Which virtual tabletop is easiest for a brand-new group?
Owlbear Rodeo or Roll20. Both run in a browser, need no install, and have usable free tiers. Start there and move up if you outgrow them.
FAQ
Before You Roll Initiative
The questions every group asks before its first online game, sorted by when they come up: during setup, at the table, and when someone mentions money.
Do players need a powerful computer?
For browser platforms, any recent laptop is fine. 3D tools like Tabletop Simulator and TaleSpire want a reasonable graphics card. Big maps hurt everyone, so compress them — see the map guide.
Can I self-host Foundry VTT?
Yes. Run it on your own computer (with port forwarding), on a small home or cloud server, or rent managed hosting such as The Forge if you'd rather not touch networking.
Can we still roll physical dice?
Absolutely. Many groups roll real dice on camera, or on the honour system, and type results in. The software does the bookkeeping; you keep the clatter.
What if someone's internet drops mid-session?
Agree on a rule at session zero. Commonly the character follows along quietly, or the GM runs them lightly until the player reconnects. Never kill a character for a router.
Do we need separate voice chat?
Not always, but most groups use Discord or similar alongside the VTT because it's more reliable and familiar. See the session guide for audio tips.
Do players have to pay?
It depends. Foundry VTT, and Fantasy Grounds with an Ultimate license, let players join free. Tabletop Simulator and TaleSpire need a purchase per player. Roll20 and Owlbear Rodeo have free accounts.
Can I use the physical rulebooks I already own?
You can reference them at the table, but digital versions are usually sold separately per platform and don't transfer between platforms. Check before buying content in two places.
Is a free tier enough for a long campaign?
Often, yes. Storage limits are the usual pain point; compressing maps to WebP or quality-80 JPEG goes a long way. Compare tiers on our platform page.