Top GM Forge Alternatives for Your Virtual Tabletop Needs
GM Forge, available on Steam, presents itself as a competitive and affordable standalone virtual tabletop solution. It boasts a sandbox environment for Game Masters, offering sample systems and user-created content via the Steam Workshop. While GM Forge provides a compelling set of features, including browser-based access for friends without requiring them to purchase a copy, many GMs and players may still seek a GM Forge alternative for specific functionalities, platform compatibility, or different community experiences. This guide explores some of the best virtual tabletop platforms that can serve as excellent substitutes.
Best GM Forge Alternatives
Whether you're looking for more robust features, a different pricing model, or broader platform support, there's a virtual tabletop out there for you. Here are some top contenders that stand out as strong alternatives to GM Forge, each offering unique strengths for your online RPG sessions.
Roll20
Roll20 is a powerful and widely-used virtual tabletop that offers a comprehensive toolset for expanding pen-and-paper games online. As a freemium web-based platform also accessible on Android Tablet and iPad, it provides extensive features like online-gaming, browser-based play, and interactive maps, making it a robust GM Forge alternative for those seeking a highly supported and feature-rich environment.
MapTool
MapTool is a free and open-source virtual tabletop that is highly customizable and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux, requiring Java 6+. It's an excellent GM Forge alternative for users who prioritize open-source solutions, offering features like custom repos and view blocking for intricate map designs, perfect for both face-to-face and online play.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds is a commercial virtual tabletop that facilitates online play for tabletop RPGs. Available on Mac, Windows, and even Wine, and also on Steam, it offers a dedicated platform for GMs and players looking for a more structured and ruleset-integrated experience, making it a strong GM Forge alternative, especially for those who prefer official content and automation.
Astral Tabletop
Astral Tabletop is a freemium online platform for hosting and playing tabletop RPGs, accessible directly through your web browser. Its strengths lie in browser-based gameplay, online-gaming, and real-time collaboration, providing a seamless and interactive GM Forge alternative for groups who want to communicate and play together online with ease.
Mipui
Mipui is a free and open-source online grid-based map editor, focusing on simplicity and real-time collaboration. While primarily a map editor, its features like mapping, master details forms, and real-time collaboration make it a unique GM Forge alternative for GMs who prioritize dynamic map creation and sharing without the need for a full virtual tabletop suite.
Beyond Tabletop
Beyond Tabletop offers a free set of web-based tools for RPG players, emphasizing easy-to-use online character sheets and maps across all devices. As a browser-based GM Forge alternative, it's ideal for groups seeking a straightforward and subscription-free platform primarily for character and map management, without complex virtual tabletop features.
Rolisteam
Rolisteam is a free and open-source application designed to help manage tabletop RPGs with remote players. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides various features for sharing maps and pictures, making it a versatile GM Forge alternative for GMs who need robust tools for remote game management and content sharing.
Standard Action
Standard Action is a free, web-based tabletop gaming application focused on simplicity and high customizability. It features an interactive game board and live elements, presenting itself as a straightforward GM Forge alternative for those who prefer an easy-to-use platform that still offers a good degree of personalization for their online sessions.
Hero Lab
Hero Lab is award-winning commercial character management software for RPGs, available on Mac and Windows. While not a full virtual tabletop like GM Forge, it excels in character creation, management, and printing character sheets, making it an invaluable GM Forge alternative for players and GMs who need robust character generation and tracking capabilities for their games.
Talespire
TaleSpire is a commercial online, digital, and graphical way to play classic pen-and-paper RPGs with friends, available on Windows. It allows DMs to build campaigns in-game and invite players, offering immersive 3D environments and features like Pathfinder support and virtualization, making it a visually stunning GM Forge alternative for those seeking a highly immersive and interactive experience.
Ultimately, the best GM Forge alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and desired level of complexity. Whether you prioritize free and open-source options, comprehensive feature sets, or immersive visual experiences, there's a virtual tabletop solution out there to enhance your online role-playing adventures. Explore these alternatives to find the perfect fit for your next campaign!