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).
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