One VTT To Rule Them All… or Which VTT Platform Is Best For you
Virtual Tabletop roleplaying platforms (VTTs) have revolutionized how players and gamemasters tell exciting stories together with their favorite tabletop roleplaying games and worlds. These digital tools bring the immersive experience of TTRPGs to online spaces, enabling players to connect from anywhere in the world at any time. With varying features like dynamic maps, character sheets, and integrated dice rolling, VTTs create a seamless and interactive environment for TTRPG fans.
As the popularity of online gaming grows, VTTs offer an accessible, flexible, and exciting way to experience and customize your roleplaying adventures, whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the world of TTRPGs, it’s now easier than ever before to bring your favorite games online. With so many different, dynamic platforms to choose from, such as Roll20, Foundry, Diceweaver, Alchemy, and the up-and-coming Tabletop Mirror, you can create the ideal roleplaying environment. Whether you’re playing Dungeons and Dragons or creating original homebrew games to share with your community, every platform has unique features to fit your needs.
But with so many different platforms to choose from, it can be hard for even the most experienced GMs and players to know which one will best suit their needs, especially if you’re new to VTTs, or even to TTRPGs in general. Let’s break them down and explore the best uses for each of the most popular platforms.
Roll20
Roll20 is one of the most popular VTTs, known for its versatility and pre-built modules. Launched in 2012, it has become a go-to choice for players and gamemasters looking to play tabletop roleplaying games online. Renowned for its accessibility and automation of things like programming scripts and character sheet tracking, Roll20 is a versatile choice for a wide range of games without having to know much about design or creating a user interface.
Foundry
Another popular VTT is Foundry. While Roll20 boasts accessibility, Foundry VTT prides itself in being highly customizable, offering advanced features like mod support and detailed automation, appealing to tech-savvy users willing to host their own games. However, it can be a bit intimidating for players who are newer to VTTs, even more so if they’re not experienced coders. Foundry is recommended if you’re a bit more experienced with VTTs and writing code and want to make the platform your own with a robust toolset with which to do pretty much anything.
Tabletop Mirror
Tabletop Mirror is a newer VTT, and while it is still in early access (and currently running a crowdfunding campaign on Backerkit), it boasts more features and customization than most existing VTT platforms. Tabletop Mirror was originally designed for Homebrewers to create and play original games or add their homebrew content to their favorite TTRPGs. However, it has since expanded as a full toolkit for GMs and players alike, with features for worldbuilding, map-making, campaign management, completely customizable character sheets, and a fully integrated VTT. With its current crowdfunding campaign on Backerkit, Tabletop Mirror hopes to continue making the platform more accessible and supportive for players to provide a fully customizable solution that requires zero tech skills to use.
Diceweaver
Diceweaver is another lesser-known platform but one with a loyal following. After a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2023, Diceweaver has dedicated itself to perfecting its unique model of ease and convenience with broad system support. Diceweaver boasts usability and playability over customization, wanting players and GMs to spend more time on the gameplay with a low barrier to entry. Similarly to Roll20, this might be the right choice for players who are less tech-savvy and want something they can easily jump into and run a game on that supports games beyond the most popular TTRPGs.
Alchemy
If you’re looking for a VTT that prioritizes storytelling and immersion over all else, then Alchemy might be what you’re looking for. Alchemy boasts a unique player experience by integrating high-quality visuals, ambient music, and dynamic lighting effects to create a deeply atmospheric environment for your TTRPGs. It’s particularly well suited for adventuring parties that value narrative-driven theater-of-the-mind storytelling in their gaming over maps and minis, as the platform’s sleek design allows GMs to seamlessly put together scenes, manage story arcs, and keep players completely immersed in the story.
VTTs have transformed the world of tabletop gaming, changing what they look like for the better. And now, with more options than ever before, there’s an increase of accessibility, flexibility, and creativity for players and GMs of traditional tabletop games to enjoy their favorite games, like Eldritch Automata, and original creations. Whether you're looking for a simple, plug-and-play-style platform like Roll20, the deep customization of Tabletop Mirror, or a platform focused on storytelling and immersion like Alchemy, there's a VTT out there for you. As more players and gamemasters embrace these digital tools, the world of tabletop roleplaying continues to expand, breaking down geographic barriers and bringing together communities of gamers from around the globe. The future of tabletop gaming isn’t just at your table at home anymore—it's online, and it's more vibrant and accessible than ever before.