How to Run a Solo Game in Ironsworn Starforged

Quick answer

To run a solo game in Ironsworn Starforged, start by setting up your character and ship, then use the oracle tables and moves to drive the narrative, tracking your vows and progress as you go.

Step-by-Step Solo Play Process

1. Set Up Your Character and Ship: Create your character by choosing assets from the Asset Deck (or rulebook) that reflect your background, skills, and traits. Then define your ship's capabilities and quirks. These choices establish your starting situation and goals. Keep your asset cards visible; they remind you of your options during play.
2. Establish Your Starting Vow: Choose an inciting vow—a sworn goal that drives your campaign. Write it down and set its rank (troublesome, dangerous, formidable, or epic). This gives your solo story direction and a clear measure of progress. A clear vow prevents aimless wandering; if you feel stuck, revisit it.
3. Use Oracles to Generate Prompts: When you need inspiration, roll on the oracle tables in the Reference Guide (or your preferred digital tools). Use the results to answer questions like 'What do I encounter?' or 'What is the complication?' This keeps the narrative unpredictable and engaging. If a roll feels forced, re-roll or interpret it loosely—oracles are prompts, not constraints.
4. Play Moves to Resolve Actions: When your character attempts something risky, identify the appropriate move (e.g., Face Danger, Secure an Advantage). Roll the dice, apply asset bonuses, and interpret the outcome—strong hit, weak hit, or miss—to advance the story. Don't skip moves for trivial actions; reserve them for meaningful risks.
5. Track Progress and Complete Vows: As you overcome obstacles, mark progress on your vow. When the progress track fills, make the Progress Roll to see if you fulfill the vow. Then set a new vow or conclude the campaign. Regularly update your progress track; leaving it blank makes it hard to gauge when you can attempt the roll.

Products that Support Solo Play

• Ironsworn: Starforged - Asset Deck: The Asset Deck includes 87 poker-sized asset cards and 3 bonus reference cards with a gloss laminate finish suitable for dry-erase markers. It lets you physically manage your character's assets and make temporary notes, keeping your solo session organized and hands-on.

  

• Ironsworn: Starforged - Reference Guide: The Reference Guide is a 127-page lay-flat, wirebound companion containing quick-reference core content, moves, and a complete set of system-agnostic oracle tables for spaceborne adventures. It streamlines solo play by putting essential rules and random prompts at your fingertips, so you can maintain narrative flow without constant rulebook lookups.