Debrief: Solo TTRPGs for the RPG-Curious
Ever wished you could role‑play on your own terms—no scheduling headaches, no thick rulebooks, just a notebook, a deck of cards, and your imagination? We dive into the art of solo tabletop RPGs and how a few elegant systems can turn small moments into big stories. From late‑night radio confessionals to crumbling castles and whispered hallways, we share the titles that pulled us in and the tricks that kept us playing.We start with Void 1680 AM, a music lover's dream that turns card draws into setlists, caller requests, and memory‑soaked journaling. Then we head to Lighthouse at the End of the World, where a Jenga tower stands in for your sanity as you help lost spirits find rest. Builders will love In Ruins, a map‑first experience that has you sketching castles before time skips forward and factions fight over what's left. For those craving quiet dread, Whisper in the Walls offers a slow, unsettling tour through an abandoned home told entirely through your notes and reactions. We also spotlight Cairn—a concise fantasy system with a solo option—and What Lies Beneath, a roll‑and‑learn dungeon crawler that throws you into Encounter 1 on page one.Along the way, we talk practicals: how one‑shots lower the barrier to entry, why prompt tables beat blank pages, and where to find these gems (Tabletop Bookshelf, Bannerless Games, Fervent Workshop). We shout out the creative solo community—especially Soloist Venture—for inspiring spreads, sketches, and playthroughs, and we float a remote‑friendly curiosity: Alice Is Missing, a text‑message mystery that's perfect for long‑distance friends.If you're RPG‑curious, love journaling, or just want a thoughtful way to unwind, this tour gives you approachable starting points, mood‑rich systems, and replayable paths. Press play, pick a book, and let a single prompt open the door. If you enjoyed this guide, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—then tell us which solo world you're stepping into next.We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!Support the showAs always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts! https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/ Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support
