FreeVTT

Fantasy Grounds Unity is a high-power virtual tabletop originally released in 2004 and completely rebuilt on the Unity engine in 2020. Developed by SmiteWorks, it is the industry pioneer of "automated play," where the software handles complex rules, modifiers, and combat math natively. In a massive industry shift in late 2025, the platform moved to a completely free-to-play model, removing the traditional $50 license fee to compete directly with modern browser-based rivals. Description Fantasy Grounds is often described as a "Digital Dungeon Master’s Assistant." It is a standalone application (not a browser site) that provides the most stable and deep automation available. While it has a more traditional, window-based interface that can feel daunting to new users, it rewards the "Power GM" with unparalleled control over combat and data. Since becoming free in late 2025, it has positioned itself as the premier "zero-cost" entry point for groups who want professional-grade automation without a subscription. System Overview & Key Features Native Ruleset Automation Unlike other VTTs that rely on community plug-ins, Fantasy Grounds features "Hard-Coded" automation for its primary systems. When a player drags an attack onto a target, the software automatically checks for cover, calculates the hit against Armor Class, applies damage, and tracks temporary hit points or resistances without any manual input. V5.1 Visual Intelligence The 2026 update introduced "Aggregated Notifications." Instead of scrolling through a wall of text in a chat box, combat results like damage, saving throws, and status effects now appear as elegant visual icons and pop-ups directly over the tokens on the map. 2.5D Tactical Mapping While it supports traditional 2D top-down maps, FGU includes a unique 2.5D camera mode. This provides a sense of depth and perspective to battlemaps, making the digital table feel more like a physical diorama with "placeable" 3D-like objects like trees and furniture. Total Offline Capability Because it is a localized application, you can prepare your entire campaign, build NPCs, and write story entries without an internet connection. Your data is stored on your hard drive, giving you total ownership of your campaign files. The Fantasy Grounds Forge FGU features an integrated marketplace and community portal called "The Forge." This allows GMs to browse and auto-install thousands of community-made extensions and themes that update automatically whenever the main software is launched. Cross-Platform Unity Engine Built on the Unity 6 engine (as of 2026), the software offers smooth performance on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It uses hardware acceleration to handle complex dynamic lighting, weather effects, and large-scale vision blocking for massive dungeon crawls. Additional links fantasygrounds.com : Official Fantasy Grounds website fantasygroundsacademy.com : Community-led training and free classes forge.fantasygrounds.com : Official community content and extension portal

Beyond Tabletop is a streamlined, web based suite of tools designed to enhance both online and in person roleplaying sessions. Developed as a lightweight alternative to bulky virtual tabletops, it focuses on speed, simplicity, and real time synchronization using Google Firebase technology. It is built for players who want digital character sheets and tactical maps without the steep learning curve or high system requirements of more complex platforms. Description Beyond Tabletop is designed to remove the "baggage" often associated with digital gaming tools. It offers a clean, mobile friendly interface that works on any device with a web browser. The platform provides dedicated support for Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Pathfinder, featuring automated character sheets and a highly intuitive mapping system. Rather than replacing the tabletop experience, it seeks to modernize the traditional pen and paper feel through real time collaboration and easy link sharing. System Overview & Key Features Real-time Firebase integration Every change made to a character sheet or a map is updated instantly for all connected players. There is no need to refresh the page or manually save progress, making it one of the most responsive browser based tools for tracking combat and health. Streamlined Character Sheets The platform includes built in libraries for core classes, feats, spells, and conditions for 5e and Pathfinder. These sheets are designed to handle the tedious math of leveling up while remaining flexible enough for homebrew customizations and unique character builds. Simple Tactical Mapping The map tool focuses on core utility over flashy graphics. GMs can quickly upload background images, place tokens, and draw shapes to define the battlefield. It includes a built in initiative tracker and status effect markers that are visible to the entire party. Device Agnostic Design Because it is a lightweight web application, Beyond Tabletop runs smoothly on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. This makes it a perfect companion for in person games where players want to manage their sheets digitally without taking up massive space at the physical table. Easy Link Sharing Sharing a campaign or a specific map is as simple as sending a URL. There are no complicated server permissions or software invites required, allowing new players to join a session and see the game state in seconds. Donation Based The full suite of tools is available for free. The developers maintain the servers through the generosity of the community, ensuring that there are no paywalls or subscription tiers blocking access to essential gameplay features. Additional links beyondtabletop.com : Official Beyond Tabletop website beyondtabletop.com/blog : Official development blog and updates

