Or, are you trying to get a friend or partner interested in playing D&D?
How about a gift that keeps on giving in the new year—a one-on-one D&D campaign!
If you’ve been looking for the perfect gift for the D&D fan in your life but aren’t sure what to get them or where to start, we have a creative solution for you: Try out playing one-on-one D&D!
In this post, I briefly cover what one-on-one D&D is, who it’s for, and why you might like to try it out. You’ll also find links for further reading if you need help or have more questions. And, last but not least, we’ll look at two different one-on-one D&D campaigns and a few related gift ideas!
What is One-on-One D&D?
I’m so glad you asked! Basically, it’s a game of Dungeons and Dragons with one player and one DM (Dungeon Master). There are a couple different terms for this style of play: one-on-one D&D, D&D duet, two-person D&D, two-player D&D, and sometimes solo D&D.
We use all of the terms except “solo D&D” when referring to this particular two-person style of play. (There’s a separate branch of D&D and other RPGs that involves just one person, where you’re basically DMing for yourself, similar to choose your own adventure or LitRPG, that’s also called solo D&D, so we reserve that title for that particular playing style.)
As long as you have one person who wants to be the guide through the narrative and someone else who wants to play the main character for said narrative, you’re all set for one-on-one D&D!
Want to read more?
If you have more questions about this style of play, let me steer you to some of our most popular posts to get you started:
Who should play in a D&D Duet?
We get this question relatively often, especially from people wondering if one-on-one D&D is only for couples. But duet D&D works for so many different playing pairs!
There are lots of couples who play one-on-one D&D together, but it’s a playing style well suited to parents & children, friends, siblings—basically, anyone you enjoy spending time with.
I love duet D&D for people who are new to playing Dungeons and Dragons and might be nervous about joining a group game. You can read more about encouraging them to try out playing with you here.
How to Tell if One-on-One D&D Is Right for You
Give it a try
First, try it out! (I apologize if that’s not the most enlightening solution, but it really is so fun!)
If you’d like to see it to get a better of idea of what’s involved, we have a couple videos to help you out! The first is session one of our duet campaign called Tales of Eldura which we stream on Twitch once per week.
Our Livestream Campaign, Tales of Eldura
The second video is us playing through the first half of First Blush, the adventure we wrote specifically to help people start playing one-on-one D&D. We’ll talk more about First Blush shortly!
Our Beginner-Focused Adventure, First Blush
Questions to Consider
If the “try it out” method doesn’t work for you, perhaps the following questions will help:
- Do you enjoy stories and storytelling?
- Is there someone you like spending time with?
- Are you looking for an affordable hobby that allows you to make memories with people who are important to you?
- Are you looking for a new creative outlet?
- Do you want something to do with your weekends besides watching TV?
Jonathan and I have been playing in a one-on-one D&D game for almost three years now. It is one of my favorite things for us to do together and something I look forward to every week.
I was hesitant about playing D&D at first because I thought there would be too many rules. But, instead, it’s brought so much joy and light into my life. I love inventing characters and thinking about them during the week. I treasure the experiences and surprises we’ve had together during our games.
And, if you’re still reading at this point, I think you might enjoy duet D&D too.
Two Duet Campaigns
If you’re new to Duet D&D
We wrote First Blush, part one of the trilogy, specifically to help people start their own duet game and/or to help them learn how to play D&D.
The story develops from there and takes characters from level one through level three. You can read more about the Crystalline Curse Trilogy here or purchase it on DMsGuild for $3.95.
If you already have a duet game
If you’re looking for a new campaign, we’d love for you to try out Land of Vampires!
I realize that it isn’t exactly the most festive or holiday-ish adventure, and it is also not yet complete, but the five-adventure arc is really engaging, and we love the setting of Steymhorod, a dark land ruled by a vampire lord. You can purchase Land of Vampires, Part One directly from us in the D&D Duet Shop for $9.99.
We’ll keep adding to this campaign throughout 2021 on our Patreon and in the shop.
Additional (Virtual) Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for other present ideas for the D&D fan in your life, I have a couple more suggestions for you!
Join Us On Patreon
Each month on our patreon, we put out a new duet D&D adventure alongside special bonuses and exclusive content from the Land of Vampires campaign. If you or the person you’re shopping for enjoy one-on-one D&D and would like to support us and our work, you can find out more here!
For Fans of Epic Fantasy
If you enjoy high fantasy worlds, nature-based magic, intriguing characters, and plenty of action & adventure along the way, then check out the Age of Azuria high fantasy series by me!
The world of Azuria teeters on the brink between light and darkness. Ancient forces awaken, and new heroes rise to the occasion. But this time, who will prevail? Find out in this exciting, action- & magic-packed series featuring druids, pirates, fae, werewolves, and more!
More Ideas
You might also consider a membership to D&D Beyond, Inkarnate (for creating maps), or Syrinscape (for in-game soundtracks).
I hope this has given you some gift ideas for the D&D fan in your life! And, if you’re not a D&D player yourself, I hope you’ll consider giving it a try! Please post any questions you have in the comments below, or reach out to us here!
Wishing you a wonderful and safe holiday season!
? Beth & Jonathan
If you like what you’re reading, please consider supporting the blog by purchasing our adventures and supplements in our shop or sponsoring us on Patreon. We appreciate you so much! Thank you for joining us on this adventure! – Beth and Jonathan
We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions!