For numerous enthusiasts of the game “Dungeons & Dragons”, nothing beats the experience of gathering around a table laden with miniature figures and homemade maps for their gameplay. Yet, this isn’t always practical for groups that live far apart or grapple with the toughest opponent in D&D – coordinating schedules. Online gaming platforms, often referred to as virtual tabletops, can help bring some of the charm of face-to-face play into remote sessions, and they can also augment traditional in-person play when used effectively.
When it comes to a vast array of choices, even including two official Virtual Tabletop tools from Wizards of the Coast, deciding which one suits your needs can be challenging. To help make this choice easier, we’re comparing the top VTT options for various types of D&D groups and Dungeon Masters.
Roll20
Price: Free (upgrades with paid subscription)
For game enthusiasts aiming to enjoy a diverse range of tabletop role-playing games like D&D, Roll20 stands out as an incredibly adaptable platform. This internet-based Virtual Tabletop (VTT) offers character sheets, tokens, virtual dice, and many other useful features, with licensed content from renowned tabletop RPGs such as Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, Marvel Multiverse RPG, and of course, Dungeons & Dragons. The cherry on top is that Roll20 can be utilized completely free of charge, although some Dungeon Masters might find the premium features more appealing.
Owlbear
Price: Free (limited access, expanded with paid $3.99/month subscription)
As a gamer, I’ve recently discovered the joy of Owlbear VTT – a lesser-known gem that doesn’t break the bank yet offers some fantastic features. The 2D maps it provides are not just static backdrops; they boast animation capabilities, injecting a dash of excitement into map design.
The drawing tools are a game-changer too, empowering Dungeon Masters (DMs) to freely sketch maps or mark Area of Effect spells with ease. Plus, it comes equipped with pre-made assets and lets DMs upload custom images for tokens and more.
What sets Owlbear VTT apart is its comprehensive guide system. Newcomers will find it a breeze to grasp thanks to the built-in tutorials, making it an excellent choice for groups transitioning from other VTTs or moving away from traditional paper-and-pencil play.
Tabletop Simulator
Price: $19.99 (one-time purchase)
Tabletop Simulator is a fantastic choice for gamers seeking a 3D alternative akin to the Sigil 3D VTT from D&D Beyond, offering more versatility beyond the D&D framework. Although the initial purchase is $20, this 3D simulator includes numerous classic games such as chess, poker, cards, and many others, in addition to its use for online D&D gaming sessions. Unlike an official product from D&D Beyond, Tabletop Simulator doesn’t have seamless character sheet integration, but it does enable players to import custom assets and create their own games with automation features.
Foundry VTT
Price: $50.00 (one-time purchase, limited to one server)
Foundry Virtual Tabletop (FVTT) is widely preferred by numerous tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) communities due to its extensive customization possibilities and compatibility with over 200 different systems. Nonetheless, it carries a relatively high initial cost and necessitates software installation. Once set up, it can be accessed in the browser, and players can participate without any extra charges after the initial purchase. Foundry VTT is more feature-rich compared to many other virtual alternatives, but its learning curve may seem steep for both Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players. It runs efficiently and provides greater customization, making it a preferred choice among tech-savvy DMs capable of managing the complex setup process.
Fantasy Grounds
Price: $50 (one-time purchase) or $9.99/month
Fantasy Grounds is among the earliest Virtual Tabletop (VTT) systems and boasts an extensive collection of officially licensed content for numerous widely-played tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Similar to Foundry VTT, its high initial cost for a license and more intricate user interface make it a challenging proposition for less experienced Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) players. Notably, Fantasy Grounds needs to be downloaded rather than run in a web browser, which means all participants must have the client installed to join. The official game licenses carry an extra cost but can be advantageous by offering pre-made resources to assist Dungeon Masters in managing adventures. For those interested in giving it a go, Fantasy Grounds offers a complimentary trial version so you can test it out before making a purchase.
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2025-03-10 06:10