Unleash Your Campaign: The Best Roll20 Alternatives for Virtual Tabletop RPGs
Roll20 has long been a go-to platform for tabletop role-playing game enthusiasts, offering a free, web-based solution to play RPGs online with friends. Its comprehensive features like video and voice chat, character sheets, and a vast art library make it an attractive choice. However, for various reasons – be it a desire for more specific features, different pricing models, or simply a fresh interface – many Game Masters and players seek a reliable Roll20 alternative. This guide explores some of the top contenders that can enhance your virtual gaming experience.
Top Roll20 Alternatives
Whether you're looking for open-source flexibility, advanced mapping tools, or a more streamlined interface, these virtual tabletops offer compelling reasons to consider them over Roll20.
MapTool
MapTool is an excellent open-source Roll20 alternative, providing an online, multi-user, networked, graphical, and programmable virtual tabletop. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPad, it requires Java 6+ and boasts features like Custom Repos and View Blocking, making it highly versatile for intricate campaign setups.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds stands out as a robust commercial Roll20 alternative. It’s a dedicated virtual tabletop designed to facilitate online play of tabletop-style role-playing games. Compatible with Mac, Windows, Wine, and Steam, it offers a polished experience for those seeking a more premium and stable environment for their campaigns.
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition
Battlegrounds: RPG Edition (BRPG) is a commercial virtual tabletop software for Windows users, specifically designed to enhance pen-and-paper roleplaying games, whether your group is local or remote. Its focus on online gaming features makes it a strong contender if you prioritize a dedicated Windows experience.
Rolisteam
Rolisteam is an open-source and free Roll20 alternative that excels at managing tabletop RPGs with remote players. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides a wealth of features for sharing maps and pictures, along with integrated tools for a comprehensive gaming experience.
Astral Tabletop
Astral Tabletop offers a modern, freemium, web-based platform for hosting and playing tabletop RPGs online or in person. Its browser-based nature, online gaming capabilities, and real-time collaboration features make it a sleek and accessible Roll20 alternative for those who prefer web-centric solutions.
Mipui
Mipui is a free and open-source web-based map editor, focusing on simplicity and real-time collaboration. While not a full virtual tabletop, its excellent mapping features, including master details forms and tile editing, make it a fantastic supplementary tool or a minimalist Roll20 alternative for map-focused games.
EpicTable
EpicTable is a commercial virtual tabletop designed for Windows, allowing friends to play their favorite pen-and-paper RPGs together regardless of physical location. It provides a dedicated environment for those who prefer a Windows-native application over browser-based solutions.
Adventurer's Codex
Adventurer's Codex offers a free, open-source, and easy-to-use web-based system primarily for in-person D&D 5e gaming. While focused on character, campaign, and party management, its browser-based and online collaboration features make it a streamlined Roll20 alternative for D&D 5e players.
Beyond Tabletop
Beyond Tabletop provides a set of free, web-based tools for RPG players, featuring easy-to-use online character sheets and maps. Designed for use on all devices, its browser-based approach and subscription-free model make it an accessible and convenient Roll20 alternative for those who prioritize simplicity and device compatibility.
GM Forge
GM Forge is a commercial standalone Virtual Tabletop and a sandbox for GMs on Windows and Steam. While the GM purchases the copy, friends can join for free through web browsers, making it a flexible Roll20 alternative with strong mapping capabilities and a unique client-server model.
Choosing the right virtual tabletop depends heavily on your specific needs, preferred features, and budget. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, advanced mapping, or cross-platform compatibility, this list of Roll20 alternatives offers a diverse range of options to explore for your next online RPG campaign.