Roll20 is the most widely used browser based virtual tabletop in the world, launched in 2012 following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Developed by Riley Miller, Nolan T. Jones, and Richard Zayas, it was designed to break down the barriers to tabletop gaming by requiring zero installation and offering a robust free to play tier. It remains the industry leader in total user base, hosting millions of games across nearly every imaginable tabletop system. Description Roll20 is the "everyman" of virtual tabletops, prioritizing accessibility and ease of use. Because it runs entirely in the cloud, players and Game Masters can start a session in seconds from any modern web browser. It features an integrated marketplace where users can purchase official rulebooks, adventures, and art packs that integrate directly into their campaigns. While it offers advanced features like dynamic lighting, its primary appeal is its massive community and the simplicity of its "pick up and play" nature. System Overview & Key Features No Installation Required Unlike many of its competitors, Roll20 requires no software downloads or server configuration. The Game Master simply creates a room on the website and shares a link. This makes it the ideal choice for groups with varying levels of technical expertise. Integrated Character Sheets Roll20 features thousands of community and official character sheets that handle the math for you. Clicking an attribute or a weapon on your sheet automatically sends the roll to the chat window, applying modifiers and calculating critical hits instantly. The Roll20 Marketplace The platform boasts the largest digital storefront in the industry. You can buy modules for D&D, Pathfinder, Call of Cthulhu, and more, which come pre loaded with maps, tokens, and journals, drastically reducing a Game Master's preparation time. Dynamic Lighting and Layering Subscribers gain access to a powerful lighting system that restricts what players can see based on their character's line of sight. The Game Master can easily manage different layers for maps, tokens, and hidden notes that only they can see. Built in Video and Voice Roll20 includes its own integrated WebRTC video and voice chat system, allowing groups to see and hear each other without needing to run third party software like Discord alongside their game window. Jumpgate Technology Introduced in 2024 and 2025, the "Jumpgate" update overhauled the core engine to provide a much smoother, high performance experience. It improved frame rates, reduced loading times, and modernized the interface to compete with newer, hardware accelerated platforms. Additional links roll20.net - Official Roll20 website and Virtual Tabletop marketplace.roll20.net - Official Roll20 Marketplace for assets and modules

18–19 July | ACVC Hub, Orton Place Industrial Park, Glasgow Near Ibrox Subway Station A free roleplaying and Storytelling event, Traders, Games, Socialising and more. Roll the dice on something different at the Glasgow Tales and Tabletop Gathering. A brand-new weekend of interactive storytelling, tabletop roleplaying games, creativity, and community connection. Hosted at the accessible ACVC Hub, this two-day gathering is designed to welcome everyone, from complete beginners to experienced players into a friendly and supportive gaming space where imagination comes first. This is a space built around welcoming people in sharing stories, trying something new, and connecting through collaborative play. Throughout the weekend, volunteer storytellers and game masters will run a wide variety of one-shot tabletop RPG adventures, from fantasy and horror to mystery and cinematic storytelling experiences. Whether you’ve played for years or never rolled a dice before, there will be games designed to help you jump in and have fun. Schedule Saturday 18 July Venue open from 9am until late Day Sessions Morning Games: 10am–1pm Afternoon Games: 2pm–5pm Evening Events Blood on the Clocktower Vampire LARP Ball Sunday 19 July 11am–5pm Sessions will include either: A full 4-hour adventure spread across the day, or Two separate beginner-friendly 2-hour one-shots Sunday Session Times Session One: 11:30am–1:30pm Session Two: 2:30pm–4:30pm What to Expect The full programme of one-shot games will be released around the 24th May, once all volunteer Game Masters are confirmed. You will be able to book specific games at that point, we will also be managing a standby list. However, you can already expect a wide mix of tabletop experiences across the weekend, including classics such as Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu, alongside a range of indie RPGs and narrative-led games. Sessions will be designed with both newcomers and experienced players in mind, with options suitable for complete beginners as well as more seasoned tabletop gamers looking to try something new. We will also have an open play area, demo area and some local traders. Tickets & Cost All sessions free to attend thanks to support from the Commonwealth Games Festival Fund and Glasgow Life. Donations are welcome and will help support the ongoing community and charity work of Critical Chance Collective, but there is absolutely no expectation to contribute financially. Bookings will be managed through Humanitix, the not-for-profit ticketing platform. There are different types of ticket, please select the sessions you want to attend. We have a hard cap on numbers and will be in contact to confirm your attendance and specific game selection periodically. Important Information This event is 18+ No alcohol or drugs permitted in the venue Outside food is welcome Links events.humanitix.com - Event registration criticalchance.co.uk - Critical Change Collective website

There's a vast range of tabletop roleplaying games out there, across a multitude of genres! But the hardest part is always reading up on the rules, getting an adventure together and then getting a group of people to play -and teach- at the same time. Here at System Hoppers we endeavour to put ourselves through the process as often as we can for your amusement! Join us each episode as we try to play as many games as possible and teach you anything you need to know as well! Some fun, some scary, some vastly different - But all to show you just how fun Tabletop Roleplaying Games can be!

GhoulApp is a free digital companion for Vampire: The Masquerade that helps players and Storytellers create characters, manage chronicles and run live sessions. Supporting V5, V20 and Dark Ages, it includes character creation, interactive character sheets, complete chronicle management, maps and relationship boards, integrated wiki and timeline tools, edition-specific dice rolling and community sharing features. Designed specifically for the World of Darkness, GhoulApp brings every part of a chronicle together in a single platform used by thousands of players worldwide. Links ghoulapp.com - Official website discord.gg - Discord server patreon.com - Support the project