Uncovering the Best PlanarAlly Alternatives for Your D&D Campaigns
PlanarAlly, a promising web tool for Dungeons & Dragons, offers virtual battlemaps, dynamic lighting, and an initiative tracker, all with the convenience of self-hosting and offline support. However, as a project still in early development, users might encounter bugs or structural changes. If you're seeking a more established, feature-rich, or simply a different virtual tabletop experience for your D&D toolbox, exploring PlanarAlly alternatives is a smart move.
Top PlanarAlly Alternatives
Whether you're looking for robust online play, extensive mapping tools, or comprehensive campaign management, there's a PlanarAlly alternative perfectly suited for your next adventure. Let's delve into some of the best options available.
Roll20
Roll20 is a powerful Freemium, browser-based virtual tabletop that expands pen-and-paper tabletop games for online play. Available on Web, Android Tablet, and iPad, it offers extensive features like online gaming, a browser-based interface, and interactive maps, making it a comprehensive alternative to PlanarAlly for groups playing remotely.
MapTool
MapTool is a Free and Open Source online, multiuser, networked, graphical, interactive, and programmable virtual tabletop. Requiring Java 6+, it's compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPad. Its key features include custom repositories and view blocking, making it a highly customizable and robust PlanarAlly alternative for both online and face-to-face play.
D&D Beyond
D&D Beyond is the official digital toolset for Dungeons & Dragons fifth edition, available as a Freemium Web service with Twitch integration. While not a direct battlemap alternative, it excels in character management with clean character sheets and offers offline work capabilities, providing a robust companion for D&D campaigns that complements or replaces some of PlanarAlly's organizational features.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds is a Commercial virtual tabletop designed to facilitate online tabletop-style role-playing games. It is available on Mac, Windows, Wine, and Steam. While no specific features were listed in the provided data, its established presence as a dedicated virtual tabletop makes it a strong PlanarAlly alternative for those seeking a more polished and supported online gaming experience.
Astral Tabletop
Astral Tabletop is a Freemium, web-based online role-playing platform for hosting and playing games either online or in person. It offers browser-based online gaming and real-time collaboration, providing a seamless and interactive experience similar to PlanarAlly but with a focus on collaborative play through its web platform.
Adventurer's Codex
Adventurer's Codex is a Free and Open Source web-based D&D 5e gaming system for characters, campaigns, and parties. It focuses on being easy to use for in-person gaming, featuring browser-based access and online collaboration, making it an excellent PlanarAlly alternative for managing game components, particularly for D&D 5e specific needs.
Mipui
Mipui is a Free and Open Source online, grid-based map editor with a focus on simplicity and collaboration, available on the Web. It allows real-time edits to appear to other viewers, making it ideal for collaborative mapping. Its features include mapping, master details forms, real-time collaboration, and tile/tile-map editing, positioning it as a strong PlanarAlly alternative for dedicated map creation and sharing.
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 is subscription-free and designed to be used on all devices online, offering a browser-based experience that makes it a convenient and accessible PlanarAlly alternative for managing various aspects of your RPG sessions.
Rolisteam
Rolisteam is a Free and Open Source application available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, designed to help manage tabletop role-playing games with remote friends/players. It provides features for sharing maps and pictures, and includes various tools for gaming, making it a robust and flexible PlanarAlly alternative for online play.
Standard Action
Standard Action is a Free web-based tabletop gaming application that aims to be simple to use yet highly customizable. It features an interactive game board and live elements, making it a direct competitor and a viable PlanarAlly alternative for those seeking a straightforward, web-based virtual tabletop with interactive components.
With a wide array of options available, from comprehensive virtual tabletops to specialized mapping tools, you're sure to find a PlanarAlly alternative that perfectly matches your specific needs and enhances your D&D campaigns. Consider your budget, desired features, and preferred platform to choose the best fit for your adventuring party.