Playing D&D Without Friends: Your Options

Playing D&D Without Friends: Your Options

Traditional D&D wisdom: "Find 4-5 friends who all want to play." But what if you don't have 4-5 friends who play? Or any friends who play?

Here's what you can do.

Option 1: Solo AI D&D

The most accessible option. Create a character, play with an AI DM, no other humans needed.

Pros:

• No coordination.
• Play on your schedule.
• No social demands.
• Privacy.

Cons:

• No human connection during play.
• Different experience from group D&D.

Use: The Endlessness or similar AI DMs.

Option 2: Online Strangers

Find groups online. Reddit's r/LookingForGroup, Roll20, Discord servers.

Pros:

• Real humans.
• Can lead to friendships.
• Variety of DMs and campaigns.

Cons:

• Strangers are hit-or-miss.
• Coordination challenges.
• Potential for bad group dynamics.

Platforms: Roll20, Foundry, Discord D&D servers, Meetup.

Option 3: Local Game Stores (LGS)

Many game stores host D&D nights.

Pros:

• In-person.
• Community over time.
• Often introduces new players.

Cons:

• Location-dependent.
• Scheduling-dependent.
• Atmosphere varies.

Search for "D&D LGS near me" on Google. Most cities have one.

Option 4: Play-by-Post Games

Slow-paced, text-based, asynchronous.

Pros:

• No scheduling.
• Low time commitment per day.
• Can fit into busy lives.

Cons:

• Very slow progression.
• Dropout risk.
• Less immersive than live sessions.

Platforms: Roll20 forum games, Reddit PbP threads.

Option 5: Discord Communities

Discord servers dedicated to D&D with regular LFG (Looking For Group) channels.

Pros:

• Community.
• Voice chat for sessions.
• Easy to try.

Cons:

• Server culture varies.
• Requires investment to find the right server.

Search for "D&D Discord" and browse options.

Option 6: Convention Games

Conventions (Gen Con, PAX, etc.) run D&D sessions you can sign up for.

Pros:

• Complete sessions.
• Experienced DMs.
• Con atmosphere.

Cons:

• One-off (no long campaign).
• Requires convention attendance.

Option 7: Start Your Own Group

If you have any interested friends, start a group and be the DM.

Pros:

• Control over the game.
• Build your own community.

Cons:

• DMing is demanding.
• Time-intensive to prep.

Mixing Options

Most players mix:

• Solo AI for daily play.
• Online group for weekly campaign.
• LGS for social nights.
• Conventions for special events.

No single option has to be your whole D&D life.

For the "No Friends" Period

If you have no friends or group right now:

1. Start solo with AI DM. Build confidence and rules knowledge.
2. Find an online group. Discord or Roll20.
3. Stay solo if the groups don't click.

There's no shame in solo D&D. Many dedicated players are solo.

In The Endlessness

The Endlessness runs D&D for you alone, and for two to seven of you at one table when the friends do turn up. No group required, and no DM required either. Start playing today.

For related reads, our how to play D&D alone, D&D for introverts, and getting started guide cover more.

If you do have a group, keep playing with them. We have written our honest position on where a real table still beats an AI DM.

Final Takeaway

You don't need friends to play D&D. Solo AI D&D is legitimate, accessible, and growing. Or seek online groups if you want social play.

Start alone at The Endlessness. You might find you prefer it.