A few podcast recommendations for learning about solo play and enjoying the exploits of other games.
There is a twin of this - Solo Story Adventures and Other Solo Podcasts.
[Cover image is from Errant Adventures]
Solo Actual Play Podcasts
Actual play podcasts helped me understand and appreciate what solo gaming was. And improved my gaming lots in the meantime. So here are some of the ones I've listened to in the last couple of years.
Use the podcasts to
- See how others use random tables and tools in their games
- Discover tools such as GM Emulators, random tables, and generators.
- Get exposed to a variety of rpgs without having to play them.
Sept 2024: Moved non-actual play podcasts to another article. Updated list. Nov 2023: Just added a couple more and then discovered several more to listen to)
Errant Adventures with Steve Morrison
(there's a Rand Roll interview with Steve Morrison about the podcast)
The first season uses Starforged (an RPG built specifically for Solo Play), across the galaxy with use of tables from this game.
I've been impressed by the storytelling, following Tarquin across the galaxy. The pace and tone are consistent and there is tension in every episode.
The second season is Fantasy, using the Sword, the Crown and the Unspeakable Power. and Mythic Emulator. I look forward to listening to it.
Find out more about Errant Adventures here. Or search in your player of choice.
Me, Myself and Die by Trevor Devall
Trevor has clearly done lots of voice work as each character we encounter has distinctive voice and mannerisms.
Mostly known as a You Tube channel, I also found it in my Podcast player which is how I listen. You can hopefully find in your podcast player of choice.
The action moves fast, the characters well described and each step in the solo process is well explained. Season 1 is using Savage Worlds, which is also my favourite rpg system.
Later seasons use Ironsworn, Dominion, Five Parsecs from Home and there are also standalone episodes such as one on how to use Perilous Wilds random tables in your game.
Season 4 changes pace as it introduces Trevor's RPG
Sub-Class Act With James Sral
(There's a Rand Roll interview with James about the podcast).
You never really know where a session of Sub-Class Act is going to lead you, which is part of the appeal.
James switches up systems regularly, from OSR games to Savage Worlds and D&D 5E to Warlock! There is also plenty of different oracles, emulators and random tables to be found.
There are several one-shots and 4 seasons to date
Season one is a genre hopping wild ride from the basics of solo. Season 2 is a more consistent feel in a fantasy world of eternal night.
Season 3 looks to be more sci-fi fantasy, starting with Traveller.
Find Sub-Class Act on Anchor or search in your player of choice.
The Lone Adventurer
The lone adventurer is by fellow Brit, Carl White. Starting off with Season 1 and Dungeons and Dragons 5e, with the interesting adventurers of artificer Mina (and companions) in a steam-punk feeling setting. Season 2 is a hectic take on Blades in the Dark.
The podcasts usually have a section of entertaining narrative and then an explanation behind the rolls, rules and tables behind them.
Other Mentions
- The Peoplz and Dragons is a solo rpg YouTube channel with actual play campaigns and separate solo advice videos, often using AI tools.
- The Bad Spot (YouTube link) with Matt Risby is a Podcast (also on YouTube) actual play going through Ironsworn: Starforged, and more recently Ironsworn.
- Science Fantasy Awesome with Royce is a fairly new You Tube channel with solo actual plays, so far going through GeneSys and Troika!
Finishing Up
I may come back to update the list or make another one in the future.
Any more solo actual play podcast recommendations welcome!
