Getting Started with Virtual Tabletops: Choosing the Right Platform for Your D&D Adventures

For many Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players, moving from the physical table to a Virtual Tabletop (VTT) can feel like stepping into a whole new world, but that's kind of the point, right? Whether you’re running epic campaigns across continents or just want to keep your weekly game alive, and with increasingly hectic schedules, it becomes exponentially harder to do, moving the game online and choosing the right VTT makes all the difference. Let’s explore the most popular platforms: Roll20, Foundry VTT, and Fantasy Grounds. We will also take a look at how they connect with D&D Beyond.

Roll20: The Browser-Friendly Choice

Roll20 is the easiest entry point for most groups because it runs entirely in your browser. There’s no need to download software, and players can join with nothing more than a link. The platform offers a free tier, while subscriptions unlock advanced features like dynamic lighting and expanded storage. Roll20 is accessible and offers a large library of official D&D modules. Integrated dice rolling and character sheets make it beginner-friendly, though performance can sometimes lag with heavy maps or assets. When paired with D&D Beyond, Roll20 works seamlessly through the Beyond20 browser extension, which lets you roll directly from your character sheet into the game chat. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for casual groups who want to get started without much setup, and setup with some VTTs can be a challenge all on their own. Roll20 also supports games other than D&D such as Pathfinder, Call of Cthulu, Marvel Multiverse, and Daggerheart.

Foundry VTT: The Customizer’s Dream

Foundry VTT is a powerhouse for those who love customization. Unlike Roll20, it requires hosting, either self-hosted or through a paid server, and comes with a one-time license fee. Once set up, players can join for free. Foundry’s strengths lie in its smooth performance, modern interface, and extensive community-driven modules that allow you to tailor the experience to your campaign. The learning curve is steeper, and the technical setup can be intimidating, but the payoff can be worth it for storytellers who want flexibility. But let me reemphasize, the set up can be intense, and time consuming, so plan on working out the bugs before your first session. Integration with D&D Beyond is also strong thanks to Beyond20 and additional Foundry modules, which allow rolls and even partial character sync. For tech-savvy groups, Foundry offers the most creative freedom. Foundry also supports multiple game systems to include Pathfinder, Call of Cthulu, and other systems.

Fantasy Grounds: The Automation Powerhouse

Fantasy Grounds takes a different approach, focusing heavily on rules automation. It’s a desktop application that requires installation, and it comes with either a standard license or an ultimate license that allows players to join for free. The upfront cost is higher than Roll20, or Foundry, but Fantasy Grounds excels at tracking combat, spells, and conditions automatically. It also supports offline play, which makes it appealing for groups who don’t always have reliable internet. The interface feels dated compared to newer platforms, and integration with D&D Beyond is limited. Characters must be recreated manually, though once inside Fantasy Grounds, the automation is top-notch thanks to official licensed modules. It’s best suited for groups who value precision and rules-heavy campaigns.

Comparing the Platforms

Roll20 is the most accessible option, ideal for casual groups who want to jump in quickly. Foundry VTT offers unmatched customization and flexibility, making it the best choice for storytellers who enjoy tinkering with tools and modules. Fantasy Grounds stands out for its deep rules automation and offline support, though it requires more investment and manual setup. When paired with D&D Beyond, Roll20, and Foundry benefit from the Beyond20 extension, which streamlines dice rolling and sheet integration, while Fantasy Grounds relies on its own licensed automation.

Overall

Choosing the right VTT depends on your group’s style of play. If you want something simple and browser-based, Roll20 is the way to go. If you crave customization and community-driven tools, Foundry VTT will give you the most freedom. If you want a platform that handles rules and combat with precision, Fantasy Grounds might be for you. With D&D Beyond in the mix, online campaigns can feel just as immersive as gathering around the table, ensuring that your adventures continue even if you can't meet up at someone's house of the Friendly Local Game Store (FLGS).

If you do decide to make any purchases for Roll20 and do them on DriveThru here is an affiliate link you can use. It helps support the blog and the YT Channel. Thank you!

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/browse?affiliate_id=745881

🎲 🎲 🎲 

BALL x PIT: A Glorious Collision of Chaos and Craft

 

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if Breakout, Vampire Survivors, and Peggle had a wild, genre-bending baby raised in a roguelike dojo—wonder no more. BALL x PIT is that glorious offspring, and it’s here to hijack your free time with a vengeance.

