Actually Start Your Solo TTRPG Journey

[@runopologist]

Fantastic video. You really hit the nail on the head about how surprisingly amazing the mix of random tables, oracles etc. with your imagination can be! I've also recently started solo roleplaying with Solodark and have been very pleasantly surprised by what I've come up with. Really gets the creative juices flowing, and it's fulfilling in a way other forms of solo entertainment like video games aren't.

[@TTRPJared]

I’m glad you’re having a blast with it as well! I feel like there is so much untapped potential in each of us when it comes to taking a stab at solo play.

[@mattjackson]

I have actually been solo RPGing for probably more than three years now, in fact, I have a pretty extensive backlog of videos on solo role-playing here on KZbin. About a year and a half ago I had a major life change that drastically transformed my life, and since that time I have basically been at a roadblock with solo role-playing, unable to move forward and continue the hobby that I love. I have a friend who has been in a similar situation and he has been wanting to try solo. So I basically made a bet with him yesterday and said that we both have to play at least two sessions of any game that we want, and we have to blog about it on our blogs, detailing what we did and how we enjoyed it. this has to be done before we both go back to work on Thursday. The end goal for this is to simply play, to force us to get off our ass and actually play a game. Your video was just perfectly timed to help. Reinforce this, stop what you’re doing and just go play….

[@wilonascave]

Can’t wait to read the blog post Matt!

[@TTRPJared]

Perfect timing indeed! I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video. It’s cool when you sit back and realize that we all need that extra nudge to get going. Even if it is something that we already love and enjoy. Those ruts are a part of life and I hope you and your friend both have a great time during this process. Roll high! …unless it’s against your character!

[@BobIrving2]

Great first video! And inspirational as I'm a lover of the Shadowdark and also a wannabe rpg soloist. I hope you keep posting!

[@TTRPJared]

Thank you! Turn that “wannabe rpg soloist” into an “rpg soloist”. You’ve got everything you need!

[@simontemplar3359]

You said in less than 10 minutes what took me better than a year to learn. Excellent video, and even more excellent philosophy. The trick really is to just do it. Music helps me be ok with being bad at it at first. I think everyone is bad at a new instrument for a little while. Why should solo play be different? Although the things those tables conjure in my mind are better than video games. Anyway welcome to the solo TTRPG community!

[@TTRPJared]

I love that! It’s easy to pick something up and realize it is going to take effort and just put it down. It takes just getting into the thick of it and not being afraid of the learning curve to truly learn what you are capable of. Thanks for the thoughts!

[@Michael-bw7tz]

Surprising amount of quality for a first video. I feel like there's a backstory I'm supposed to know about, which is odd since it was basically explained. In any case, this seems neat, and I encourage you!

[@TTRPJared]

I really appreciate the comment and encouragement,@@Michael-bw7tz ! I’ll endeavor to fill in that backstory as I go.

[@rolanejo8512]

The second issue is really key to me. It is gym for the DM mind. Since i started solo playing i have become such a better and swifter DM.

[@TTRPJared]

That’s awesome! I’m excited to see the effects it has on my DMing as well.

[@pitac8340]

Great vid. Thanks for a bump in the right direction.

[@TTRPJared]

I appreciate it! And happy I could help.

[@wilonascave]

2:12 Printing a smaller version! Awesome Idea!

[@TTRPJared]

Thanks! I wanted my set up to be as minimal as possible which inspired the smaller version.

[@misskaterinat]

Investing at 10 subs, this is really solid especially for a first video! As someone who falls into the trap of watching videos instead of actually doing what I want to, I really resonate with a lot of what you said. Excited to hear more about your journey! You have a great knack for narration and keeping your voiceover engaging.

[@TTRPJared]

It means more than you know! It’s so easy to fall into that trap, but oh so satisfying to break out of it every once in a while. Looking forward to learning more and sharing it here.

[@wilonascave]

Shared your channel - Welcome to the Solo RPG Community! 🎲

[@TTRPJared]

I really appreciate it! And I am pumped to be here!

[@wilonascave]

@@TTRPJared glad to see another solo KZbinr

[@rolanejo8512]

Nice to see more OSR soloers! Hope to share in your adventures this year.

[@bluething3D]

This is dope. Im here for it

[@TTRPJared]

Happy to have you here!

[@Kristinquip]

Gosh I do the same thing with starting a bunch of things but not following through. I am a new sub and excited to do solo rpg'ing. Great video!

[@TTRPJared]

Thank you! I hope you have a great time with it. I think we feel alone in that “lack of follow through” sometimes, but it is something we all struggle with. It’s just about taking the next step in front of us. You’re going to kill it. And I appreciate the kind words!

[@bradutterstrom4105]

Great video. I’ve noticed the same thing in my solo games where I go “wow it’s amazing how perfectly that fits”. It’s often when I’m stuck on what something means so I use one of the random keyword generators and it gives a perfect idea.

[@TTRPJared]

It’s an awesome feeling! Those random tables bring out the best in our minds sometimes.

