ISTP – Capable Pragmatist

by  John Uke Last update: September 2, 2024

ISTPs (also known as Craftsmen, Mechanics, Virtuosos, Risk Takers, Realists, Doers, LSU, Maxim Gorky) have a strong curiosity about how things around them work. As a very practical “common sense” type, this statement applies more to physical things than abstract or theoretical ones. They have a preference for trusting their personal experiences as they arise, so it’s no surprise they are fans of hands-on learning and the trial and error method.

They are straightforward and honest, yet do not force their opinions on others. This attitude breeds a strong sense of independence of thought, action, and emotion. External facts and authorities, especially without logic, bear little influence on the ISTP.

The ISTP’s type of logical mind, combined with the presence at the moment, leads them to greatly enjoy mastering crafts and skills because of the challenge and stimulation they provide. Similarly, ISTP’s have a fondness for other sensory activities like sports and motorcycles. With a level head and an ear to the ground, they are surprisingly adept at noticing local trends despite their introverted natures.

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Games ISTPs Like

Recommended Genres: Simulation, Action-Adventure, Strategy, Fighting

Recommended Platforms: Tabletop, computer, mobile

Recommended Games: Stardew Valley, Terraria, Starbound, Crashlands, Minecraft, The Sims 3, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, SimCity, Kerbal Space Program, Tekken 6, Street Fighter IV, Marvel vs. CAPCOM III, Persona 4 Arena, Skullgirls, Guilty Gear Xrd, Soul Calibur, Heroes of Might and Magic III, Starcraft II, Company of Heroes, Total War Series, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War, Homeworld

• Avid gamers
• Less stealthy
• Dislike FPS’s
• Like defending

Almost all ISTP’s play games, even if just a little. In them, ISTP’s are attracted to creating and tinkering with, models of reality. This is particularly relevant to strategy and simulation games, but not in stealth or FPS games which rarely provide enough of the right complexity for them.

Not ones to force their opinions on others, and enjoying mastering systems that go into their own creations, it is common for ISTP’s to take on defensive roles. This is particularly contrary to their Artisan cousins, ESTP, ISFP, and ESFP, who rarely play defense at all.

Famous ISTP People and Celebrities

• Bronn of the Blackwater
• Clint Eastwood
• Steve Jobs
• Vladimir Putin
• Dalai Lama
• Milla Jovovich
• Scarlett Johanssen
• Snoop Dog
• Michael Jordan

ISTP Video Game Characters

• Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid series)
• Lara Croft (Tomb Raider series)
• Link (The Legend of Zelda series)
• Gordon Freeman (Half-Life series)
• Geralt of Rivia (The Witcher series)
• Samus Aran (Metroid series)
• Master Chief (Halo series)
• Leon S. Kennedy (Resident Evil series)
• Aloy (Horizon Zero Dawn)
• Joel (The Last of Us)

Why Be Friends With an ISTP

1. Handy

ISTP’s love the challenge of repairing things, and aren’t about counting time or tracking favors owed. They’re likely to volunteer to fix or improve your things without even being asked. If possible, they won’t even wait, they’ll just do it now.

2. Easy-going

With trust in their own observations and knowledge, ISTP’s trust themselves to figure out problems as they arise. This self-assuredness leads to a relaxed optimistic nature that is enjoyable to be around.

3. Value Your Privacy

The ISTP’s strong value of the truth in their own experiences and understandings likewise leads to a strong respect for the same in you. They will respect you with directness and honesty, and not share irrelevant details or pry into your private matters.

4. Analytical

As your friend, ISTP’s will give you all sorts of genuine feedback about yourself and your situations. This is because they excel at breaking systems down to their simplest parts with an amazing degree of accuracy.

How to Make Friends With an ISTP

1. Go With the Flow

ISTP’s are laid back, driven by their interests and curiosities. They do not like to follow schedules or plan too much, so when getting together you don’t always need an agenda.

2. Be Patient

Because ISTP’s learn from the first-hand experience and aren’t especially tuned into people, they can be a little slow to piece together social intricacies, both as children and with new people. Trust their hearts are in the right place and, as with other things, they will soon acquire high skill in this area.

3. Understand Their Interests

Certain activities that involve learning systems have an incredible pull on ISTP’s. This can range from learning the mechanics of a strategy game to those of an engine. Taking an interest in these things will cause the ISTP to take an interest in you.

4. Reason with them

ISTP’s have a strong distaste for social pressure, authority, tradition, and basically, anything else that isn’t logic or personal experience. Be careful how you try to influence them if you want to befriend anything besides a rock.

Advice for ISTPs on Making Friends

1. Think From Other’s Points of View

You have a thick skin and don’t take much personally. You call it as you see it. Just because you are this way doesn’t mean everybody else is. Consider what kind of person you are talking to before saying things that could come across the wrong way.

2. Open Up

Making friends is about opening up to each other, which entails not just sharing about yourself, but being vulnerable as well. Even if it’s your own opinion and you don’t think it’s relevant to share, sometimes people are just curious to know.

3. Stick With It

Understanding new things, especially when they’re right in front of you, can be a strong draw. People aren’t going to be entirely interesting 24/7 though, and there are often things in life that just need attending. Setting attention aside for people and activities will often be worth it in the long run if you put aside short-term temptations. People are deep, and a strong friendship is invaluable.

4. Make an Effort

Hobbies are great, but they’re better when shared with friends. You can learn and grow with each other in your areas of interest. Make sure to pay attention to people as well as content and be proactive about starting and maintaining these friendships.

What’s next?

Now that you know everything about this type, try making friends with one, or arrange a game using our app. GameTree is 100% free and available both on the App Store and Google Play.