Wargaming: How To Solo Play Wargames

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[@bryanvestal3923]

I do it all the time. Playing socially isn't always the best way to play. To be honest solo is very liberating. I can do what I want , when I want and how I want. If I want to paint then I do and if I don't I won't. As I grow older I don't really enjoy spending time with fellow gamers and to be honest other gamers tend to just get on my nerves.

[@MiniWarMutt]

Five Parsecs From Home great solo game.

[@ChrisHolman]

One Page Rules has a decent set of rules for solo play.

[@_phaz_]

Since the start of the pandemic I've played several minis games that are explicitly designed for solo play: Perilous Tales, Rangers of Shadowdeep, Silver Bayonet & Space Station Zero.

[@bruced648]

I have an easier time running a campaign style series of battles as solo than head-to-head. completing the scenario, taking care of salvage, repairs, reload... many players aren't interested in that aspect. while it sounds good to play thru those details, mostly it's kinda boring to sit there and make some tech skill rolls. to play out negotiations for captured troops or pilots, can be interesting and important for the narrative. most players are impatient and just want to blow stuff up.

[@bryanvestal3923]

Also I haven't found a game yet that I couldn't play solo and have a good time.

[@almostgoodvariant]

Solo play really is fantastic for learning the rules. I played a couple of the AGOAC scenarios by myself as I was learning the basics of BattleTech. Also, I’m demoing BattleTech to some new players this week, and as a relatively inexperienced player myself, I decided to run a handful of solo test games trying out different 2 vs 2 combinations of mechs against each other. My idea was for the newbies to have the upper hand on paper - but not a decisive one. As a newer player myself I’m still not 100% sure about the strengths and weaknesses of different mechs and mech combos. It was worth testing it since some matchups turned out to be clearly too imbalanced and some on the other hand were way too balanced so that that the test game just wouldn’t have been very fun from the newbies’ point of view (in my opinion). Playing against myself worked well enough. I always simply tried to win with both forces as best as I possibly could, making as tactically sound moves as possible. It was also fairly quick since there was no waiting for the other player to think about their moves involved - just myself! I also intend to attempt writing some scenarios at some point so I can definitely see the value in playtesting the scenarios solo instead of putting other players into untested, potentially unfun situations.

[@brandonschwertley2723]

I think the systems that are best for setting up a solo game are ones with dissimilar unit's, forces, commanders, or armies in general. Some people find mirror matchup games like chess to be enjoyable solo, but I think they miss the point or are not in the same mental space as the general population (this is not to say they are stupid, they just think differently and view the world differently). This allows you to practice two distinct and different play styles and see the pros and cons. A great way to test out different unit compositions, strategy's, etc. It also prevents you from getting bored doing the exact same movements for both sides. I think there is a case for setting up a scenario in a game like chess and trying to defeat it as practice. Put yourself in a position of disadvantage and try to worm your way out or survive. But starting fresh, I don't think most people will find that an interesting proposition. Another good thing to look for in solo games is something where you have the ability to randomly generate the Strategy of one, or both sides. Take Axis and Allies for an example. You handle the tactical side of gameplay, but a dice roll may decide what to focus your funds on this turn. Do you spend 5, 10,15 man power credits as the Germans on rolling for research this turn, or do you use that money to rebuild your depleted Luftwaffe. That action will determine your overall strategy for the turn or perhaps the next few turns even. This same mentality can be applied to Warhammer. Say it's an objective based game, you roll for both sides to see what objective(s) they want to focus. Which sets the overall strategy of the game, and you play the tactical level from that stand point. I guess in general, a good rule of thumb is trying to remove the grand strategy part of the game. Allow yourself to focus on the tactical level, and hone those skills. The problem with setting a grand strategy in a solo game is you already know what it is. Therefore you can just infinitely keep countering yourself. If you leave it up to chance though, and move on where the dice have dictated you go. Then you have an intriguing setup to play with. As I stated previously you can also test out two different strategies and see which one comes out on top. Create that interesting premise and don't change it, try to tactically respond to it with what you have.

[@gideongallant1185]

I've always thought of solo wargaming as a tool to fill in story gaps as well, or even set the stage. If your group can't make it to a campaign game night or the like, the group might elect to have the story filled in and the gamemaster could run the game on their own. Provided, the GM would have to play both sides in earnest. This could also apply to generating backstory for certain important battles in the game's background, play what NPCs are doing "off-camera" or the like. Or you could even run the solo games in a wargaming choose-your-own adventure. At the end of the day I think that solo gaming is a great way to build or expand on stories and it can make great practice for teaching or competing

[@pudge131]

I havent played X-wing, but would the AI system transfer to battletech perhaps?

[@benrunciman4399]

Kill team works solo

[@nestadious]

100% agree. I'm brand new to wargaming(specifically warhammer) and got the starter set of Kill Team(orks and vet guardsmen) and have ran a few solo games so I could learn the rules before I play some games with my local community. It was incredibly fun, and a good way to grasp the rules and flow of the game.