AI in Solo RPGs: A Practical Guide

Solo RPG is having a moment. Ironsworn is gaining momentum, Mythic is selling, and players are discovering you don't need a group to scratch that tabletop itch. But solo play has a problem: you're both player and GM, which means you're doing double duty—and sometimes triple, when the story stalls.

AI tools can help. Not by “solving” solo RPG, but by handling parts of the workload so you can focus on playing.

What AI Actually Does Well

NPC dialogue and personality

You know what your blacksmith wants (information about the missing caravan). AI can give them a voice, mannerisms, and unexpected responses. Ask ChatGPT or Claude to play the NPC; include a few personality traits and let them improvise.

Scene prompts when you're stuck

“You arrive at the abandoned temple. Now what?” AI can generate sensory details, complications, or interesting features. It won't make creative decisions for you, but it'll give you material to react to.

Oracle replacement with context

Instead of rolling “yes/no/but” on a table, describe the situation to an AI and ask what happens. You get answers that fit your story instead of generic results you have to interpret.

Tracking continuity

AI can remember NPCs, plot threads, and locations if you feed it your session notes. Ask it to summarize what's happening or remind you who Lord Varric was three sessions ago.

What AI Struggles With

Long-term story structure

AI doesn't plan arcs or build toward satisfying conclusions. It generates moment-to-moment, which works for scenes but not campaigns.

Mechanical consistency

If your game has rules (HP, skills, resources), AI won't track them reliably unless you remind it constantly.

Surprise and challenge

AI tends toward “yes, and” improv. It won't throw curveballs or create tension unless you explicitly prompt for conflict.

Practical Workflows

Scenario 1: Generating an NPC on the fly

Prompt:

“I need a nervous dockworker who knows about smuggling but doesn't want to talk. Give me their mannerisms and opening line.”

Use the result. Adjust if it doesn't fit.

Scenario 2: Describing a location

Prompt:

“Describe a crumbling library in a desert ruin. What's still intact? What's dangerous?”

Pick two details that interest you. Ignore the rest.

Scenario 3: Resolving uncertainty

Prompt:

“I'm sneaking past guards. Likely to succeed? What complication might arise?”

Let AI suggest an outcome. Accept it or modify based on what makes the story better.

Tools Worth Trying

ChatGPT / Claude

General-purpose. Good for NPC dialogue, brainstorming, and quick prompts. Free tiers work fine for solo play.

Notion AI / Obsidian with plugins

For campaign notes. Summarize sessions, track NPCs, generate connections between plot threads.

RPG-specific tools

Platforms built for tabletop play handle continuity, tracking, and narrative generation in one place. (More on that at the end.)

When Not to Use AI

When you want to figure it out yourself

Sometimes the fun is problem-solving. If you're enjoying the creative struggle, don't outsource it.

When results feel generic

ChatGPT and big-model AI defaults to tropes. If every tavern sounds the same, step back and describe it yourself.

When it's faster to just decide

Don’t prompt AI for stuff you already know. “Does the guard let me pass?” If the answer is obvious, move on.

Making It Work

The trick is knowing what you want AI to handle. It's not a replacement for your creativity—it's a co-pilot. Use it to generate raw material, handle busywork, or unstick moments where you're spinning your wheels.

Start small. Try one AI-generated NPC. See if it helps. If it does, expand from there.

By the way, if you're looking for an end-to-end solution, that's what TownScryer is all about. Feel free to give it a try!