From the moment you launch your first projectile, BALL x PIT sinks its hooks in deep. The core loop is deceptively simple: fire bouncing balls to obliterate descending enemy blocks. But beneath that arcade veneer lies a rich progression system that borrows the best from Vampire Survivors—experience orbs, evolving builds, and a dizzying array of ball types with powers like chain lightning and poison.

Between runs, you return to your settlement—Ballbylon, a cratered remnant of civilization—where you invest in upgrades and unlock new tech. It’s a satisfying meta-layer that adds strategic depth and long-term goals to the frenetic action.

The screen often erupts into a kaleidoscope of ricocheting fireballs, gamma rays, and enemy explosions. It’s chaotic, yes—but BALL x PIT walks the tightrope between sensory overload and tactical clarity with surprising finesse.

What truly sets BALL x PIT apart is its genre alchemy. It’s not just a mashup—it’s a masterclass in synthesis. The game borrows from deck-building roguelites, bullet-hell shooters, and city sims, yet it never feels bloated. Instead, it feels like a playground for experimentation, where every run is a new hypothesis waiting to be tested.

BALL x PIT isn’t just another indie darling—it’s a statement. A love letter to arcade classics, a roguelike with teeth, and a sandbox for strategic chaos. Whether you're chasing high scores or crafting the perfect build, this game delivers dopamine in spades.

Ready to dive into the pit? You might not come back the same.

Level Up Fast in Final Fantasy Tactics: Community-Proven Tips from My Viral Short

When I posted a YouTube Short on how to efficiently level up early in Final Fantasy Tactics, I didn’t expect it to take off. But the response was overwhelming—hundreds of players jumped in with their own strategies, tweaks, and battle-tested advice. So I’ve pulled together the best tips from the comments and messages to help you dominate the early game like a true tactician.

1. Focus on Squire and Chemist First

Before diving into advanced jobs, build a strong foundation:

• Squire: Use “Focus” repeatedly to rack up Job Points (JP) without ending the battle too quickly.
• Chemist: Unlock “Item” for versatile healing and status recovery, and prioritize “Move +1” for better mobility.

These two jobs are essential for early survival and progression.

2. Farm JP Without Finishing the Fight

One of the most popular strategies: don’t rush to win. Instead:

• Leave one enemy alive.
• Have your team spam non-lethal abilities like “Focus,” “Heal,” or “Throw Stone.”
• Rotate turns to maximize JP gain across all units.

It’s a grind, but it sets you up for long-term success.

3. Use Auto-Potion Early (and Smartly)

Once you unlock Auto-Potion, equip it and stock up on regular Potions only. The game prioritizes the cheapest item first, so:

• Sell Hi-Potions and X-Potions.
• Keep only basic Potions in your inventory.

This makes Auto-Potion a reliable and cost-effective survival tool.

4. Prioritize Movement Abilities

Mobility is everything in Final Fantasy Tactics. Early on, aim to unlock:

• Move +1 (Chemist)
• Jump +1 (Thief)
• Teleport (Time Mage, later on)

Better movement means better positioning and control of the battlefield.

5. Unlock Black Mage and White Mage Early

Magic jobs open up powerful options:

• Black Mage: Area-of-effect damage and elemental versatility.
• White Mage: Healing and status cures.

Even if you don’t stick with them, unlocking these jobs gives you access to key secondary abilities.

6. Mix and Match for Maximum Impact

Once you’ve unlocked a few jobs, start experimenting:

• Squire with Black Mage secondary for ranged damage.
• Knight with White Mage secondary for tanky support.
• Archer with Thief movement for hit-and-run tactics.

The game rewards creative builds, so don’t be afraid to mix it up.

Bonus Tip: Rename Your Units for Fun

Several players mentioned how naming your squad adds emotional investment. Whether it’s friends, favorite characters, or inside jokes, it makes every battle more personal and memorable.

Final Thoughts

The Final Fantasy Tactics community is full of brilliant strategists, and I’m blown away by the depth of knowledge shared in response to my Short. If you’re just starting out, these tips will give you a serious edge. And if you’ve got more tricks up your sleeve, drop them in the comments, I’m always down to learn.

Stay tactical,
Rob