Osprey Games sells watermarked PDFs exclusively through DriveThruRPG. This is the gold standard. You can buy the Stargrave Core Rulebook PDF here. Currently, the core book does not have robust solo rules, but it has the foundation. Price is typically $20-$25 USD.
The grim, far-future galaxies of Stargrave have captivated tabletop wargamers since its release by Joseph A. McCullough (the mastermind behind Frostgrave and Rangers of Shadow Deep). The promise of cutthroat salvage operations, bizarre alien creatures, and ship-to-ship boarding actions is intoxicating.
But there is a harsh truth for many wargamers: you don't always have a partner.
Whether due to shifting work schedules, living in a remote area, or simply a desire to control the entire narrative, the demand for solo wargaming has exploded. This is where the search for the Stargrave solo PDF begins.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what solo Stargrave actually is, where to legitimately acquire the digital rules, how the official solo rules work, and the best community "AI" systems to run the rogue AI and rival crews by yourself.
The search for a Stargrave solo PDF ends at two destinations: DriveThruRPG (for Bold Endeavour) and your imagination.
Stargrave is one of the finest sandboxes in modern wargaming. With the official solo rules, you are no longer waiting for a friend to finish painting their space dwarves. You are salvaging, fighting, and dying in the edge of space, right now, at your own kitchen table.
Your shopping list:
Download the PDFs. Print the AI sheets. And remember: in the Stargrave solo universe, the house always wins—but the house has terrible aim.
Happy hunting, Captain.
Here’s a sample post you can use on forums, social media, or a blog to discuss or share the Stargrave solo PDF:
Title: Taking on the Galactic Rim Solo – Stargrave Solo PDF is a Game Changer
Just wanted to give a shout-out to the Stargrave solo/co-op PDF from Osprey Games. If you’ve been on the fence about playing Stargrave without a regular group, this little supplement opens up the ‘verse in a big way.
What’s inside?
Why it works:
The AI doesn’t try to mimic a human opponent perfectly — it focuses on threat priority and random behavior charts that create genuinely surprising moments. One game, my science officer got pinned down by a malfunctioning security droid, while in another, a neutral scavenger team turned hostile mid-game due to a random event.
Tips for solo play:
If you already have the core Stargrave book, grab the solo PDF. It’s cheap, well-written, and turns the game into a fantastic emergent narrative experience for one player.
Anyone else tried running a full solo campaign? Which captain powers worked best for you solo?
Would you like a shorter version for Twitter/X or a printable reference sheet instead?
For players looking to dive into the solo world of Stargrave: Science Fiction Wargames in the Ravaged Galaxy
, there are several official and community resources available in PDF format to facilitate solo play. These resources provide automated "AI" systems for enemies, allowing you to run your crew against the game itself. Official Solo Resources
The most direct way to play Stargrave solo is through official supplements that include dedicated solo rules and scenario generators. Stargrave: Dead or Alive Solo Scenario Generator : This is a free PDF supplement Osprey Publishing
. It provides tools to create "bounty hunting" solo adventures where your crew hunts outlaws across the galaxy. Official Supplements with Solo Support
: Several paid expansion books include solo scenarios or campaign elements: Quarantine 37 stargrave solo pdf
: Features a solo campaign called "Lockdown" which focuses on surviving a research station overrun by bio-organic threats. Hope Eternal
: Contains a full-length campaign specifically designed to be played either solo or cooperatively. The Last Prospector
: Includes various scenarios and campaign rules that are compatible with the core solo mechanics. Death Vector
: The newest supplement (released mid-2025) which explores AI, cyborg killers, and cyberpunk hacking. Core Solo Mechanics Solo play in Stargrave relies on an Uncontrolled Creature/Soldier AI Activation
: Enemies generally follow a priority list: 1) If they can see a crew member, they move and/or shoot; 2) If they can't see anyone, they move toward the nearest crew member or a random point. Random Encounters
: Many scenarios use "Random Encounter" tables to spawn new enemies during the game, keeping the battlefield unpredictable for a lone player. Community & Third-Party Content
The Stargrave community is active in creating long-form reports and homebrew solo content: Lead Adventure Forum
: A hub for "After Action Reports" (AARs). You can find detailed, long-form Stargrave Solo AARs
that detail specific missions, crew progression, and narrative developments. Custom Campaigns
: Enthusiasts often share custom solo campaigns and "house rules" via video and PDF on platforms like crew build optimized for solo play, or perhaps a breakdown of the "Lockdown" solo campaign Quarantine 37 Stargrave Solo Campaign - Chapter 2 - Part 1 of 2
The search for "Stargrave solo pdf" primarily points to Dead or Alive
, a dedicated solo supplement originally released as a free digital PDF by Osprey Games. While several Stargrave expansions offer solo rules, Dead or Alive is the most direct entry point for solo play. Stargrave: Dead or Alive Review Overview
This supplement transforms the competitive skirmish game into a solo bounty-hunting experience. Core Mechanics
: You control a crew of bounty hunters chasing a "mark" (a specific NPC villain) and their gang. The AI System
: It introduces a step-by-step reaction list for enemies, ensuring their movement and attacks are automated without a human opponent.
