I found a Kickstarter that for my use is one of the better KS for DND I have seen in a long time.
Essentially 180+ maps, with clings you can use to help customize.
2 tiers include VTT for the maps. Roll20 or Foundry.
I need to decide as the KS end soon.
Input appreciated.
I want VTT more for the maps and Fog of War. However being able to add traps etc is a bonus. Which I believe both can do. This is just supplying maps.
Input appreciated. Positive and negative. However, if you have not used both, a negative response towards the one you have not used is not appreciated.
On the plus side, you really can't go wrong with either of those choices. They are both excellent VTTs.
My group has been using Roll20 weekly for 5ish years and it's worked great for us.
However, that being said, if I were to start over right now, I would definitely choose Foundry. It has many incredible features that are not available in Roll20. So far the benefit hasn't been enough to invest the time in our group converting over and learning the quirks of a different VTT (mostly because we are all really busy and are happy with using something we are familiar with), but if we didn't have that time investment in Roll20 already and were starting from scratch, I would absolutely pick Foundry instead.
Roll20 as it is easier to integrate D&D Beyond into it using the Beyond20 browser extension.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
I've heard good things about The Foundry, but I've only used Roll20. Plus as Cyb3rM1nd points out, there's Beyond20 which gives me little grief. As far as I'm aware there's other VTT apps that integrate D&D Beyond into others quite well.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Zero is the most important number in D&D: Session Zero sets the boundaries and the tone; Rule Zero dictates the Dungeon Master (DM) is the final arbiter; and Zero D&D is better than Bad D&D.
"Let us speak plainly now, and in earnest, for words mean little without the weight of conviction."
The other thing to consider is how much you like where 1D&D is going. If you’re digging it, you might hold off and see what WotC’s VTT ends up looking like. At least, before you start investing too much money into a product with a possibility limited life span.
Foundry has a cost and only accessible when you're hosting it unless you pay even more for a server.
Roll20 is free and accessible anytime by anyone in the campaign.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond. Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ thisFAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
First things first, if you have to choose, the Roll20 version of the maps will also work with Foundry if you aren't sure which system you will end up on. I don't know the Kickstarter you are referring to, but if they offer a choice for Foundry VTT maps, it almost certainly means that they are "Foundry Ready". Basically the image file for the Foundry version of the map is the same, but additional meta data files are included so that upon importing it into Foundry, it can have the walls/doors/etc. already set up. (Same with lighting, and with sound files if there are any). If all you care about is just the image and you're sure you won't want/care about walls, lights, etc even if you do use Foundry, pick the Roll20 version.
I have used both fairly extensively, and (surprise, surprise) there are pros and cons for both. If all you want is maps and fog of war, you can do that with Roll20 and it's free (although it's worth mentioning that the free storage will fill up extremely quickly once you start uploading maps and the dynamic lighting features are only available with a paid account). Roll20 has a simpler learning curve as well and you don't have to think about any of the hosting stuff.
While Foundry does have an upfront purchase cost, it is possible to set up free hosting once you've bought the software if you don't want to run it on your own machine. (Not sure if I'm allowed to post it here, but you can find instructions on how to set it up in the Foundry forums). Full disclosure: I have not done that, I use the Forge hosting service, which isn't free, but is reasonably priced and offers a lot of nice features (it's also run by the guy who created Beyond20, so it absolutely does work with Foundry, however you choose to host it.) I don't think Foundry's learning curve is that much higher than Roll20 for the basic functions, but it does have WAY more on offer than Roll20 which can make it sort of as complicated as you are willing/want to make it. That said, Foundry is far and away better for a number of things. The dynamic lighting in Foundry vs Roll20 is like comparing a Ferrari to a Scooter. It's pretty unbelievable what you can accomplish without too much effort in Foundry. Foundry also allows you to install any number of community created modules that allow you to customize it to a really granular level of detail and make the VTT work pretty much just as you want it to. It would be hard to overstate how much customization it offers.
If you just want maps and tokens and fog of war and you don't mind having to clean out your storage once in a while if you are on a free account, Roll20 will work great. Anything much beyond that, I would highly recommend Foundry. If you're still not sure, try free Roll20 for a few sessions and see how you like it, you might find it's just what you want and need. That said, I felt that way for roughly 2-3 years using it and thought it was great. When I made the switch to Foundry I fell in love with how much more interactive and immersive the VTT was.
Foundry, all the way. As a bonus there is a Patreon user, I forget his full name (something along the lines of MrPrimate) that creates and maintains a D&D Beyond Importer Module that lets you bring all of your purchased books, and homebrews into Foundry for use.
