If I create a Map, add some tokens, add those tokens to the map encounter - the whole thing doesn't show up in the Encounters list.
If I create an Encounter with multiple creatures, I've not found a way to add all of those creatures as tokens to a Map in a single click - I have to add them all individually from scratch.
I understand that Maps is new and not fully integrated into Beyond yet, but it seems to be totally separate so far. Can anyone point me at documentation or an explanation of what the plan is and how I should do things?
PS - I find the Encounters interface much nicer for setting up the group of monsters, however I am going to be using the Maps capability for running the game so am having to use that.
They're two separate tools that aren't connected in any meaningful way.
Encounters is just a tool for building and running combat encounters, largely intended for use with the 2014 rules. I don't think it's in active development anymore.
Maps is more intended as a map and VTT tool. It's not particularly new, but it is still in active development. I would certainly recommend using Maps going forward, as Encounters isn't being updated and isn't really intended for use with the modern rules.
Encounters never 'left beta' but from all reports, it's no longer under feature development and will only be explicitly usable for 2014. Maps is the new hotness and they want everyone to use the "One Tool". That said, Encounters does work with 2024.
My Way:
I play with my group in person, and while we used to use the VTT map to display the board, we've gone back to miniatures and a dry erase board. However, I still use the combat tracker to run the combat because it is the better encounter tracker (not builder).
Create a new blank map.
Add all the tokens you're going to need in the fight.
Open the combat tracker and click Add all Tokens.
Close and Reopen the Combat Tracker to ensure the difficulty is updated (this appears to be a refresh bug atm).
Start your combat, and run the combat like normal.
Use colour tokens to indicate death and conditions.
Advantages of the Maps Tracker:
2024 Stat Blocks and proper application of initiative bonuses.
Easier to add new combatants with full stat blocks and remove existing ones.
Provides 2024 difficulty levels.
Has filters for "Monsters in Library"
Still gathers initiative rolls from the player characters.
Disadvantages of the Maps Tracker:
You have to open an entire map page to just use the side of the screen.
The stat blocks are a little less accessible, because they are under a second layer of clicks.
The site can be a little performance heavy, but if you're not making large base maps or having spectators, it's not that bad.
I'd post my wishlist here, but @spamandtuna will point out that wishlists don't go to the Maps team if you post in the forums, but definitely a non-Map version of the Maps Combat Tracker would be awesome.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I've recently started creating a campaign here in Beyond, and am trying to understand where the platform is and where it is going.
There seem to be 2 different and separate ways of setting up an 'encounter' for a campaign - an Encounter (https://www.dndbeyond.com/encounter-builder?campaignId=xxxxxxx) , or a Map (https://www.dndbeyond.com/games/xxxxxxx) . There doesn't seem to be any link (currently) between the two other than the number in the URL being the same.
For example:
I understand that Maps is new and not fully integrated into Beyond yet, but it seems to be totally separate so far. Can anyone point me at documentation or an explanation of what the plan is and how I should do things?
PS - I find the Encounters interface much nicer for setting up the group of monsters, however I am going to be using the Maps capability for running the game so am having to use that.
They're two separate tools that aren't connected in any meaningful way.
Encounters is just a tool for building and running combat encounters, largely intended for use with the 2014 rules. I don't think it's in active development anymore.
Maps is more intended as a map and VTT tool. It's not particularly new, but it is still in active development. I would certainly recommend using Maps going forward, as Encounters isn't being updated and isn't really intended for use with the modern rules.
pronouns: he/she/they
Is Encounters down for anyone else?
Was working for me a few ago, was only creating new ones though
Encounters never 'left beta' but from all reports, it's no longer under feature development and will only be explicitly usable for 2014. Maps is the new hotness and they want everyone to use the "One Tool". That said, Encounters does work with 2024.
My Way:
I play with my group in person, and while we used to use the VTT map to display the board, we've gone back to miniatures and a dry erase board. However, I still use the combat tracker to run the combat because it is the better encounter tracker (not builder).
Advantages of the Maps Tracker:
Disadvantages of the Maps Tracker:
I'd post my wishlist here, but @spamandtuna will point out that wishlists don't go to the Maps team if you post in the forums, but definitely a non-Map version of the Maps Combat Tracker would be awesome.