it: sometimes, that’s a good thing. With nobody to steal your magic items or make that one noob move that’s sure to get everyone killed, you might have a better chance to survive as a lone wolf.
You can always choose your own adventure through standalone play if you’re in a pinch — or use it to test the build on your very own fifth-edition DMS Guild homebrew module!
Whatever your reasons, solo-player adventures can be really fun if you set them up the right way.
Okay, so how do you play D&D solo?
There are two main ways to jump into solo adventure D&D 5e play (or any other edition, for that matter.) Choose whichever you like for your inaugural adventure. Then, try the other.
Option 1: Play all the characters yourself
Yeah, spoiler alert — you’re probably going to guess what happens here. That said, these fantasy grounds hold no limits. If you really get into the characters, they might surprise you, running off in directions you never intended.
Some solid roleplaying can keep the fun in any solo adventure.
Option 2: Use randomizers to see what happens next
Add a few surprises by rolling for random encounters like you would in any other campaign. Or take that dice rolling to a new level by building random charts that include NPC encounters for adventures, NPC reactions, environmental hazards, and more.
Wizards of the Coast doesn’t have anything on you, friend. When you build your own dungeon master’s guide, the sky’s the limit!
What you need to run solo DnD adventures
You don’t need anything all that special to run a single-player adventure campaign.
There are plenty of 5e solo gamebooks to choose from, but the usual guides and supplements will do, especially if you’re looking to build your own fantasy adventure.
So, pick up a solo adventure module like Drums at Daggerford, or create your own campaign from scratch. The best part of D&D is bringing your imagination to life!
The solo dungeon master
In traditional D&D roleplay adventures, the dungeon master (DM) is the all-knowing storyteller, referee, and world creator. In solo adventures, you’ll be both the dungeon master and the player, taking on the roles of multiple characters and controlling the action. With a little creativity and a dash of improvisation, you’ll be slaying dragons and discovering treasure in no time!
Books and tools: a treasure trove of resources
The Dungeon Masters Guild is a fantastic starting point for solo adventurers. This online marketplace is brimming with adventure books, campaigns, and resources tailored for single players or small groups, for relatively new enthusiasts and experienced players alike. One exceptional creator to look out for is Paul Bimler, known for his exciting and well-designed solo adventures.
The mighty character sheet
A character sheet is the heart and soul of your D&D persona. In a solo game, you’ll be controlling a single character or a small group of first-level characters. Filling out your character sheet with unique traits, abilities, and backgrounds will breathe life into your adventure.
Choose your adventure
When diving into solo play, there are three main types of adventures to choose from: regular adventures, duet adventures, and true solo adventures.
Regular adventures are designed for multiple players but the game rules can be adapted for solo play. D&D duet adventures are crafted for two players (technically, one DM and one player), while solo adventures cater specifically to solo players. Each type offers a unique roleplaying experience, so be sure to experiment and find the perfect fit for you!
The art of combat and encounters
Solo play requires a bit of tweaking to make combat encounters challenging yet fun. To spice things up, consider incorporating homebrew monsters, unique monster tactics, and a mix of classic fantasy and original setting elements. Remember, the goal is to create an interactive story that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
The power of random tables and story elements
Random tables are your best friend when it comes to crafting a dynamic solo adventure. They can help you generate encounters, story elements, and even secret doors for your dungeon delving. Use random tables to add an element of surprise and keep the narrative fresh and exciting.
Collaborative storytelling: a party of one
The beauty of D&D lies in collaborative storytelling, and this remains true in solo adventures. Feel free to borrow a few legendary characters and sidekicks to build an original story of your own!
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to weaving tales of epic quests and heroic deeds. Focus on your character’s motivations, background, and choices to create a rich and immersive roleplaying experience.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon master or a first-time adventurer, D&D solo adventures offer a fantastic way to enjoy the game at your own pace.
If you feel drawn to play your own solo adventures and invent new D&D modules, welcome to the true Dungeon Masters Guild — the worldwide guild of creatives who’ve added their own twists to the D&D universe.
Who do you want to be today? Quest on, brave soul — adventure awaits!
Love D&D quizzes? Take our D&D Character Class Quiz to see what D&D vibes you give off in real life!
