Best ways to play Dungeons & Dragons online

Dungeons & Dragons has persisted for decades, so it’s no surprise to see it adapted to play over the internet. Maybe you have friends online that you want to play with, or you’re trying to get into Dungeons & Dragons for the first time. Regardless, there are a few ways to do this, and it can be a little confusing as to which is the best. Here is a list of the best ways to play:

Roll20

Roll20 is probably the cheapest and simplest option available. It’s free to use and really easy to adjust to. While it doesn’t have a player’s guide built into it, you can use D&D Beyond to create and organize your characters, and then transfer them to Roll20. The site also features support for Google Hangouts, but you can use any voice communication software such as Discord or Skype. You can pay to get pre-built campaigns, and better maps if you’re comfortable with Roll20.

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Tabletop Simulator

If you’ve ever played with Tabletop Simulator, then you’re sure to understand what it would be like to play Dungeons and Dragons with it. Tabletop Simulator gives you an actual table, and lets you recreate how it feels to play Dungeons and Dragons. You have to find the write D&D mod you want to use, but most of them are well made, and even some have complete pre-built campaigns. Regardless, you will feel like you are at home playing Dungeons & Dragons traditionally, rather than online.

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Fantasy Grounds

By far the most expensive choice on this list, Fantasy Grounds can be a versatile and immersive tool. It may take a bit of time to adjust to the program, but Fantasy Grounds has so many built-in features that you’re able to customize adventures however you want. It’s also worth checking out if you are into more tabletop games than just Dungeons and Dragons, as Fantasy Grounds has official support for a variety of tabletop games.

Some people have even made their own systems with the program, so you’re able to run practically any tabletop game out there. You can even create your own with it. Note that, like Tabletop Simulator, everyone involved has to own a variant of Fantasy Grounds. Thankfully there is a free demo, and different options for paying.

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Overall, each of these is a great option, and it’s ultimately up to you to decide which one is the best for you. Roll20 is the easiest and fastest to get into, since it’s free and intuitive. Tabletop Simulator allows for a more classic Dungeons & Dragons experience, while Fantasy Grounds may be the most immersive option. Regardless of which choice you make, be sure to have a DM and/or player’s handbook available to you, and good luck with your adventures!

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