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The Soloist

@the-soloist.itch.io
3.4K followers 854 following 539 posts

Worked on games you played 20 years ago like The Sims 1&2, Mass Effect 2&3, Dragon Age. Now making and writing about tabletop RPGs. soloist.substack.com | SOLO BORG Kickstarter

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Reposted by The Soloist
Beyond Cataclysm 🌱Making Books @beyondcataclysm.co.uk · 28/09/2026
We've got a d6 twists system called Fortuna's Wheel in SOLO BORG which @the-soloist.itch.io wrote. Finally made the art for it today. Would make a decent sticker!
Fortuna's wheel
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/09/2026
I’m running Dino Island tomorrow night for the first time. Any players or Dino Masters have any stories about great experiences or recommendations? #ttrpg
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 25/09/2026
For Tolkien Week, have a free Pipeweed blends generator! A table of ingredients and effects, with a guide to common halfling pipeweed slang. #ttrpg
the-soloist.itch.io
Pipeweed Blends Generator by The Soloist
Every halfling needs a personal blend.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 22/09/2026
Happy Hobbit Day! To celebrate, I released a 12-page adventure location set in a 2000 year old fantasy movie set. It's made for Vaults of Vaarn, but can be adapted to any weird post-apoc game. Pipeweed Blend generator by me; art by my daughter Emma! #ttrpg
the-soloist.itch.io
Shireton by The Soloist
Ancient machines preserve a tourist attraction based on a long-forgotten movie franchise.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 18/09/2026
Working on a little setting for the Vaults of Vaarn Jam (and Hobbit Day). #ttrpg
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 05/09/2026
For folks who don’t use Substack, you can now access all 30 back issues of The Soloist on itch.io. #ttrpg #solorpg
the-soloist.itch.io
The Soloist: PDF Collection by the_soloist
Every issue of The Soloist, the Bloggie-winning newsletter covering solo and co-op RPGs
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/09/2026
The Soloist is back from Summer break! #soloRPG
soloist.substack.com
🎲 Solo September
ENNIES and Fallout go solo, Substack finds Games, plus new releases, crowdfunding campaigns, and our return from summer break.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/09/2026
I love the pitch for this #soloRPG - a fantasy twist on the Victorian mudlarks who searched the Thames shore at low-tide for valuables. Will be eagerly following its progress!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 31/08/2026
How could I pass up this adorable Karl the Fog patch at the San Francisco Pen Show?
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/08/2026
Just a few hours left to back this awesome solo journaling advent calendar game! Play it all through December. Makes a good gift. Check it out!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/07/2026
Love @unitsix.itch.io's Pit Wurm illustration for Solo Borg's Beastarium Düsternis. More gruesome than I could have imagined! “Giant centipedes that incubate in mass graves. The old battlefields of The Ruin are riddled with them.”
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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Last week, @the-soloist.itch.io published my essay "Playing Alone Together" about my experience running solo rpgs for groups at Breakout Con. With permission, I'm reposting it in my own newsletter plus a little nugget of my own, where I give my "nutshell" take on how solo RPGs are never truly solo.
backwardstabletop.com
Playing Alone Together
My essay in The Soloist, plus the social dyanamics of solo RPGs.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 08/04/2026
Did you know playing #soloRPG together is a thing?! In the new issue of The Soloist Asa Donald @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social shares his experience running SPINE at a con. Lars Huijbregts @dicegoblin.blog talks about running a shared war with his solo sci-fi, DANGER CLOSE. Have you soloed together?
open.substack.com
Playing Solo RPG's Together
Plus New Solo Games, My Exploration of Old Morris Cave, and a SOLO BORG Playtest
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/03/2026
Project Hail Mary was a fun watch but also a great LISTEN thanks to @danielpemberton.bsky.social's epic score. It's become my springtime creative work soundtrack. AMAZE! AMAZE! open.spotify.com/album/47Kmv7...
open.spotify.com
Project Hail Mary (Original Motion Picture Score)
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/03/2026
I just backed Residue! #soloRPG
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 06/03/2026
Played Old Morris Cave by @timhutchings.bsky.social. It's a solo archaeology game where you excavate a cave that's been used continuously for 1000 years. You build a strata map from the bedrock up, drawing layers every d6 inches and past events (campfires, bones). Here's my map: #soloRPG
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/03/2026
Oooooh! 🌛
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 04/03/2026
Mail call! Picked up some new books during the @ospreygames.bsky.social sale!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 02/03/2026
The new issue of The Soloist covers Spark Tables, the matrixes of words that (when smashed together) can help you come up with gameplay ideas, surprises, and details without a GM. Includes tips on when to use them, how to interpret results, examples, and my “Generic Fantasy Spark Table.” #solorpg
open.substack.com
🤯 Your Solo RPG Toolkit Part 3: Spark Tables
Also: 1,439 games for $10, new games for your solo bookshelf, and more
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 25/02/2026
I just backed Triple-O: the player character emulator by @capacle.bsky.social. There are less than two days left to pledge! #soloRPG fans should check it out!
backerkit.com
Triple-O: the player character emulator
Triple-O is a tool for solo RPG players who want to invert roles and play as the GM instead of a character. Originally launched as a one-page solution, this new zine version brings more random tables,...
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 15/02/2026
Muppet Treasure Island is 30?! This is a lovely interview with the actor who played young Jim Hawkins.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/02/2026
I just backed Fantasy Map Maker by Doopy Games because I’m a sucker for worldbuilding cartography. #soloRPG
kickstarter.com
Fantasy Map Maker
Roll dice, draw features, and fulfil quests as you craft a fantasy world.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 31/01/2026
Do you have a recommendation for a solo RPG that’s easy to pack and play on a plane? I have a long flight coming up and need a few. I’ll post your pics and my thoughts in an upcoming issue of The Soloist. #solorpg #ttrpg #thesoloist
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/01/2026
There is nothing more ironic than an ICE agent wearing a Gadsden flag patch on their body armor while beating protestors. The state doesn't get to claim "Don't Tread on Me." Take it back.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/01/2026
The Yes/No Oracle is an esssential piece of your solo RPG toolkit. The newest issue of The Soloist tackles when and how to use it, types of questions to ask, and handling the "Buts" and "Ands." soloist.substack.com #solorpg #ttrpg
YES/NO ORACLE
 d6	 Answer	 Interpreting
 1	 No, and...	 Add a cost or increase intensity.
 2	 No.	 No. 
 3	 No, but...	 Add a silver lining or alternative.
 4	 Yes, but...	 Add a complication, cost, or twist
 5	 Yes.	 Yes.
 6	 Yes, and...	 Add a benefit or increase intensity.

