Intro to Solo TTRPGs (5/5): Tips on Balancing Being Both a DM & a Player

Finding the right type of flow is so important to enjoying your solo session. Here are some tips that have personally helped me find that right balance!


1. USE LOGIC. You are the DM. If it makes sense, then it makes sense. Get that self-critic out of your head and do what makes the most sense to you. Don't ever think that your idea is dumb or stupid. If an idea come up, then let that idea come to life!

2. Don't get super hung up on all the details of a location. You don't need to roll on the tables of "every" single detail. If your character is in the middle of a forest, then obviously... there will be a tree. No need to ask the Fate Chart, "Is there a tree I can hide behind?" Well, duh.

3. Learn to ask the right type of Yes/No (or "Likely/Unlikely") questions. For example, you can ask something like, "Is there a window that's a bit cracked open that I could sneak through?" If it's a "Yes," perform a skill check to see if your character is able to successfully pass through.

4. Remember that you as the DM would know what is going on in the story, but your character may not! Make your character gather rumors and help point them to the direction you'd want them to go. If your character decides to go a completely different direction, that's ok too! Think of this opportunity as a side-quest, or maybe they will encounter a NPC that will help redirect them to the main plot.

5. Home-brew your own rules and simplify your session! Give your character advantage when necessary. Intervene as a DM to help your character out. Adjust the DC if necessary. If your character failed a skill check, use a different skill to test! 

6. Write notes to track what is going on! There are so many ways to track your campaign. I've used voice notes before and I would literally talk to myself as I am playing. I like also drawing a "timeline" of certain events. You don't need to write out everything... you can if you want! But, short notes are usually the way to go for me personally!

Hope these tips help as your make your journey through solo ttrpgs! HAVE FUN <3

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