: The latest physical/updated version includes 20 different settings, 20 complications, and 20 unique marks, creating up to 160,000 possible game combinations. Solo Difficulty
: Reviews suggest the system is "brutal and scrappy". The turn sequence is modified to put the enemy "Gang Phase" between your Captain and First Mate phases, making positioning more dangerous. Comparison of Solo PDF Options Supplement Primary Focus Solo Integration Dead or Alive Solo Bounty Hunting Built for solo. Includes a scenario generator. Hope Eternal Narrative Campaign Designed for Solo/Co-op play with a 10-scenario story. Quarantine 37 Horror/Aliens Competitive but includes specific solo rules for the campaign. Key Takeaways for Solo Players Stargrave: Dead or Alive Solo Rules Review
For solo play in , there are several official PDF resources and expansions specifically designed for lone players or cooperative play. Official Solo PDF Resources
Stargrave: Dead or Alive: This is a free PDF supplement that provides a solo scenario generator for bounty hunting missions. It allows you to create unique narrative missions without a human opponent, using a basic "AI" system to manage non-player characters (NPCs).
Download Dead or Alive Solo Scenario Generator (Osprey Publishing) Stargrave: Hope Eternal
: This is a full campaign expansion available in eBook (PDF) format. It features a linked series of scenarios and complete rules for solo or cooperative gameplay. Purchase Hope Eternal PDF at Osprey Publishing Related General Resources
Osprey Publishing provides various free PDF downloads to support any style of play, including:
Quick Reference Sheets: A condensed version of the core rules for fast lookup during play. Download the PDFs
Crew Sheets: Standard and form-fillable versions for tracking your captain and soldiers.
Power Cards & Templates: Printable aids for tracking special abilities and blast radius measurements. Full List of Stargrave Gaming Resources Deep Paper (Deep-Dive) Alternatives
If you are looking for solo skirmish games with even deeper narrative or "paper-heavy" mechanical depth, the community often recommends: Frostgrave & Stargrave Gaming Resources - Osprey Publishing
Mastering the Ravaged Galaxy: The Ultimate Guide to Stargrave Solo Play
If you’re a sci-fi tabletop fan, you’ve likely heard of Stargrave. Created by Joseph A. McCullough, it’s the spiritual successor to the wildly popular Frostgrave. But while many players dive in for the head-to-head skirmishes, there is a massive and growing community dedicated to the Stargrave solo PDF experience.
Whether you can’t find a regular gaming group or you simply enjoy the tactical puzzle of outsmarting an automated "AI" opponent, playing Stargrave solo is a rewarding way to explore the Ravaged Galaxy. Why Play Stargrave Solo?
Stargrave is inherently flexible. Unlike many rigid competitive wargames, its engine is built on a "swingy" D20 system that thrives on narrative chaos. In a solo setting, this translates to high-stakes drama where every roll can change the fate of your independent crew.
Finding a Stargrave solo PDF—whether it's an official expansion or a community-made supplement—allows you to:
Play at your own pace: No more waiting for a teammate to take their turn.
Campaign progression: Watch your Captain and First Mate level up through a series of connected missions.
Narrative depth: Focus on the story of your crew as they dodge Pirate Troopers and hunt for loot. The Essential Official Solo Resources
If you are looking for the best way to start, Joseph McCullough has released official content specifically designed for lone wolves. 1. Stargrave: Dead or Alive
This is the gold standard for solo players. Dead or Alive is a dedicated Stargrave solo PDF supplement (also available in print) that provides a streamlined system for bounty hunting. It introduces procedural mission generation, allowing you to hunt down procedurally generated outlaws across the stars. 2. Hope Eternal
While primarily a cooperative campaign, Hope Eternal is fully playable solo. It features a massive, linked narrative where your crew joins the resistance against the Pirate Factions. It’s perfect for players who want a "big picture" story arc. How the Stargrave Solo "AI" Works
The beauty of the Stargrave system is its simplicity. In a solo game, the "enemy" (usually Pirate Troopers, Ruin Wanderers, or alien creatures) follows a set of priority behaviors: Combat: If an enemy starts its turn in combat, it fights.
Line of Sight (LoS): If an enemy sees a crew member, it moves toward them and fires.
Movement: If no one is visible, the enemy moves toward the nearest objective or "patrols" the map.
By downloading a Stargrave solo PDF reference sheet, you can keep these rules handy so the "AI" turns move as quickly as your own. Tips for the Best Solo Experience
Terrain is King: Solo play can sometimes feel easy if the board is too open. Pack your table with crates, ruins, and starships to force tactical movement.
Use Digital Tools: Many players use PDF readers on tablets to track their crew's health and experience points, keeping the tabletop clutter-free.