Both foundry and Roll20 have their plus points, but I find each of them way too fiddly to setup and run a campaign with. Foundry especially with having to mess about with hosting, etc.
The current campaign I am running started during COVID lockdown and all the players are newbies who wanted to get involved in something interesting during lockdown, so we wanted something simple, quick and user friendly. We ended up going with AboveVTT. Just have everyone install the Chrome extension and away you go. Full DNDBeyond integration including content and maps, plus for the DM (me) all the tokens and stat blocks. Sure, there is a bit more manual updating of the maps required (fog, monster HP, etc.), but this is simple and quick; and adding new maps is quick and easy. Plus no fees, storage limits, etc.
I’m really enjoying AboveVTT as well, it works well and it’s nice to be able to use digital purchases on here rather than having to buy them again for another vtt.
The other thing to consider is how much you like where 1D&D is going. If you’re digging it, you might hold off and see what WotC’s VTT ends up looking like. At least, before you start investing too much money into a product with a possibility limited life span.
I came to that conclusion over the weekend. I found a YouTube channel that had really good tutorial videos for both. They both seemed a little cumbersome.
At the end of the day all I really want it for (at this time) is for live play to use it on a flat screen and able to display a fog of war during dungeon crawls etc.
I like to make sometimes large dungeons or other things. But I design it so it can be printed on 8.5 x 14 paper with 1inch squares
The other thing to consider is how much you like where 1D&D is going. If you’re digging it, you might hold off and see what WotC’s VTT ends up looking like. At least, before you start investing too much money into a product with a possibility limited life span.
I came to that conclusion over the weekend. I found a YouTube channel that had really good tutorial videos for both. They both seemed a little cumbersome.
At the end of the day all I really want it for (at this time) is for live play to use it on a flat screen and able to display a fog of war during dungeon crawls etc.
I like to make sometimes large dungeons or other things. But I design it so it can be printed on 8.5 x 14 paper with 1inch squares
Foundry VTT all the way. Integrate the D&D Beyond stuff from here and you're set. Also, that means anything you buy from this website will be purchased for when the eventual WotC VTT does come out. Who knows what the pricing will be, but I imagine purchasing all the sourcebooks and adventures from here is safer than double dipping on Roll20.
I personally use Roll20 at the moment, but am looking to move away toward Foundry. However, I may wait and just stick with Roll20 until the One D&D VTT comes out. We'll see how things progress with my groups in the upcoming campaigns.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I found a Kickstarter that for my use is one of the better KS for DND I have seen in a long time.
Essentially 180+ maps, with clings you can use to help customize.
2 tiers include VTT for the maps. Roll20 or Foundry.
I need to decide as the KS end soon.
Input appreciated.
I want VTT more for the maps and Fog of War. However being able to add traps etc is a bonus. Which I believe both can do. This is just supplying maps.
Input appreciated. Positive and negative. However, if you have not used both, a negative response towards the one you have not used is not appreciated.
As of now I am inclined towards Foundry based on what I have observed
On the plus side, you really can't go wrong with either of those choices. They are both excellent VTTs.
My group has been using Roll20 weekly for 5ish years and it's worked great for us.
However, that being said, if I were to start over right now, I would definitely choose Foundry. It has many incredible features that are not available in Roll20. So far the benefit hasn't been enough to invest the time in our group converting over and learning the quirks of a different VTT (mostly because we are all really busy and are happy with using something we are familiar with), but if we didn't have that time investment in Roll20 already and were starting from scratch, I would absolutely pick Foundry instead.
Owlbear.rodeo.
Roll20 as it is easier to integrate D&D Beyond into it using the Beyond20 browser extension.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
I've heard good things about The Foundry, but I've only used Roll20. Plus as Cyb3rM1nd points out, there's Beyond20 which gives me little grief. As far as I'm aware there's other VTT apps that integrate D&D Beyond into others quite well.
Zero is the most important number in D&D: Session Zero sets the boundaries and the tone; Rule Zero dictates the Dungeon Master (DM) is the final arbiter; and Zero D&D is better than Bad D&D.
"Let us speak plainly now, and in earnest, for words mean little without the weight of conviction."
- The Assemblage of Houses, World of Warcraft
The other thing to consider is how much you like where 1D&D is going. If you’re digging it, you might hold off and see what WotC’s VTT ends up looking like. At least, before you start investing too much money into a product with a possibility limited life span.
The beyond20 extension also works with Foundry.
Foundry has a cost and only accessible when you're hosting it unless you pay even more for a server.
Roll20 is free and accessible anytime by anyone in the campaign.
