Roleplaying without a GM: How does it work?
Do you want to play tabletop roleplaying games but do not have a large group? There are plenty of ways to get started and play solo, as a pair, or in a small group without a Game Master.
The Game Master plays a central role in a session, but can sometimes be replaced if the campaign is well designed to guide you and if you do not have access to one. Here is how you can enjoy roleplaying without a GM.
What is the role of the Game Master?
The Game Master is the person who organizes, manages, and creates a great atmosphere at the table.
They often follow a prepared campaign, but most of the time they improvise based on the sometimes unexpected actions players take during the session.
The Game Master is therefore essential for the smooth flow and progression of the adventure. However, you may not always have enough people to gather both players and a GM around the same table. That said, it is still entirely possible to play.
If you are new to tabletop roleplaying or simply a player, running a campaign without a GM can help you gain confidence and eventually lead to organizing your own sessions.
Becoming a Game Master can feel intimidating, so solo roleplaying can be a great stepping stone to get started.
Finding a GM-less RPG that fits
Before creating your own system, you can try tabletop roleplaying games specifically designed to be played without a Game Master. These are often narrative-driven games that help you stay on track and follow a structured storyline.
Of course, these games usually offer multiple branching paths, giving you enough freedom to shape your session.
Feel free to explore our selection of solo roleplaying games. You will find a wide variety of settings and styles.
If you enjoy a specific RPG universe, you can use Lore, a worldbuilding tool. It allows you to store all the information about your world and access it easily.
Simplifying the system
If you want to adapt or create your own GM-less roleplaying game, it can be helpful to use tarot cards, dice, or other tools to support decision making and move the story forward.
When playing a pre-written campaign without a Game Master, choose a story that already includes plenty of details about non-player characters, locations, items, and other elements. This will save time and let you focus on playing rather than creating.
Using Tome to keep track
To make it easier to track your progress in GM-less campaigns, we recommend using Tome, a roleplaying tool.
With Tome, you can easily store all the information related to your campaign. You can also use features such as maps, dice rolls, random draws, and more throughout your session.
The note-taking feature also allows you to write down information as you progress. You can organize everything later and pick up your game whenever you want.
Tabletop roleplaying is often more fun with a group, but not everyone has access to a Game Master or enough players.
Solo or small group roleplaying can be an excellent way to get started.