•	Ask a question as you might ask a GM.
•	If the answer could benefit the character, frame it so "Yes" is the win.
•	Even Odds: Roll 1d6.
•	Likely: Roll 2d6, keep the highest.
•	Unlikely: Roll 2d6, keep the lowest.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 01/01/2026
I just backed Arathi Sector from @castlegrief.bsky.social. Old school solo sci-fi #ttrpg. Last day to pledge!
kickstarter.com
Arathi Sector
A SciFi roleplaying game from Castle Grief
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 05/11/2025
Love sci-fi? Interested in solo and co-op RPGs? The new issue of The Soloist is for you and it’s out today. Beam it up! #ttrpg #solorpg
open.substack.com
🤖 Sci-Fi Special Issue 2025
Notorious and Arathi Sector Previews, 9 Reader Recommendations, and more!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/10/2025
Very excited for this.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 23/10/2025
I just backed @nightcrewgames.bsky.social’s Cyberpunk Legends: Into the Night www.kickstarter.com/projects/cyb...
kickstarter.com
Cyberpunk Legends: Into the Night
Return to the world of Cyberpunk, discover the history of Night City in this strategic story driven co-op card game.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 21/10/2025
🧑‍🚀 I'm working on The Soloist's annual sci-fi special edition. It's always a popular issue and my favorite to write. If you have recommendations for new/upcoming games to include or suggestions for other sci-fi features, reply, send a DM, or write me at patrick@soloistgames.com. #solorpg #ttrpg
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Jack Panic | DNGN CLUB @dngnclub.itch.io · 16/10/2025
Trying to get some extra money together for my kid's 4th birthday! Please repost & share!
a vintage style poster with " DNGN CLUB: SPOOKY SEASON SALE. 16 pdfs for 16 dollars. Featuring THE GAS STATION & HOW'S MY DRIVING."

