Ah, Solotober! A time when the solo board gamers of the world unite in…well, solitude! But together, in spirit. It’s a magical month where we embrace the art of playing games by ourselves, setting aside the distractions of multiplayer dynamics and getting lost in the complexities of board games on our own terms. Think of it as the board gaming version of NaNoWriMo but for people who prefer meeples to manuscripts.
What is Solotober? #
Solotober is a challenge and a month-long celebration of solo board gaming. It’s an excuse–like we needed one!–to dive headfirst into the solo modes of our favorite strategy games, campaign games, or even lighter fare. For the entire month of October, the goal is to challenge yourself to play one solo board game each day. Whether you’re embarking on epic campaigns that last days, or squeezing in a quick card game during lunch break, Solotober is all about dedicating time to enjoy the hobby solo.
The idea originated from BoardGameGeek (BGG) user, Neil Dixon in 2021, and embraced by the BGG solo board gaming community, 1 Player Guild, as a way to celebrate the joy of solo board gaming. It’s also a great time to share your experiences with others, even though the gaming itself is solitary. Because trust me–there’s something oddly comforting about playing alone but knowing hundreds of others are doing the same thing. The event has grown every year since its inception and next month you can be a part of the 4th annual Solotober with hundreds of others.
How to Participate? #
Participation is easy, and the rules are flexible (as any solo endeavor should be). The challenge is to play a solo game each day. For some, that may be an ambitious goal so prioritize just having fun first. Play at your own leisure and share your experiences. Others make it personal, creating a checklist of games they’ve always wanted to play solo and ticking them off as the month goes on. Maybe you aim to play a different solo game every day for the entire month or perhaps you simply want to focus on completing that one massive Gloomhaven campaign that’s been glaring at you from the shelf of shame. The beauty of Solotober is that it’s completely self-directed. You set the goals, you decide how to reach them, and most importantly, you have fun doing it.
Don’t forget the community part! You can add an item to this Solotober 2024 BGG Geeklist to let us know you’re participating and track your progress. If you enjoy using social media, you can share your progress with the hashtags #solotober2024 and #solotober.
For more FAQs about Solotober 2024, check out the Geeklist which serves as the official event homepage.
Why Should You Join? #
Now, you might be thinking, “Why commit to solo gaming for an entire month when I already play whenever I want?” Excellent question! No matter your background or experience, I think there’s a good reason for everyone to participate.
1. Explore Those Untouched Solo Modes #
Maybe you’ve got a game that shines in multiplayer but has a surprisingly well-designed solo experience. Games like Dead Reckoning or Clash of Decks are great examples of this. Their solo modes might not always get the attention they deserve because they’re often overshadowed by multiplayer sessions, but in Solotober, they get their moment in the spotlight.
2. Refine Your Strategic Thinking #
Solo gaming forces you to think differently–there’s no one else to blame when things go sideways! You have to adjust and adapt to whatever curveballs the game throws at you, and it can be deeply satisfying to master those challenges on your own. Plus, it’s a peaceful, focused kind of gaming experience. You can take your time, plot out your next move without feeling rushed, and truly savor the mechanics of the game.
3. It’s About Community #
Yes, even though it’s solo gaming! The shared experience of Solotober brings solo players together in a way that feels oddly collaborative. Seeing what others are playing, hearing their thoughts on game mechanics, and sharing in the triumphs (and epic failures) of our solo campaigns creates a sense of connection. It’s like running a marathon, but instead of other runners, you’re pacing yourself against the “AI” of a board game.
So why not give it a shot? Solotober is the perfect opportunity to carve out some quality solo gaming time, whether you’re looking to tackle a sprawling campaign or just test the waters with a new game. Plus, there’s something uniquely rewarding about taking on the world of board games solo, knowing that you’ve conquered those meeples all on your own. And hey, it’s also a great excuse to avoid social commitments for a while. Sign up now at the Solotober 2024 BGG Geeklist!