Top EpicTable Alternatives for Your Next Virtual TTRPG Session
EpicTable is a popular virtual tabletop (VT) that allows players to enjoy their favorite pen-and-paper roleplaying games with friends, regardless of distance. Known for its standard Windows interface, easy networking, and intuitive file sharing, EpicTable offers a "kitchen table" experience online, allowing for virtual dice manipulation, tokens, miniatures, and battlemaps. However, if you're looking for different features, pricing models, or broader platform compatibility, exploring an EpicTable alternative is a great idea. This guide dives into some of the best options available.
Top EpicTable Alternatives
Whether you're a Dungeon Master seeking robust mapping tools or a player looking for seamless character sheet integration, there's a virtual tabletop out there for you. Here are some of the top contenders that can enhance your online RPG sessions, offering unique features and diverse approaches to virtual gameplay.
Roll20
Roll20 is a powerful and widely used virtual tabletop, offering a Freemium model accessible via Web, Android Tablet, and iPad. It's an excellent EpicTable alternative for those seeking a browser-based experience with extensive online-gaming features and interactive maps, making it easy to jump into games without complex installations.
MapTool
MapTool is a free, open-source, multi-user virtual tabletop available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPad (requiring Java 6+). As a robust EpicTable alternative, MapTool excels in custom repositories and view blocking, providing GMs with fine-grained control over maps and player perspectives, ideal for intricate dungeon crawls.
D&D Beyond
D&D Beyond is the official digital toolset for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, offered on a Freemium model via Web and Twitch. While more focused on D&D than a universal VTT like EpicTable, its clean character sheets, massive compendium, and offline capabilities make it an indispensable tool for D&D players and GMs, especially with its Twitch integration.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds is a commercial virtual tabletop available on Mac, Windows, Wine, and Steam. It stands as a strong EpicTable alternative for those seeking a highly integrated and ruleset-agnostic platform, offering a comprehensive suite for running various tabletop RPGs online, often with official content modules.
Astral Tabletop
Astral Tabletop is a Freemium, browser-based online platform for hosting and playing TTRPGs. It's a fantastic EpicTable alternative for its focus on real-time collaboration, intuitive browser-based interface, and robust online-gaming features, making it easy for groups to play together with dynamic lighting and effects.
Beyond Tabletop
Beyond Tabletop offers a free, web-based set of tools for RPG players, emphasizing easy-to-use online character sheets and maps. This EpicTable alternative is designed to be subscription-free and accessible on all devices, making it a convenient choice for groups prioritizing simplicity and universal access through a browser.
Rolisteam
Rolisteam is a free, open-source solution for managing tabletop RPGs with remote friends, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. As an EpicTable alternative, it provides comprehensive features for sharing maps, pictures, and integrated tools, focusing on a dedicated desktop experience for collaborative gaming.
Standard Action
Standard Action is a free, web-based tabletop gaming application designed for simplicity and high customizability. It's a compelling EpicTable alternative, featuring an interactive game board and live tools, making it easy for new and experienced players alike to jump into a game with minimal setup.
GM Forge
GM Forge is a commercial, standalone virtual tabletop available on Windows via Steam. It functions as a sandbox for GMs, allowing friends to join through web browsers for free once the GM purchases a copy. Its mapping features make it a strong EpicTable alternative for those who prefer a dedicated desktop application with browser-accessible player slots.
Fabletop
Fabletop is a free, web-browser-based virtual tabletop RPG, offering a simple and accessible platform for online play. This EpicTable alternative is ideal for groups seeking a no-fuss, purely browser-based experience to get their games running quickly without any downloads or complex setups.
Choosing the right virtual tabletop is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable online RPG experience. While EpicTable offers a solid foundation, these alternatives provide a range of features, pricing models, and platform support that might better suit your specific gaming needs. Explore each option to find the best fit for your next campaign!