two polaroids feature the cover images of both games, respectively.
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Reposted by The Soloist
Elliot Davis | Pre-Save To Feel Your Warmth @moreblueberries.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
The Time We Have: A Conversation Between Brothers is NOW AVAILABLE A tragic two-player zombie roleplaying game played on opposite sides of a closed door. A game about what it means to be a brother. Want to learn more about the game? It's time for a megathread ⬇️
A mockup of The Time We Have packaging surrounded by floating door cards. The cover features two brothers sitting on opposite sides of a door with a purple flower motif
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/09/2025
🚨 Scam Alert 🚨 Someone posing as my “cousin” (names used: Parker or Ryan) is contacting Kickstarter creators offering consulting services. This person is not related to me, not affiliated with me, and is a fraud. Ignore, report, and block.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 27/09/2025
When asked "Why play solo RPGs?", I try to hit: - Flexibility: play anytime - Creativity: build your own worlds, characters, stories - Skills: learn systems, practice GMing - Focus: center on one character - Immersion: explore personal experiences and emotions - Community: share your stories
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 24/09/2025
When the awesome sci-fi film Prospect hit theaters in 2018, writer-directors Chris Caldwell and Zeek Earl released a Guide to the Green Moon. Brilliant worldbuilding just for the hell of it. Ready made for a @mothership.bsky.social mission. #TTRPG
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 14/09/2025
Every time I see the AccuWeather icon on my phone, I see the Imperial Sunburst, symbol of the 3rd Imperium (Traveller). #ttrpg
AccuWeather logoImperial Sunburst (Traveller)
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Reposted by The Soloist
JP Coovert @jpcoovert.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
This is one of the coolest write-ups ever! @the-soloist.itch.io plays through a solo Star Borg adventure and presents the story in such a rad way. Definitely worth a read through! soloist.substack.com/p/solo-sessi...
soloist.substack.com
🪐 Solo Sessions: Star Borg
A solo play example of Kyle Latino and JP Coovert's Star Wars-inspired hack of Mork Borg.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 12/09/2025
A new issue of The Soloist is out today with: ✍️ Tips for better solo RPG journaling 🚀 Star Borg “Solo Session” play report 😄 New indie game releases & crowdfunding campaigns 🎁 Free zines, sales, & bundles A big thanks to Bluesky solo RPGers who shared journaling tips! #TTRPG #soloRPG
open.substack.com
✍️ 8 Journaling Tips for Solo RPGs
Plus a Star Borg play report, new GM-less games, bundles, sales, and more!
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Reposted by The Soloist
Beyond Cataclysm 🌱Making Books @beyondcataclysm.co.uk · 11/09/2025
Today I need to finish an illustration for the Character Creation page of MORK ORG. I'm going to share blow by blow. Here's what I've got so far
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 11/09/2025
How do you answer your phone?
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Reposted by The Soloist
Possible Worlds Games @possibleworlds.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
I love @the-soloist.itch.io's newsletter, but missed they shouted out our now-funding solo RPG Chuck in their Gen Con roundup! Check out the highlights (including Better Strangers: store.possibleworldsgames.com/product/bett...) & pre-order Chuck via our campaign! www.kickstarter.com/projects/cru...
kickstarter.com
PWG Presents: Cosmic Century Knights, Homecoming, and Chuck
Three TTRPGs: one hundred swords, five missing matriarchs, and a very little lover.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 08/09/2025
✍️ I'm working on a piece for the next issue of The Soloist about journaling tips for solo RPGs. What do you find useful when keeping a record of your solo play? Would love to here your ideas and resources. #Soloist #soloRPG
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 14/08/2025
I wrote up my impressions as a 1st time Gen Con attendee. While I spent most of my time playing games with friends, I also talked with a bunch of designers and found a bunch of new solo RPGs. I also included advice for first-timers and what I’d do differently next year. #gencon #solorpg #ttrpg
open.substack.com
10 Highlights From Gen Con 2025
Plus Tips for Attending & What I'll Do Differently in 2026
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 13/08/2025
Happy Birthday Sam! 🎂 Love the new site and logo!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 05/08/2025
One of the artists for Solo Borg shared a look at his process for creating an illustration of The Messenger class.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 03/08/2025
Gen Con 2025 is in the dice bag! I had an incredible time thanks in no small part to the company of Jason Lutes, @jpcoovert.bsky.social and @outridercreative.bsky.social. Awesome chats with so many great indie #TTRPG folks like @explorersdesign.bsky.social (in pic) and @willjobst.bsky.social!
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/07/2025
I'm heading to my first Gen Con this week and wrote up a list of solo-first and solo-friendly boardgames as well as some RPG things I'll be checking out. Open to more suggestions! #gencon
soloist.substack.com
🐲 Gen Con Solo Games & X-Mas in July
Welcome to The Soloist, a newsletter for players, creators, and curious explorers of solo and cooperative tabletop RPGs and boardgames.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 28/07/2025
That moment you realize the painting in your living room is the view from Starfleet Academy. 🖖 #startrek
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 23/07/2025
Gorgeous.
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The Soloist @the-soloist.itch.io · 17/07/2025
New Solo Session play report is out covering Space Aces: Voyages in Infinite Space. It’s a whimisical #TTRPG casting you as a sci-fi gig worker. Star Trek Lower Decks and Hitchhicker’s Guide vibes. Not built specifically for solo play, but works very well. No GM emulator needed. #StarTrek #SoloRPG
soloist.substack.com
Solo Sessions: Space Aces - Voyages in Infinite Space
A solo play example of the RPG of zany sci-fi adventure from T-Rex Games.
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