The Best Aurora Builder Alternatives for D&D Character Creation
Aurora Builder is a free tool that simplifies character creation for your Dungeons & Dragons games, offering bundled content to get you started. While it's a fantastic resource for many, the evolving landscape of TTRPGs means players and Dungeon Masters often seek out different functionalities, collaboration options, or platform compatibility. If you're looking for an alternative to Aurora Builder that better suits your campaign style or preferences, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of the top tools that can enhance your D&D experience, whether you're focused on character sheets, virtual tabletops, or integrated campaign management.
Top Aurora Builder Alternatives
Finding the perfect tool to manage your D&D characters and campaigns can significantly improve your gameplay. Here are some of the leading alternatives to Aurora Builder, each offering unique strengths for various playstyles and needs.
Roll20
Roll20 is a powerful, freemium web-based platform also available on Android and iPad tablets, designed to expand pen-and-paper tabletop games and facilitate online play with friends. It offers extensive features for online gaming, is browser-based, and includes interactive maps, making it a comprehensive alternative to Aurora Builder for groups who play remotely.
D&D Beyond
D&D Beyond is the official digital toolset for Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition. This freemium web platform, with Twitch integration, offers clean character sheets and a massive online compendium of official characters. It's an excellent Aurora Builder alternative for players who want official content and a streamlined digital character management experience, even working offline.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds is a commercial virtual tabletop available on Mac, Windows, Wine, and Steam. It facilitates playing tabletop-style role-playing games online, providing a robust environment for DMs and players alike. While its primary focus is the virtual tabletop, it serves as a powerful Aurora Builder alternative for those seeking an all-in-one digital gaming solution.
Astral Tabletop
Astral Tabletop is a freemium, web-based online tabletop role-playing platform perfect for hosting and playing games either online or in person. It offers browser-based online gaming with real-time collaboration, making it a strong Aurora Builder alternative for groups that prioritize shared digital spaces and interactive gameplay.
Adventurer's Codex
Adventurer's Codex is a free, open-source, web-based gaming system for D&D 5e characters, campaigns, and parties, designed for in-person use but supporting online collaboration. Its browser-based nature and focus on easy character management make it a user-friendly Aurora Builder alternative for players who prefer a simple, accessible solution.
Beyond Tabletop
Beyond Tabletop is a free, web-based set of tools for RPG players, featuring easy-to-use online character sheets and maps. It's subscription-free and designed to be used on all devices online, making it a flexible and accessible Aurora Builder alternative for managing your D&D characters and campaigns from anywhere.
Rolisteam
Rolisteam is a free, open-source application available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, designed to help you manage tabletop role-playing games with remote friends and players. It provides features to share maps and pictures, making it a good Aurora Builder alternative for those seeking a dedicated desktop application for remote play.
Talespire
TaleSpire is a commercial, online, digital, graphical way of playing classic P&P Role-playing games with your friends, available on Windows. As a DM, you can build your campaign in-game and invite players, offering a highly immersive and visual Aurora Builder alternative, especially for those who prefer 3D environments.
PlanarAlly
PlanarAlly is a free, open-source, web-based tool with self-hosting capabilities, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web, and supports offline use. It enhances your D&D toolbox with virtual battlemaps, simple layers, and an infinite canvas, making it a great Aurora Builder alternative for DMs who need advanced map and combat tracking.
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition (aka BRPG) is commercial virtual tabletop software available on Windows, designed to enhance your pen-and-paper roleplaying games, whether your players are in the same room or online. Its focus on online gaming features makes it a solid Aurora Builder alternative for those seeking a dedicated virtual tabletop experience.
Each of these Aurora Builder alternatives offers unique features and caters to different playstyles and preferences. Whether you prioritize online collaboration, comprehensive digital toolsets, or simple character management, exploring these options will help you find the perfect fit for your next Dungeons & Dragons adventure.