There is a question that often gets asked with video game RPGs, especially those that are of the MMO variety: can I solo it? In other words, is it possible to play through the game’s content without having to group up with other players? This might sound strange when you consider that many of the games, such as World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, where this question gets asked are made with players grouping up in mind. The dungeons, raids, or whatever other kind of content the games feature are designed to be played by a certain number of players working together as a team. Yet, there are still those who want to know if they can play through solo. The reasons for this vary. Some want to go it alone for the challenge. Can they overcome the tremendous odds that are against them and succeed by themselves? For others, however, the desire to go solo comes from a place of simply not wanting to have to deal with other human beings. I understand this feeling because, the majority of the time when I’m playing a game online, that’s me.
Given the choice of going it alone or having to party up with a group of total strangers on the internet, I will 99% of the time choose to go solo. Most of the time this is totally fine. Being an introvert, I find solitude to be energizing and refreshing. However, there is some danger to be found in always going it alone too…and I don’t just mean in video games. While some alone time can be beneficial to everyone, the fact of the matter is that we as human beings just aren’t built to always go solo. In Genesis 2, it didn’t take long for God to see that His newly created human man, Adam, would not do well all by himself and so He created a woman, Eve, to be with him. In verse 18 of that chapter God says
18 Then the Lord God said, “It’s not good that the human is alone. I will make him a helper that is perfect for him.”
Common English Bible
The fact is that we are created to live with one another in community. We need the companionship and encouragement that comes from having others around us who support us and love us. It goes without saying that there are risks that come with being in a community as well. There is always the possibility that we could be hurt, and that’s because part of being in a community is being willing to be open and vulnerable to others. There is a degree of trusting others that has to exist in order for true community to be found. When that trust is violated, it can make us fearful of being open and vulnerable to others ever again. It’s likely that all of us have at some point or another had to experience this feeling.
Yet, we should not allow these negative experiences to stop us from still seeking out a fulfilling and thriving spiritual community. The New Testament is covered with moments that encourage and support Christians seeking out community with fellow believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 states
24 And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25 Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.
Common English Bible
We gather together as the Church to encourage each other and spur each other on towards even greater acts of love and good deeds. Alone, it is far easier for us to feel broken down and even defeated. When we come together though in Christian community and love one another as Jesus has called us to, then we are far stronger than we could ever be solo. So, to answer the question posed in the title of this post, can we solo it? You can try. If you want to.
But why would you?
I hear the multiplayer is way better.
