Summary
As adaptations of the inherently social tabletop roleplaying games, managing a party in computer-driven roleplaying games seems a little strange. While being able to micromanage the entire party down to their builds might be advantageous in terms of beating all combat encounters, it can be offputting for those who enjoy the surprises of having a group of people to bounce off of to have to become a walking hivemind to progress through a story.
Some RPG fans also enjoy the fantasy of becoming a “lone wanderer” and find the chatter and input of their party immersion-breaking. Thankfully, there are a number of cRPGs that accommodate the solo player (although some games are more accommodating when it comes to party-free play than others).
Going it alone inPillars of Eternityisn’t just viable (with the right build, of course), but there’s an achievement associated with doing so. The “Solo” achievement is granted to the player who is able to complete the game without taking along any companions besides those taken during Pillar’s brief tutorial and introduction section.
This classic-style cRPG is fairly forgiving and permitting when it comes to builds, but building a solo character will need careful consideration during character creation. Monks andrighteous, faith-fueled paladinsare a good start as they are highly defensive, but with the right stat combination, it is possible to finish the game solo with any class.
Considering that the originalDivinitygames were intended for solo play, it may be unsurprising that this game caters to loner playthroughs. For players who want the ultimate solo experience despite thewell-written companions (and their quests)available inDivinity: Original Sin 2, there is the Lone Wolf perk. This perk is designed for those who wish to tackle the game with a maximum of one companion, but it benefits a player with a strict “no friends allowed” policy.
Lone Wolf greatly increases attributes like health and damage output. This gives the lone adventurer a powerful edge against Rivellon’s many dangers. Regardless, going solo still requires strategic planning and creative use of the game’s environment and abilities. Builds focused on self-sustainability, such as those that grant invisibility or summons, while not strictly necessary, are helpful.
For those who prefer to play without a party, the protagonist’s name inTorment: Tides of Numenera(the Last Castoff) might not be so accurate, considering how many companions can be turned away. Unlike most other cRPGs, experience points inTidesare not shared across the party, and so a solo main character will not benefit fromwalking the lonely pathas might be expected.
Although experience is not shared between party members, skill checks are, meaning that an absence of companions may make skill checks where the player’s character is lacking far more difficult. In short, while it’s possible, this kind of run isn’t for the faint of heart.
Arcanum: Of Steamworks & Magick Obscura
All That Is Social Melts Into Air
With the social fabric of the world inArcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscuratorn up for new economic modes of production, some players might be tempted to go it alone to follow suit. In terms of micromanagement of companions,Arcanum’s companion system isn’t too bad, as followers will do their own thing for the most part.
However, for those who do wish to make their journey truly personal, it is entirely possible to beat the game without even a plus-one. This may require the services of a less glassy character with some white necromancy healing magic to help even the odds, but as experience points are shared between a party inArcanum, players will find that their avatar gets stronger faster alone.
In a world as cruel, selfish, and deceptive as the one depicted inAge of Decadence, one might be tempted to wander the world alone for fear of being stabbed in the back. As a matter of fact,this hardcore cRPGdoes not give the player the option, as they must struggle against an uncaring world and all its spiteful inhabitants alone.
The absence of party members demands a high level of foresight and specialization in character builds, as every encounter feels like a fight for survival. Players have to pick their battles carefully, relying on diplomacy, stealth, or high combat proficiency (at the cost of everything else).
As a later game in the series would go on to prove, there is definitely an appeal to wanderingFallout’s wastelands alone. While there is no way to directly control companions once they join the Vault Dweller on their journey, there is also a way to complete the entire game without a potential party member lending a hand.
Without partners on the road, a character with hardy endurance orhigh stealth proficiencymight be advisable. While the Wasteland is filled with deadly, mutated creatures, a non-lethal pacifist run is viable, and it is entirely possible to run away from most if not all, attackers.
WhilePlanescape: Tormentis celebrated for itsrichly written characters, it’s possible to complete the game solo. The Nameless One’s possible seven companions, including floating numbskull Morte and the no-nonsense Annah, greatly enrich the story by not only providing support in combat situations but through their finely-written dialogue.
For those who have yet to experience this somewhat time-worn but absolute classic of an RPG, it may be best to save a party-less run for a second playthrough. Players who are adamant about hacking it out alone should know that while there is more of an emphasis on non-combat gameplay inPlanescape, fights will still come up frequently. In this case, it is better to prioritize fleeing than fighting.
The vast network of metro stations in which the last remnants of humanity live inUnderRailis a lonely place, especially since there are no recruitable companions in the game. While this might be sad for some who enjoy the company of others (and the additional inventory weight allowance they bring along), it is perfect for those who like to slum it alone.
Since there is nobody else to rely on, the onus is on the player to find a build that can take them to the end of the game on their own, and there are a few dead ends. While this can be frustrating, in some ways, it adds tothe oppressive atmosphereof the lonely, dank, and dangerous underground.
