Top VTTs (and Why I Use Them)
I'm always on the lookout for great virtual tabletops. Here are my current favorites, each with its own strength depending on the game or group I’m running.
1. Foundry VTT
The powerhouse.
- One-time purchase, no subscription.
- Steep learning curve at first, but once it’s set up—it just works.
- Insanely customizable. I use it for animated scenes, soundscapes, and flexible system support.
- I don’t need every feature, but I love that they’re there. This is my Day 1, go-to platform. Love it!
2. Owlbear Rodeo
The minimalist’s dream.
- Light, fast, intuitive.
- Perfect for quick games, one-shots, or casual TotM sessions.
- When I don’t need automation or deep systems, this is what I reach for.
3. Quest Portal
Underrated and super capable.
- Free to use and surprisingly feature-rich.
- The character sheet builder is incredibly well done.
- Great for indie or obscure systems where pre-built support doesn’t exist.
- Simpler than Foundry, but with more structure than Owlbear.
4. Special Shout-out: Character Sheet Online
Not a full VTT—but a hidden gem.
- Great for theater-of-the-mind campaigns.
- Has dice rolling, shared music/image features, note-taking, and visible chat logs.
- I used it for a 6-week mini-campaign when Foundry didn’t support the system. Absolute lifesaver.
These four tools have covered nearly every playstyle I’ve needed—from tactical maps to freeform storytelling.