Click ✨ HERE ✨ For My Youtube Videos featuring Guides, Tips & Tricks for using D&D Beyond.
Need help with Homebrew? Check out ✨ this FAQ/Guide thread ✨ by IamSposta.
First things first, if you have to choose, the Roll20 version of the maps will also work with Foundry if you aren't sure which system you will end up on. I don't know the Kickstarter you are referring to, but if they offer a choice for Foundry VTT maps, it almost certainly means that they are "Foundry Ready". Basically the image file for the Foundry version of the map is the same, but additional meta data files are included so that upon importing it into Foundry, it can have the walls/doors/etc. already set up. (Same with lighting, and with sound files if there are any). If all you care about is just the image and you're sure you won't want/care about walls, lights, etc even if you do use Foundry, pick the Roll20 version.
I have used both fairly extensively, and (surprise, surprise) there are pros and cons for both. If all you want is maps and fog of war, you can do that with Roll20 and it's free (although it's worth mentioning that the free storage will fill up extremely quickly once you start uploading maps and the dynamic lighting features are only available with a paid account). Roll20 has a simpler learning curve as well and you don't have to think about any of the hosting stuff.
While Foundry does have an upfront purchase cost, it is possible to set up free hosting once you've bought the software if you don't want to run it on your own machine. (Not sure if I'm allowed to post it here, but you can find instructions on how to set it up in the Foundry forums). Full disclosure: I have not done that, I use the Forge hosting service, which isn't free, but is reasonably priced and offers a lot of nice features (it's also run by the guy who created Beyond20, so it absolutely does work with Foundry, however you choose to host it.) I don't think Foundry's learning curve is that much higher than Roll20 for the basic functions, but it does have WAY more on offer than Roll20 which can make it sort of as complicated as you are willing/want to make it. That said, Foundry is far and away better for a number of things. The dynamic lighting in Foundry vs Roll20 is like comparing a Ferrari to a Scooter. It's pretty unbelievable what you can accomplish without too much effort in Foundry. Foundry also allows you to install any number of community created modules that allow you to customize it to a really granular level of detail and make the VTT work pretty much just as you want it to. It would be hard to overstate how much customization it offers.
If you just want maps and tokens and fog of war and you don't mind having to clean out your storage once in a while if you are on a free account, Roll20 will work great. Anything much beyond that, I would highly recommend Foundry. If you're still not sure, try free Roll20 for a few sessions and see how you like it, you might find it's just what you want and need. That said, I felt that way for roughly 2-3 years using it and thought it was great. When I made the switch to Foundry I fell in love with how much more interactive and immersive the VTT was.
Sorry for the novel. Hope that helps.
Foundry, all the way. As a bonus there is a Patreon user, I forget his full name (something along the lines of MrPrimate) that creates and maintains a D&D Beyond Importer Module that lets you bring all of your purchased books, and homebrews into Foundry for use.
Both foundry and Roll20 have their plus points, but I find each of them way too fiddly to setup and run a campaign with. Foundry especially with having to mess about with hosting, etc.
The current campaign I am running started during COVID lockdown and all the players are newbies who wanted to get involved in something interesting during lockdown, so we wanted something simple, quick and user friendly. We ended up going with AboveVTT. Just have everyone install the Chrome extension and away you go. Full DNDBeyond integration including content and maps, plus for the DM (me) all the tokens and stat blocks. Sure, there is a bit more manual updating of the maps required (fog, monster HP, etc.), but this is simple and quick; and adding new maps is quick and easy. Plus no fees, storage limits, etc.
I’m really enjoying AboveVTT as well, it works well and it’s nice to be able to use digital purchases on here rather than having to buy them again for another vtt.
I came to that conclusion over the weekend. I found a YouTube channel that had really good tutorial videos for both. They both seemed a little cumbersome.
At the end of the day all I really want it for (at this time) is for live play to use it on a flat screen and able to display a fog of war during dungeon crawls etc.
I like to make sometimes large dungeons or other things. But I design it so it can be printed on 8.5 x 14 paper with 1inch squares
I checked out Tableplop over the weekend. I liked what it offered.
How to use AboveVTT - d&d 5e made easy. - YouTube
Foundry VTT all the way. Integrate the D&D Beyond stuff from here and you're set. Also, that means anything you buy from this website will be purchased for when the eventual WotC VTT does come out. Who knows what the pricing will be, but I imagine purchasing all the sourcebooks and adventures from here is safer than double dipping on Roll20.
I personally use Roll20 at the moment, but am looking to move away toward Foundry. However, I may wait and just stick with Roll20 until the One D&D VTT comes out. We'll see how things progress with my groups in the upcoming campaigns.