Working on anything solo/co-op/gm-less? I'm writing
a special sci-fi issue of The Soloist at the moment.

Will check it out!

It's a well put together book, but in play it doesn't really deliver on Star Trek. The main issue is that the IP is about a crew, not just one crew member. And the rules don't do enough to simulate the interaction between crew members. I excited about the setup, but didn't get far with a mission.

Illustration by @evlynmoreau.bsky.social Evlyn Moreau who I happily back on Patreon. I thought it captured the spirit of solo play.

Thoughts? Additions?

Community
The solo community is huge and growing. Solo players often write play reports, journals, and share their stories online. Those artifacts create conversations, inspire tools, and connect players. In many ways, solo RPG stories get documented more visibly than group play.

Immersion
Solo games invite you to bring your experiences, emotions, and questions into a game in a way that you might not be comfortable with in a group. They can become a form of self-reflection, where the line between character and player blurs. See The Ink That Bleeds by @paulczege.bsky.social

Focus
In group play, the story usually revolves around a party of characters. Solo play allows you to make one character the center and explore them in depth.

Skills
Playing a system solo is a great way for a GM or player to get a feel for a game before playing it with a group for the first time.

Creativity
All roleplaying is creative. A good group of players work together to build interesting worlds and support each others stories. But compromise is part of collaboration. Solo play frees you from the constraints. Plus my favorite solo "games" are preping worlds that may never be "played."

Flexibility
Most solo players I know also play in groups. But solo games can fill gaps or satisfy moments of inspiration when other players aren't available. You can also play for as long or little as you like.

I use START
- Situation: Describe what’s critical to the scene.
- Task: Decide the challenge character needs to meet.
- Action: Decide what your character will do.
- Resolution: Determine the outcome.
- Transition: Set up the next Situation.

Write up here: soloist.substack.com/i/149452645/...

Do they make tiles? I could replace my bathroom floor!

Thanks JP! I had a blast. It’s a perfect system for light, fun, quick, adventurous Star Wars storytelling. Kudos to you and @mapcrow.bsky.social for the base game and @perplexingruins.bsky.social for the solo supplement!