How do you play Tales from the Loop?

Any good ‘80s movie needs a cast of diverse characters split into easily-identifiable roles. Tales from the Loop gives you the means to create these roles, such as the Popular Kid or Bookworm. Once everyone has selected their role, the Game Master will begin the story. Tales from the Loop differs from many other TTRPGs in that it isn’t about powerful characters fighting for loot. Since you’re average kids, you need to deal with average kid problems. Part of the game is playing out mundane activities like going to school and dealing with bullies. It may seem odd, but it’s essential to building the characters. Players and GMs also describe the world collaboratively, making it a good storytelling game. The dice come out when the action picks up, but Tales from the Loop is a mystery first and foremost.

How to Play Tales from the Loop Online

As a storytelling mystery game, Tales from the Loop can easily be played in-person or digitally. Digital play has caught on in recent years thanks to the growth of video chat. With programs like Zoom or Discord, you can connect to a GM and other players from the comfort of home. In this “theater of the mind” style of play, the GM paints a picture with words and lets everyone’s imagination fill in the blanks. Players just need to have their characters and dice at the ready. A stable internet connection also helps.

If your group needs more visual aids, you could use a VTT, or virtual tabletop. A VTT is a shared digital space where the GM can show art and maps as well as pull up rules. Popular VTTs like Roll20 and Foundry have official Tales from the Loop content. This allows the GM and players to look up rules, store their characters, and roll dice on the same screen. GMs can even add things like GIFs and music to aid in setting the scene.

How to Find a Tales from the Loop Group

You might be able to find an open group by checking out your local game store. Many stores have places where people can post open tables, either in-store or online. If online play is what you’re looking for, you could check TTRPG gaming groups on Reddit or Discord. Many have an LFG or “Looking For Game” channel where people search for players and GMs. Here’s a Reddit group dedicated to the game. StartPlaying also has a powerful, easy-to-use search tool for browsing plenty of open games! Finally, you can call upon any interested friends. You can all learn the game together as you play. Someone will need to volunteer to be the Game Master, however.

Why Hire A Professional Game Master for Tales from the Loop?

If you want to learn to play Tales from the Loop but don’t want to run it, you’ll need a GM who can teach. If you are a GM, you need a chance to be in the player’s seat every once in a while. Professional GMs have years of expertise running games in a way that makes new players feel welcome and challenging those who know the game well. They can craft compelling mysteries outside of the recommended ones used in the books and incorporate ideas from each new group they play with. Skill with improvisation takes time to cultivate, and professional GMs have put in that time.

Not just that, but professional GMs also tackle the headache-inducing tasks like scheduling the group and fiddling with the technological aspects of online play. With a professional GM at the helm, you can just show up and have a good time. They’ll also go the extra mile to incorporate cinematic music and storylines tailored to your character. If you want a one-of-a-kind TTRPG experience, look up a professional GM.