One-Page TTRPGs, Why They Might Be Exactly What You Need

Wouldn't it be nice to print out a single sheet, head over to a friend’s house, and immediately dive into a one-shot without worrying about lengthy character creation or fully understanding a rulebook that's 200 pages? Honestly, I didn’t know this was what I’d been looking for all along—a way to quickly jump directly into the game without all the planning that usually comes with it.

Don't forget about us GMs either. A campaign is not a simple process of gathering information and jumping right into a session. As I write this, I'm working on the start of our Cypher System campaign and even several weeks in, I don't feel prepared at all. There are towns to flesh out, plot arcs to readjust, and NPCs’ voices to practice so the feeling is just right.

Sometimes I just want to play the game. Not worry about overprepping or spending an hour explaining rules—just pure play. I want to jump in, feet first, and see what amazing adventures we can create. And I've found that in one-page TTRPGs. They offer a return to spontaneous joy. If you haven’t checked them out yet, here’s why you should.

What Is a One-Page TTRPG Anyway?

Alright, let's define what a one-page TTRPG is anyway. Typically, these games are contained on a single page, maybe two pages max. This should include character creation, setting ideas, and any rules that are necessary for the game. If the game uses a GM, then it may have some information specifically for running the game, or that may be on the second sheet. Much of this will depend on how the author designed the game format.

Many of these games are GM-less. This means you may not need someone to run the game. In fact, there are several that are solo TTRPGs. This is great for people who are just looking for something to do rather than watch TV or play video games. This works really well for me as I always feel like I need to be doing something. And watching shows is not something my brain can handle in large quantities.

Now, you've probably heard mention of at least one or two one-page TTRPGs if you've been playing TTRPGs for long enough. Honey Heist by Grant Howitt or Lasers and Feelings by John Harper. Both these games have been pretty prominent in TTRPG circles and I've had the pleasure of playing a bear in Honey Heist myself. It was a wonderful one-shot that happened on the break from a campaign, and the group had an amazing time. And its minimalism was refreshing, a break from all the thinking necessary for our full campaign.

The Hidden Magic in the Simplicity

These games are simple to play, but can be fairly complex in their storytelling. For example, in Lasers and Feelings you choose from a couple of lists to create your character. This means that each player in the game will have a character ready to go in minutes. No feats. No skill lists. Just a simple choice or roll from a couple of lists and that’s it—you’re done. Oh, and a name. Everyone needs a name.

Along with the simplicity comes the focus on collaboration and narrative freedom. Due to the minimalist rules, the game requires a group that is willing to work together to produce something enjoyable. Players have to work together to help imagine the journey they’re on, to bring to life the adventure. Where a game like Pathfinder 2E might have an entire world and lore, many one-page ttrpgs don’t—and it’s up to you to help create it.

And of course, a major advantage is the accessibility for new players. Evelyn and I produced our first one-page ttrpg called Gumdrops and Gumption. It's built as a hack off of Lasers and Feelings, with a focus on silliness and simplicity. We want our children to enjoy the game without having to take several hours to create a character. Feel free to download it for free and have a go. Using it for a one-shot is ideal. Quick, easy, fun.

The GM's Secret Weapon

So why play these shortened versions of games that we already love? Speaking as a GM, I'm gonna bring up burnout. Evelyn and I talked about it on Role for Percepticast, Episode 007. Those of us sitting at the front of the table, building worlds and giving players a campaign to thrive in, often get a little tired and burnt out. We need to rest and do something else, for fear our creativity will dwindle and die. Yes, I’ve been there. It sucks. And when that burnout hits, even the thought of scheduling a session feels like too much. Honestly, I haven't been playing for many years. Those that have put in decades worth as a GM need something simple every now and then to really enjoy themselves.

Another reason for the game is to use as a testing ground for story concepts or homebrew ideas. It's a chance to try something out that could be incorporated into a full-fledged campaign. If it fails, no worry. It was only one night and nobody is going to notice. But if it succeeds, it could be just the thing to keep your larger campaigns moving forward. In an interesting turn, Gumdrops and Gumption came about in a reverse manner, where I had already started a campaign with a sugary background, and this ended up being a fine extension into the one-page TTRPG space.

These mini games can also encourage some improvisation from your players and help to build trust at the table. As these are meant for simple one-night games, it gives players a chance to branch out and test out new ways to roleplay that they may not ordinarily do in their main campaign. Anything to encourage new types of characters or new ways to play are a bonus for everyone.

And of course, many of these games are GM-less. That means you get to play instead of leading the group. And who wouldn't want to do that?

Popular and Powerful Examples

There are several great examples that you should check out. This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination. This just happens to be several of the games that I think are great starting points.

Lasers and Feelings

In Lasers and Feelings you are a member of the interstellar scout ship RAPTOR. Your job is to explore, deal with aliens and defend the Consortium. This game needs a GM, and the whole goal is to play to find out. It's fun, it's quick, and it could rip a hole in reality!

Honey Heist

In Honey Heist you play a bear. With a hat. And you're heading to the Honcon. Why, you may ask? Well, to steal the honey of course. You track back and forth between bear and criminal. Which one will you end up once all the honey has been stolen? Only time will tell.

The Witch is Dead

The Witch is Dead is another Grant Howitt game. And you get to play a cute woodland animal. Who is blood-thirsty. And ready to kill a witch-hunter. Cause that bastard killed your witch. Yep, wholesome and fun.

Goblin, Cleanup Aisle One

My wife and I created a journaling TTRPG for those looking to play by themselves called Goblin, Cleanup Aisle One. You play a down-on-your-luck goblin who is just trying to get out of janitorial duty. Depending on how things go though, you may be stuck there forever.

The Culture of Hacking and Remixing

As you may have noticed, if you're familiar with one-pagers, there tends to be a lot of hacking of systems. And that's actually a real bonus—at least for myself. Lasers and Feelings excited me so much that I immediately had to make my own version. And if you head to Itch.io, you'll see hacks of a plethora of one-page TTRPGs. There tends to be an "open-source" vibe when it comes to these games.

So something to think about is if you're an aspiring game designer, why not dip your toes in making a hack of one of these systems? It might build into something bigger. And better still, you'll have people trying out the game and having fun. Which is exactly why I got into designing. Plus, it’s a great entry point if you’ve ever felt intimidated by full rulebooks or publishing your own content.

How to Get Started

So now it's time. You like the idea and you want to get started. First things first, look for any of the free downloads online. They are all over the place, but I find my favorite to be Itch.io and Reddit. Reddit users are often quick to answer any questions you might have about the games.

Next up, find some friends, print the sheets and begin the play. You could also play it via digital format. And if the game you've chosen needs anything additional, don’t be afraid to look at random tables online. They can help to fill out the game as needed.

Closing - Play Bold, Play Now

So now you've heard me gush about these one-page TTRPGs. Yes, I love them and yes I will continue creating little mini games because I think it's a lot of fun. It's a way to reconnect with why we play: fun, connection, and creativity. These games remind us that we don't need epic prep to have epic adventures. Even the simplest ideas can lead us down an imagination-filled story.

If you do try one, leave a message below. I'd love to hear which games you are playing and tell me why you enjoyed it, or even if it didn't fit your fancy. There is no way I can cover them all, so hearing what others think helps me decide my next game night.

You’ve got one sheet. What story will you tell? The dice are waiting.