5 Best Roll20 Alternatives That Make Your D&D Sessions Epic

Well, you've been using Roll20 for your online D&D sessions, & it's fine. It does the job. Your party can roll dice, move tokens around, & pretend to be heroes saving the world from dragons.

But let's be real here.

Roll20's freemium model is annoying. You hit the 100MB storage limit fast. The audio gets buggy right when you're delivering your most dramatic villain monologue. 

That's why I've done the heavy lifting for you & found five killer Roll20 alternatives that'll upgrade your TTRPG experience without breaking the bank. Some are free, some are one-time purchases, & all of them will make your game nights way more epic than they currently are. 

5 Alternatives to Roll20 That Make Online D&D Fun

1. Fantasy Grounds

Fantasy Grounds has been around since 2004, which means it's had plenty of time to perfect its game. This platform is basically the dream tool for GMs (Game Masters) who want their combat to run smoothly.

What makes Fantasy Grounds special? 

It handles all annoying calculations automatically. No more manually adding modifiers or forgetting about that +2 bonus from your cleric's blessing. The system does it all for you.

The interface looks a bit outdated (it's been around for 20 years!), but don't let that fool you. Under the hood, this thing is a monster for D&D automation.

Screenshot Source: Fantasygrounds.com

2. Foundry VTT

If you're the type of person who loves tinkering with mods & making everything perfect, Foundry VTT is for you. Released in 2020, this platform took the TTRPG world by storm.

Here's what's brilliant about Foundry: you pay once ($50), & it's yours forever. No monthly fees. No storage limits. You host it yourself, which means you control everything.

The modding community is amazing. Want 3D dice? There's a mod. Want to integrate Spotify? There's a mod for that, too. The interface is sleek, modern, & makes Roll20 look like it's from the Stone Age.

Just keep in mind that you'll need to host it yourself, which means either running it on your computer or getting a server. But honestly? It's worth the extra setup. 

Screenshot Source: Foundryvtt.com

3. Owlbear Rodeo

Sometimes, you don't need all the bells & whistles. Sometimes, you just need something that works without any mess. That's where Owlbear Rodeo comes in.

This browser-based platform is completely free & requires zero setup. No accounts, no downloads, no subscriptions. You literally just share a link with your group, & that’s it.

It's perfect for those sessions where you just need a basic map & some tokens. The interface is clean, fast, & works on literally any device. 

Is it as feature-rich as Fantasy Grounds or Foundry? Nope. But sometimes, simple is exactly what you need. ????

Screenshot Source: Owlbear.rodeo

4. MapTool

MapTool is for the budget-conscious gaming masters who don't mind getting their hands a little dirty. This open-source platform has been around forever, & it's completely free.

The macro system is incredibly powerful; you can automate pretty much anything if you're willing to learn the scripting language. 

The downside? Its interface gives you an outdated look. But if you can get past the dated looks, MapTool offers incredible flexibility for zero dollars.

Screenshot Source: MapTool

5. Beyond Tabletop

If you're new to online TTRPGs & want something that won't overwhelm you, Beyond Tabletop is perfect. It focuses on the essentials: character sheets, dice rolling, & basic campaign management.

The character sheets are beautifully designed & work great for D&D 5e & Pathfinder. Everything loads quickly, works on mobile, & won't confuse you.

It's not going to replace Foundry for advanced users, but for groups that prioritize roleplay over complex battle maps, it's absolutely perfect.

Screenshot Source: Beyondtabletop.com

Roll20 Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison 

FAQs

1. Is there a better alternative to Roll20?

Absolutely! Foundry VTT is often considered the best overall alternative because of its one-time $50 purchase & incredible customization options. For automation, Fantasy Grounds beats Roll20 hands down. If you want something completely free & simple, BeyondTableTop is perfect.

2. Why is Foundry better than Roll20?

Foundry VTT costs $50 once versus Roll20's ongoing monthly fees. You get unlimited storage, a modern interface, & countless free mods. Plus, you own it forever; no more subscription anxiety when your credit card expires!

3. Is there a free version of Roll20?

Yes, Roll20 has a free tier, but it's pretty limited. You only get 100MB of storage & miss out on dynamic lighting & advanced features. 

4. What is the alternative to Roll20 maps?

Owlbear Rodeo is hands-down the best free alternative for maps. No storage limits, no accounts needed, & it just works. MapTool also offers excellent map support with custom layers, & it's completely free too.

Key Takeaways

All five alternatives to Roll20 offer better value, more features, or simpler experiences depending on what your group needs.

• If you want automation that works, Fantasy Grounds is for you.
  
  

• Foundry VTT is great if you're willing to spend $50 once for the ultimate experience.
  
  

• Owlbear Rodeo is a solid option if you just want something free that works immediately.
  
  

• MapTool could be your best friend if you're broke but want powerful features.
  
  

• Beyond Tabletop offers a great deal if you want to ease your group into online play.

The best part? 

Most of these platforms let you try before you commit. So stop settling for Roll20's limitations & upgrade your game nights already! Your players will thank you, your wallet might thank you, & your campaigns will be more epic. ????

So, it’s time to find your perfect virtual tabletop! 

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