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Writer's pictureMatthew David

How to run a Solo D&D campaign


Playing Dungeons and Dragons with only one player character (PC) and no Dungeon Master (DM) can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are a few tips on how to play a solo game of D&D 5e:

  1. Use pre-made adventures or modules: One option is to use pre-made adventures or modules, which provide a structured story and set of encounters for your character to follow. This can make it easier to play the game without a DM, as the adventure will guide what to do next.

  2. Create your own story: Another option is to create your own story for your character to follow. This can be a completely original story, or you can use published material (such as a monster manual) as inspiration.

  3. Use a solo roleplaying tool: Several solo roleplaying tools can help you play a solo game of D&D. These tools often use prompts or random tables to help you make decisions and determine the outcome of actions.

  4. Use a "dummy" DM: You can also play the game as if you have a DM, but instead of a human DM, you can use a "dummy" DM in the form of a set of pre-written responses or a computer program. This can help to provide some structure to the game and give you an idea of what a DM might do in a given situation.

  5. Be flexible: Since you are playing solo, you may need to be flexible and adapt to unexpected situations. This can be part of the fun of solo play, as it allows you to devise creative solutions and try new things.

Several solo roleplaying tools can help you play a solo game of D&D. These tools often use prompts or random tables to help you make decisions and determine the outcome of actions.

Here are a few examples of solo roleplaying tools:

  • Solo Adventurer's Toolkit: This toolkit includes a set of prompts and random tables to help you make decisions and determine the outcome of actions in a solo game. It also includes a set of "virtual dice" that you can use to roll for various tasks.

  • One-Page Dungeon: This tool provides a set of prompts and random tables to help you create a simple, one-page dungeon for your character to explore. It also includes a set of "virtual dice" to help you determine the outcome of actions.

  • Mythic GM Emulator: This tool is a computer program that can simulate a GM's actions in a solo game. It uses a set of prompts and random tables to help you make decisions and determine the outcome of actions.

Playing a solo game of Dungeons and Dragons 5e is to use a "dummy" DM. This involves playing the game as if you have a DM, but instead of a human DM, you can use a "dummy" DM in the form of a set of pre-written responses or a computer program. This can help to provide some structure to the game and give you an idea of what a DM might do in a given situation.

Here are a few ways you can use a "dummy" DM in your solo game:

  • Pre-written responses: You can create a set of pre-written responses for common situations that might arise in the game. For example, you might have a set of responses for when your character encounters a monster or when they come across a locked door.

  • Computer program: There are several computer programs available that can simulate the actions of a DM in a solo game. These programs often use prompts or random tables to help you make decisions and determine the outcome of actions.

Using a "dummy" DM can be a useful way to play a solo game of D&D if you want to experience some of the structure and challenge of playing with a human DM but don't have one available. Here are some of the default responses you can use:

  1. "As you approach the door, you hear a faint noise coming from the other side. It sounds like footsteps."

  2. "As you search the room, you find a hidden trapdoor on the floor. It looks like it leads to an underground passage."

  3. "As you confront the monster, it growls and charges at you, swinging its claws."

  4. "As you try to pick the lock, you feel the mechanism click into place, and the door swings open."

  5. "As you approach the town, you see a group of people huddled together, talking in hushed tones. It looks like they might have some information for you."

  6. "As you delve deeper into the dungeon, you come across a room filled with treasure. Piles of gold, silver, and precious gems are scattered about the room."

  7. "As you search the area, you find a mysterious object. It looks like it could be an ancient artifact of some kind."

  8. "As you explore the cave, you hear a faint rumbling noise from deeper inside. It sounds like it could be a dragon."

  9. "As you investigate the ruins, you come across a strange, glowing object. It seems to be radiating magical energy."

  10. "As you sneak up on guard, you see a glint of steel and hear the sound of a sword being drawn from its scabbard."

Since you are playing solo, you may need to adapt to unexpected situations that arise. This can be part of the fun of solo play, as it allows you to devise creative solutions and try new things.

Here are a few ways you can be flexible in your solo game:

  • Embrace the unknown: One of the benefits of solo play is that you have complete control over the story and the world. Don't be afraid to take your character in new and unexpected directions and see where the story leads you.

  • Use your imagination: Solo play can be a great opportunity to use your creativity and let your imagination run wild. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and devise creative solutions to problems in the game.

  • Be open to changing your plans: In a solo game, you don't have the same level of collaboration and communication as you would in a group game. This means you may need to be open to changing your plans or adjusting your course of action based on the game's circumstances.

Being flexible and open to new ideas gives you a more enjoyable and rewarding solo gaming experience.

Playing a solo game of Dungeons and Dragons can be a fun and challenging experience. There are a few different ways to play a solo game, including using pre-made adventures or modules, creating your own story, using solo roleplaying tools, using a "dummy" DM, or being flexible and open to new ideas. To play a solo game, you will need a set of dice, character sheets, and any other materials your chosen game system requires. You will also need to decide on a story for your character to follow and set up the game as you normally would for a group game. To play the game, follow the rules of your chosen game system and use your dice to determine the outcome of actions and encounters. By following these steps, you can have a fun and rewarding solo gaming experience.

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