Top 8 Apps and Websites for Virtual Dungeons & Dragons

Summary

Technology allows virtual D&D play, not just in-person.
Tabletop Simulator offers custom game creation.
Apps like Spells List and 5e Bestiary aid in gameplay.

In the early stages, playing Dungeons & Dragons required everyone to assemble around a table, using real dice for various actions, while visualizing exploration and battles through hand-drawn or printed maps. This meant that all players needed to be physically present with their own character sheets in hand.

As a die-hard D&D fan, I can’t help but marvel at how far technology has come! Years ago, we were all stuck in the same room to play this epic game. But now, thanks to the wonders of modern tech, you can join forces with players from all over the globe – making friends across continents while battling monsters within the realm of TTRPGs. There’s a host of apps and websites available today that make virtual D&D sessions feel as real as if we were sitting around a table together. It’s an exciting new era for us fantasy enthusiasts!

8. Tabletop Simulator

Simulate Thousands of Pre-Made Games — or Create a Custom Game

Tabletop Simulator” is an outstanding game on Steam which lets people play digital adaptations of tabletop games, such as board games, card games, and even role-playing games, even if they’re not all in the same room.

For enthusiasts of Tabletop Simulator, there’s no end to their creative possibilities! They can craft unique games with a plethora of pre-existing resources and even upload custom assets to invent something entirely new. Notably, there’s a vibrant community dedicated to Dungeons & Dragons, offering maps, miniatures, and adventures that bring the game to life in an engaging way. Adding VR compatibility, this platform could offer one of the most immersive virtual experiences for D&D players.

7. Spells List 5e

A Comprehensive Guide to Spells Users Can Utilize on the Go

For any dedicated Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) player, Spells List 5e is an essential tool. This user-friendly mobile app caters to both Android and iOS users and houses almost every spell from D&D 5e, even those hidden in supplement books like Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. While certain spells may require payment to unlock, the abundance of free content ensures that players can still find numerous useful spells without spending a dime.

Having an extensive, searchable, and browsable spell list simplifies D&D gameplay significantly. This is particularly beneficial because players can upload their character sheets, allowing them quick access to their spells and abilities during in-person games. This way, they don’t need to lug around multiple heavy books for reference.

6. 5e Bestiary

Easily Look Up Enemy Stat Blocks

It’s possible that Dungeon Masters (DMs) could benefit from using more apps than players, given the numerous responsibilities they have compared to players who manage just one character sheet. The DM is tasked with creating maps, arranging encounters, developing NPCs (of various alignments: friendly, neutral, and hostile), and a decent selection of monsters for suspenseful confrontations.

As a passionate fan, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for an incredibly useful mobile application called “5e Bestiary.” Just as its name implies, it serves as an extensive catalog of various adversaries, from common bandits to mythical dragons. With this app, finding the right monster for any given scenario becomes effortless. Users can even bookmark their favorite creatures, streamlining the process of locating necessary stat blocks. This makes it an ideal tool for Dungeon Masters seeking a digital alternative to carrying around multiple books and paper slips. Instead, they can simply consult their mobile device when managing these encounters.

5. Inkarnate

Create Custom Maps

For those looking for map resources for online D&D games, there are several options available. While paid modules on websites like Roll20 or D&D Beyond can be a source, they might not be accessible for everyone, especially those running homebrew games or who don’t have the funds to purchase numerous campaigns. Enter Inkarnate, a user-friendly map-building website that offers a wealth of assets to help Dungeon Masters (DMs) get started with creating battle maps, dungeons, and even world maps without breaking the bank!

While certain assets require payment, there should be ample free resources for budget-conscious Dungeon Masters to design engaging and visually stunning maps for their games. Fortunately, the software is user-friendly, making it possible for those with limited cartography skills to create intricate and detailed maps that players will enjoy exploring.

4. Roll20

A Website Hosting Plenty of D&D Content

One of the most commonly used websites for playing Dungeons & Dragons is Roll20, due to its abundance of user-friendly tools. These tools simplify the process of being a Dungeon Master or a player, offering various systems to access character sheets, stat blocks, spells, maps, and creatures – all essential items for a virtual game of D&D.

Additionally, you’ll find a platform offering books that DMs can incorporate into their game entirely, along with a thriving community where DMs can facilitate open games for new acquaintances to join, or players can jump into an ongoing game to meet fellow Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts. While the compendium may lack a few spells, it offers nearly everything a D&D player might desire, making it an ideal resource for established groups or starting fresh ones from scratch.

3. Discord

Gather the Group in a Server to Make Planning and Voice Chatting Easy

Initially, we had Skype. Later on, Discord emerged in 2015, stepping up as a strong rival. It’s now the go-to social app globally for quick messaging among friends, video calling, and group chats. Moreover, it offers additional features that Skype didn’t, like servers. These servers enable groups of friends to communicate in structured channels, such as text channels for sharing art, memes, casual conversations, schedules, and voice channels specifically designed for video games and Dungeons & Dragons.

This combination of features makes Discord an ideal application for D&D groups who cannot attend in-person games. They can communicate via video and voice chat, while also enjoying various additional features like music bots for ambiance and a dice-rolling bot that eliminates the need for separate apps or websites. While Discord is not specifically designed for D&D, it offers a reliable platform that groups can confidently use to facilitate their online campaigns.

2. Foundry

Use Pre-Made Modules for a Sophisticated Online Game

Among the advanced tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) platforms available today, Foundry could arguably stand out as one of the most sophisticated. This versatile platform supports multiple tabletop systems, boasting a comprehensive setup for Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). For Dungeon Masters (DMs), establishing a game is made effortless with the ability to import assets that players can utilize to swiftly add items and spells onto their character sheets. This streamlined approach is particularly beneficial for those accustomed to traditional pen-and-paper games. Additionally, Foundry offers engaging animations to represent spells and weapon attacks, thereby adding a touch of excitement to lengthy combat sessions.

The main challenge for beginners is that it might be difficult to grasp at first. However, they can take advantage of the free Foundry demo to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals. To start their game, users will need to make a $50 payment initially. But this is just a single, upfront fee, so pooling resources among group members should be straightforward. Once the payment is made, the group can unlock access to an exceptional website that will significantly enhance their weekly D&D gaming experience.

1. D&D Beyond

Perfect for Physical or Virtual Games

In the style of the hit web series “Critical Role” based on the well-known game “Dungeons & Dragons”, D&D Beyond is a widely used app for D&D enthusiasts. It caters to both online and in-person gaming sessions. The application offers an extensive library, including the Player’s Handbook from 2024, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, and supplementary materials even for other systems like “Lord of the Rings”. Users can opt for either physical or digital copies of these books to complement their D&D Beyond account and build their character sheet.

Through this app, players don’t have the ability to play a complete game, but they can easily obtain essential elements like character sheets, stat blocks, maps, and modules. Regrettably, many of these items are only accessible after payment, but the subscription costs are reasonable, particularly when divided among a group. Given the numerous components required for Dungeons & Dragons, D&D Beyond simplifies the process of either running or participating in a game.

2025-01-31 11:35