House Rules: Don't be afraid to tweak the difficulty. If your Captain is too powerful, add an extra Pirate Trooper to every encounter. Where to Find Stargrave Solo PDFs
You can find official supplements through Osprey Publishing or digital storefronts like DriveThruRPG. Additionally, the Stargrave community on sites like BoardGameGeek and various Facebook groups often share fan-made solo scenarios and AI flowcharts that are free to download. Final Thoughts
The Ravaged Galaxy is a dangerous place, but you don't need a second player to explore it. With a Stargrave solo PDF in hand, you can launch your ship, recruit a ragtag crew, and start building your legacy today. Title: Taking on the Galactic Rim Solo –
For solo play in , the most essential resource is the Dead or Alive supplement, which provides a framework for bounty hunting missions without a human opponent. You can download the core solo rules as a free PDF from the official Osprey Publishing website . Essential Solo Content
While the core game is competitive, multiple official and community resources allow for deep solo campaigns. Stargrave: Dead or Alive Solo Rules Review
If you're looking for the best way to play solo, the official "solid piece" you need is the Dead or Alive scenario generator.
Osprey Publishing released this as a free resource to provide a structured solo experience. You can download the official Stargrave: Dead or Alive Solo Scenario Generator PDF directly from their site. Key Solo Resources: Stargrave: Dead or Alive
: This is the primary solo/co-op expansion. It allows you to generate random scenarios, complete with "bounty" targets and AI-controlled enemies, so you don't need a human opponent to run the game. Stargrave: Hope Eternal
: While not a free PDF, this is the official solo/co-op campaign book. It features a full narrative campaign designed specifically for one or more players working together against the game system. Core Rulebook
: You still need the main rules to build your crew and understand basic combat, though the solo PDFs provide the specific "AI" logic for how enemies move and take actions.
Pro Tip: If you enjoy the solo mechanics in Stargrave, the creator (Joseph A. McCullough) also released Perilous Dark for Frostgrave
, which uses very similar solo logic that can often be adapted for sci-fi settings. Stargrave: Dead or Alive Solo Scenario Generator
Title: The Lonely Spacer’s Guide to the Last Frontier: An Analysis of Solo Play in Stargrave Subject: Game Mechanics, Narrative Design, and Solo Variant Integration Platform: Stargrave (Core Rulebook, The Last Voyage of the Ghaz, and PDF Supplements)
Stargrave Solo is a fan-made solo variant for the Stargrave tabletop skirmish game, adapted to let a single player run both the warband and the opposition through a narrative-driven campaign using solo-specific mechanics and event decks.
First, a critical warning. If you search "stargrave solo pdf free download" on Reddit or sketchy websites, you will likely find scanned, illegal copies. Do not use these. Joseph McCullough and Osprey Games are relatively small publishers who rely on sales to produce supplements. Pirating harms the ecosystem.
Here are the legal ways to acquire the Stargrave rules in PDF format:
Before diving into the solo aspect, let’s establish the baseline. Stargrave is a science-fiction skirmish wargame designed for 28-32mm miniatures. You build a Captain and a First Mate, recruit a crew of soldiers, hackers, and deckhands, and fight over loot on derelict space stations and alien ruins.
Unlike competitive games like Warhammer 40k, Stargrave is scenario-driven. The narrative is the priority. This makes it a perfect candidate for solo play, as you are less concerned with winning and more concerned with surviving the story.
You have downloaded your Stargrave Core PDF and the Bold Endeavour PDF. Now what?
Step 1: Build a Balanced Crew Do not min-max. Solo play is about narrative. Give your Captain a weird backstory (e.g., a disgraced psychic chef). A balanced crew of 5-7 models is ideal.
Step 2: Choose the "First Expedition" Scenario The Bold Endeavour book has a tutorial mission called "Silent Running." Use this. It only features two types of AI enemies (Security Drones and a single Rival Recruit).
Step 3: Set Up the "Fate Deck" Take 20 index cards. Write 10 "Good" events (e.g., "Allied Supply Drop") and 10 "Bad" events (e.g., "Magnetic Storm: Armor saves fail on 1-2"). Shuffle them. Draw one every turn.
Step 4: Play Slowly Talk to yourself. Narrate the dice rolls. "The drone scuttles forward... oh wait, it rolled a 4, so it shoots at my hacker. This is bad."
Step 5: The Debrief After the game, update your crew roster. Count your credits. Stargrave solo is a roguelike. If your Captain dies, the campaign ends. That sting of loss is what makes it memorable.
While Stargrave has a campaign system, playing it solo often lacked the narrative glue that a human opponent provides. The PDF fixes this by introducing "Scenes."
Instead of just setting up terrain and rolling dice, the player is encouraged to treat the game like a chapter in a book. The emulator helps determine the setup: Why are you raiding this ship? What went wrong during the docking sequence? By the end of the game, the emulator helps interpret the results. If your First Mate died, the emulator might tell you that they were betrayed by a crew member, sparking a new grudge for the next game.