Rearing a DD Campaign with Only Your Spouse: Feasibility and Challenges

Is it possible to run a Dungeons and Dragons (DD) or a DD-style game with just your spouse, and can it be made a rewarding experience? The answer is yes, but with significant constraint and effort. Here, we delve into the challenges and strategies to make a single-player campaign a memorable and enriching experience.

Challenges of a Single-Player DD Campaign

The most notable challenges in running a DD campaign with only one player are primarily tied to the DM's role. Since you have only one player, you have only one mind to come up with solutions to any challenge, and the game's puzzles must be tailored to the player's strengths. Another significant challenge is role-playing (RP), which can be demanding unless both you and the player have a strong talent in that direction. Essentially, you will always be interacting with just one other person, which can be both a unique and limiting experience.

Optimizing the Single-Player DD Campaign

One common issue in single-player campaigns is the potential for the DM to give the player "answers." Refraining from providing solutions is crucial for the game's integrity and player immersion. Three different characters can be played, requiring the DMPC (DM-controlled player character) to handle challenging situations without always providing the best answers. As Gamerant suggested, rolling random decisions for the DMPC can introduce an element of uncertainty and complexity.

Enhancing RP and Interaction

Role-playing can be particularly challenging in a single-player setting. Effective communication and engagement are key. Both you and your spouse must be prepared to immerse yourselves in the game world, and the DM must be skilled in guiding the story and making interactions engaging and unpredictable. While some shenanigans may happen, they may be less frequent than in a game with multiple players, which could streamline the game or, conversely, make it less fun depending on your preferences.

Strategies for Solo DD Campaigns

As the DM, you will need to be vigilant and on your toes, with no time to relax and let the game evolve naturally. With fewer players, greater control over the narrative is needed. However, having only two people to schedule can make this aspect easier. The key is to focus on the strengths of your character and the world you've created, while avoiding the common pitfall of overly reliant solutions.

In conclusion, running a DD campaign with only your spouse is feasible but requires a range of strategies and considerations. It can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially if you are both committed to making it a success. If anyone else has insights or suggestions to share, feel free to do so in the comments below.

Do you have any personal experiences running a solo DD campaign? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments!