As virtual tabletops (VTTs) continue to gain popularity in the world of tabletop role-playing games, it can be challenging to determine which platform is the best fit for your gaming group.
We’ve taken the time to look at some of the top VTTs available, as well as a few upcoming platforms, to help you make the best choice for your next online campaign.
These are the best virtual tabletops for Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder and more in 2023:
15. D&D Virtual Tabletop (Upcoming Release)
- Developer/Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
- Release Date: To be announced
- Price: To be announced
Pros
- Officially supported by D&D Beyond and Wizards of the Coast
- Seamless integration with D&D Beyond character sheets
- 3D maps and visual effects for immersive gameplay
Cons
- Not yet released, limited information available
- Unclear pricing and subscription model
D&D Virtual Tabletop is an upcoming VTT developed by Wizards of the Coast, designed to create an immersive experience for players and Dungeon Masters alike. While not much is known about the platform, it will integrate with D&D Beyond and use of 3D maps and visual effects.
D&D Virtual Tabletop has garnered critique in the community for turning Dungeons & Dragons into a video game.
14. Alchemy RPG (Upcoming Release)
- Developer/Publisher: Alchemy RPG
- Release Date: Kickstarter campaign launching on April 25th
- Price: $8 monthly subscription (limited free access available)
Pros
- Focus on immersive storytelling and atmosphere
- Custom themed interfaces and original scores for popular titles
- Partnership with major publishers for exclusive content
Cons
- Not yet fully released
Alchemy RPG is an upcoming VTT platform that aims to revolutionize online tabletop gaming. With a focus on immersive storytelling, Alchemy RPG offers custom themed interfaces, original scores, and exclusive content from major publishers.
Though not yet fully released, the platform’s innovative approach to VTTs shows promise for the future of online tabletop gaming.
- Developer/Publisher: Shmeppy
- Release Date: 2019
- Price: Free
Pros
- Simple and easy to use interface
- No downloads or installations required
- Free to use
Cons
- Limited features compared to other VTTs
- Lacks built-in character sheets and automation
Shmeppy is a free, easy-to-use VTT that requires no downloads or installations. Its simple interface makes it a great option for those new to virtual tabletops, but its limited features may leave more experienced players wanting more.
- Developer/Publisher: Let’s Role
- Release Date: 2021
- Price: Free
Pros
- Clean, modern interface
- Supports multiple game systems
- Free to use
Cons
- Limited content library
- Microtransactions
Let’s Role is a free VTT that supports multiple game systems and offers a clean, modern interface. While still in beta, Let’s Role shows promise as a versatile VTT platform. However, its limited content library and the fact that some features are not yet implemented may be drawbacks for some users.
- Developer/Publisher: Owlbear Rodeo
- Release Date: 2020
- Price: Free
Pros
- Simple, lightweight VTT with no downloads required
- Free to use
- Easy to learn and get started
Cons
- Lacks advanced features found in other VTTs
- No built-in character sheets or automation
Owlbear Rodeo is a free, lightweight VTT that is easy to learn and use. Its simplicity makes it a good choice for those new to VTTs, but experienced players may find it lacking in advanced features.
The app runs directly in your browser and you don’t even need to create an account, making it very fast to set-up and get going.
- Developer/Publisher: The RPG Engine
- Release Date: Alpha stage (release date TBA)
- Price: TBA
Pros
- Create unique and interactive 3D maps
- Integrated dice roller, chat system, and character control
- Versatile interface for various uses
- Sharing assets through Steam Workshop
Cons
- Currently in alpha stage, with some features not yet fully implemented
The RPG Engine is a powerful all-in-one solution for crafting and experiencing immersive digital TTRPG experiences. It allows users to create unique and interactive 3D maps with an intuitive world-building interface. With an integrated dice roller, chat system, and character control, hosting and playing your favorite TTRPGs online has never been so engaging.
As a Game Master, you have the freedom to create and manage your own interactive worlds, while players can explore unique, custom-built 3D worlds with their friends. The RPG Engine also supports asset sharing through the Steam Workshop, allowing the community to grow and share their creations. However, it’s currently in the alpha stage, with some features not yet fully implemented.
- Developer/Publisher: Role
- Release Date: 2021
- Price: Free (premium subscription available)
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface
- Supports multiple game systems
- Free to use with premium subscription available
- High-definition video and audio
Cons
- Limited features compared to other VTTs
- Newer platform with a smaller user base
Role is compatible with any device, including desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. The platform offers thousands of customizable character sheets for players to manage their character’s stats, abilities, and equipment easily.
Role’s drag-and-drop builder and drawing tools allows users to create custom sheets, maps and more for any TTRPG system. Users can publish and share their creations with the Role community.
- Developer/Publisher: Above VTT
- Release Date: Available now
- Price: Free (requires D&D Beyond account)
Pros
- Integrated VTT for D&D Beyond
- No sign-up or fees
- Easy-to-use interface with 1-click maps and tokens
- Supports official D&D maps and homebrew content
Cons
- Requires a D&D Beyond account
Above VTT is an all-in-one Chrome extension that turns your D&D Beyond campaign page into a VTT session in seconds. With no sign-up or fees required, you can start playing using your D&D Beyond character sheet and access 1-click maps, tokens, easy fog of war, and more.
Key features include seamless D&D Beyond integration, 1-click D&D Beyond monster tokens with clickable stat blocks, and access to official D&D maps from your purchased modules. Additionally, you can access 500+ battle maps provided by Neutral Party, Dice Grimorium, and hundreds of animated video maps.
- Developer/Publisher: Bouncyrock Entertainment
- Release Date: 2021 (Early Access)
- Price: $24.99 (one-time purchase)
Pros
- Beautiful 3D graphics and visuals
- Easy to use and learn
- Strong focus on storytelling and immersion
Cons
- Limited to grid-based maps
- Looks like a video game
TaleSpire brings pen and paper RPGs to life in a visually rich digital environment. However, its video game-like appearance may detract from the traditional tabletop experience for some players. The platform offers a versatile choice for various TTRPGs, with an ever-expanding asset library and a community actively engaged in sharing creations.
While TaleSpire provides an innovative approach to TTRPGs, it might not appeal to those who prefer a more traditional pen-and-paper feel.
- Developer/Publisher: DiceWeaver
- Release Date: 2021
- Price: Free
Pros
- Free to use
- Supports multiple game systems
- Focus on user-friendly design
- Privacy Focused
Cons
- Less feature-rich compared to other VTTs
- Smaller content library
With its innovative design and user-friendly features, Diceweaver is compatible with tablets and phones, offering a seamless gaming experience online or offline, remotely or locally.
Key features include unique interface, context-aware workflows, easy asset management, and a safe and inclusive community. The platform prioritizes privacy, with no cookies or third-party tracking, and upholds a robust Code of Conduct.
- Developer/Publisher: Shard Tabletop
- Release Date: September 2020
- Price: Free (premium subscription available)
Pros
- Designed specifically for D&D 5e
- Built-in character sheets and automation
- Free to use with premium subscription available
Cons
- Limited to D&D 5e
Shard is a user-friendly virtual tabletop platform tailored for 5th edition. It offers multi-device support, powerful homebrew tools, and high-quality content.
The platform is fast, efficient, and compatible with any device, requiring no installation or configuration. With a digital approach, Shard offers a full character sheet for building, leveling up, and playing characters, as well as quick content search and reuse across campaigns.
- Developer/Publisher: Berserk Games
- Release Date: 2015
- Price: $19.99
Pros
- Supports a wide variety of tabletop games
- Highly customizable and moddable
- Large user base and community
- Available on Steam
Cons
- Not specifically designed for RPGs
- No built-in character sheets or automation
Tabletop Simulator is a unique digital platform for board game and TTRPG enthusiasts, offering a highly customizable and immersive experience. The platform supports a wide range of classic and modern games, catering to diverse gaming preferences.
Key features of Tabletop Simulator include realistic physics simulations for an authentic gaming experience, extensive customization options for creating custom games and importing assets, and multiplayer functionality for connecting with friends worldwide. Built-in voice and text chat ensures seamless communication during game sessions.
- Developer/Publisher: Foundry Gaming LLC
- Release Date: 2020
- Price: $50 (one-time purchase) Free Demo Available
Pros
- Highly customizable and moddable
- Supports multiple game systems
- Active community and marketplace
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Higher upfront cost
Foundry Virtual Tabletop is an innovative and self-hosted platform designed to enhance the online TTRPG experience. With its robust features and user-friendly interface, Foundry VTT caters to both players and game masters, offering a flexible environment for hosting and playing various TTRPG systems.
One of the key strengths of Foundry VTT is its support for a wide range of game systems, enabling users to enjoy popular titles like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and many more. The platform also boasts an active community that creates and shares additional game systems, modules, and other content to enhance the gaming experience.
Foundry VTT’s dynamic lighting and fog of war features add an immersive visual experience to the gameplay, while its integrated audio controls enable users to create the perfect atmosphere for their sessions. The platform also supports customizable character sheets, tokens, and maps, allowing game masters to tailor their campaigns to their specific needs.
- Developer/Publisher: SmiteWorks USA, LLC
- Release Date: 2004
- Price: $39.99 (one-time purchase) or $9.99/month (subscription)
Pros
- Supports multiple game systems
- Large content library
- Built-in character sheets and automation
Cons
- Outdated interface
- Steeper learning curve
Fantasy Grounds is a popular virtual tabletop platform that offers a comprehensive solution for playing and managing tabletop RPGs online. With support for a wide range of systems, including popular titles like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu, Fantasy Grounds caters to a diverse audience of TTRPG enthusiasts.
The platform provides a plethora of tools and features to enhance gameplay, such as a built-in dice roller, automated character sheets, and a dynamic lighting system for immersive maps. Players can easily manage their characters, track inventory, and participate in combat with the platform’s user-friendly interface.
For game masters, Fantasy Grounds allows for streamlined management of campaigns, including the creation of custom NPCs, encounters, and story content. The platform also offers a library of licensed modules and adventure packs, making it easy to start a new campaign or expand an existing one.
While Fantasy Grounds may have a steeper learning curve than some other virtual tabletop platforms, its robust feature set and extensive support for various RPG systems make it a top choice for those seeking a powerful and flexible solution for their online TTRPG sessions.
- Developer/Publisher: Roll20
- Release Date: 2012
- Price: Free (premium subscription options available)
Pros
- Supports multiple game systems
- Large content library
- Built-in character sheets and automation
Cons
- Interface can be unintuitive at times
- Requires internet connection to use
Roll20 is a widely-used virtual tabletop platform that provides a versatile and user-friendly environment for playing tabletop RPGs online. Designed to accommodate a broad range of game systems, including Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu, Roll20 makes it easy for players and game masters to dive into their favorite tabletop worlds.
One of the platform’s main strengths is its accessibility. With a browser-based interface, Roll20 can be used on virtually any device without the need for additional software. The platform offers a range of features that streamline gameplay, such as an integrated dice roller, dynamic character sheets, and a comprehensive compendium of game rules and resources.
Game masters can take advantage of Roll20’s intuitive map creation and token management tools to design engaging and immersive encounters. The platform also supports dynamic lighting and fog of war, allowing GMs to create a more realistic and immersive atmosphere for their players.
In conclusion, the world of virtual tabletop platforms offers a diverse range of options for players and game masters seeking to bring their tabletop RPG experiences online. From the powerful and immersive capabilities of The RPG Engine and TaleSpire, to the seamless integration of AboveVTT with D&DBeyond, and the versatility of well-established platforms like Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds, there’s a solution to suit every preference and playstyle.
Exploring these platforms and their unique features will undoubtedly enrich your online RPG sessions and help you create unforgettable stories with friends near and far. As technology continues to advance, the future of virtual tabletop gaming promises even more innovative and immersive experiences for tabletop enthusiasts. So, gather your party, roll your dice, and dive into the exciting world of online tabletop role-playing games!
Source: Tabletop Gaming News