[@samsolitaryroll]

Welcome to the YT solo RPG scene! And glad you enjoyed your 1st session! Like you said, the greatest barrier against playing solo after you conquer the mindset and preps is actually doing it. It's different from group session where you have other people who expecting sth from you both as a player or as a GM. Here, you GMing yourself so you have to find your own motivation do just do it. For me, back when I started, I decided to record myself on video for archival purpose, and that's what I did until recently. I do sessions off camera now, now that I'm comfortable with how the flow of the things but I'm going to upload more videos in the future. Point is, you must find something to get yourself motivated to actually start, and the end of the 1st session will be the next motivation to play again, finding out where your solo adventure will take you. Looking forward to your next video if you're planning to make any!

[@TTRPJared]

I couldn’t agree more! And that motivation is so important. I love that you found that in recording yourself play. That kind of ritual starting out seems super beneficial. I really appreciate you watching!

[@BardicMonk]

Hey, going to start playing my Solo Pendragon game because of this. Thanks for the good vid 🙏🏻

[@TTRPJared]

That is so cool to hear! I’m sure it is going to be so much fun.

[@AndrewKolb101]

just getting started was the hardest part for me and I didn't real do it until I got rid of all the solo RPG books I had collected (they were legion). What I do now is use Savage Worlds or GURPS both of witch I am very familiar with and a 1d10 based oracle I wrote that is probably 98% derivative of some others I have seen and I just play. as the Forever GM for my group I am used to coming up with things on the fly. Thanks for the video!

[@TTRPJared]

That’s really cool that you’ve pieced your own stuff together! Just another reason solo play is so cool. You get to make it your own. Love it!

[@ashtowner]

Really great video, ive been putting off solodark for ages but i should give it a shot.

[@TTRPJared]

Do it! No time like the present!

[@nightbirdgames]

Welcome to the ttrpg community.

[@TTRPJared]

Happy to be here!

[@bigbattleslittleworlds]

Awesome video man. I have been planning a solo original or Advanced DnD campaign for my channel, but other projects seem to keep getting in the way. Currently we a re doing a community 1814 campaign which takes a fair amount of time. But I will get into this idea in the new year. I wish you all the best for your channel and I subscribed to help you on your way.

[@TTRPJared]

Thank you so much! I’m sure you are going to create something amazing. I will certainly have to check it out!

[@Gidizz]

I've never been part of a channel's inception. It doesn't sound like this was your first video, for the record. Very solid and unexpectedly inspiring. Subbed!

[@TTRPJared]

I’ve never been a part of a channel’s inception either! Happy to have your company and I appreciate the kind words.

[@ShroudedRealms]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I've been procrastinating about my creative pursuits also lately. I'm primarily a solo TTRPG gamer, haven't played a lot in groups so my perspective is a bit one sided. I've been wasting time in the research and 'prep'. I got a big RPG haul for Christmas so perhaps that will get me going.

[@TTRPJared]

It’s going to be awesome once you get a chance to dive into all that new stuff you got! Procrastination is one of my biggest hobbies, so I can relate. Dive on in!

[@TabletopWanderer]

As a relatively new solo rpger, I want to say welcome. This video is really good info for those that are "scared" to start. Good job! subbed!

[@TTRPJared]

I greatly appreciate it!

[@marktownsend2198]

Good life lesson. Glad you jumped in.

[@TTRPJared]

Me too! Looking forward to more jumps!

[@radicaledward101]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[@TTRPJared]

Of course! I hope you get out there and do what it is you’re wanting to do!

[@justinhaskell5502]

I'm interested to see where this goes. I'm trying to get started with solo rpg. I really like Shadowdark and I think it's a good one to start with. Good job on the first video.

[@TTRPJared]

I’m interested to see where it goes as well! I think Shadowdark and Solodark have been insanely helpful when it comes to ease of play and the fact that all of the tools you really need are found locally within one core book. You should definitely take the leap and get playing!

[@russellfishes]

Great first video! You have inspired me to try playing solo.

[@TTRPJared]

That’s awesome!! I’m happy I was able to give a helpful nudge.

[@PermanentBacklog]

Get after it 🤘🏻 way to start off with a solid video! Looking forward to whatever comes next :)

[@TTRPJared]

I appreciate the encouragement! I’m looking forward to it as well.

[@EruditeDM]

I played first SoloDark game the week before Christmas and it’s great!

[@TTRPJared]

That’s awesome! I’m curious how long people typically play during a solo session. How long was it for you?

[@Bogrin]

I’ve been trying to start my own solo play for a while now! Great motivation here

[@TTRPJared]

You’ve got it! I can assure you it will be worth it.

[@ShulgiAdad]

Right-on. Nice first vid, great topic. Looking forward to more.

[@TTRPJared]

Thanks,@@ShulgiAdad! Comments like this make me eager to make more content!

[@Ravenspath]

I feel attacked. "If I'm just watching videos about the thing I want to be doing what's the point?" I'm kidding. Thanks for making this video. I did some solo rpg in early 2024, but set it aside and I've been exploring it again. I'm also getting into bookbinding so printing out some of the rulesets and binding them. Good luck in your journey.

[@TTRPJared]

I feel like everyone here felt attacked by that! Haha Oh wow! That sounds really cool!

[@DJSlimzilla]

Where can I find the hex map your using? I like the size and coordinates already on it. Thank you.

[@TTRPJared]

I’m pretty sure I used this website (hamhambone.github.io/hexgrid/) and set the grid coordinates to the general amount I was thinking of using! Then I played around with the print settings until got one that was the right size! Hope this helps!