About
Fantasy Grounds is one of the most established and fully-featured Virtual Tabletop (VTT) platforms available for playing tabletop roleplaying games online. Designed for both Game Masters and players, it enables groups to meet digitally and enjoy the full tabletop RPG experience with powerful automation tools that streamline rules management, dice rolling, character tracking, and combat. The platform supports an enormous range of game systems, from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and AD&D 1E/2E to Pathfinder Remastered, Call of Cthulhu, Daggerheart, and many more. Fantasy Grounds partners with top TTRPG publishers worldwide to deliver officially-licensed digital modules, rulebooks, and supplements directly within the app. The base Fantasy Grounds application is completely free to download and install on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and is also available through Steam. Users can host or join games using built-in free rulesets, or purchase thousands of premium modules and expansions from the in-app store. Community content creators can publish and sell their own work through The Forge marketplace. Additional features include account sync with Paizo and Steam, an art subscription service, a robust community forum, Discord integration for finding games, and extensive documentation including a wiki and knowledge base. Fantasy Grounds is ideal for dedicated TTRPG groups seeking a deeply immersive and automation-rich online gaming experience.
Key Features
- Multi-System TTRPG Support: Play dozens of tabletop RPG systems including D&D 5e, Pathfinder Remastered, AD&D, Daggerheart, Call of Cthulhu, and many more with system-specific automation.
- Powerful Game Automation: Automates rules resolution, dice rolling, combat tracking, and character management so GMs can focus on storytelling rather than bookkeeping.
- Massive Licensed Content Catalog: Access thousands of officially-licensed modules, sourcebooks, and adventures from top TTRPG publishers directly within the platform.
- Community Content via The Forge: Browse, purchase, or publish homebrew and community-created content through The Forge marketplace, expanding available adventures and supplements.
- Free Base Application: The full Fantasy Grounds app is free to download on Windows, Mac, and Linux (including via Steam), with optional premium content purchases available.
Use Cases
- A Dungeon Master runs weekly D&D 5e sessions online for a group of remote friends using Fantasy Grounds' automation to handle initiative, dice rolls, and spell effects.
- A Pathfinder group transitions from in-person play to online using Fantasy Grounds' officially-licensed Pathfinder Remastered modules and character sheets.
- A TTRPG content creator publishes a custom adventure module on The Forge marketplace to share with and sell to the Fantasy Grounds community.
- New players use the free built-in rulesets to learn tabletop RPGs online without any upfront cost before investing in premium content.
- A gaming group syncs their Paizo accounts to access purchased Pathfinder content seamlessly within Fantasy Grounds for a streamlined digital play experience.
Pros
- Free to Download and Play: The core application is completely free, lowering the barrier to entry for new groups wanting to play online.
- Extensive TTRPG System Coverage: Supports one of the largest libraries of officially-licensed TTRPG systems and modules of any VTT platform.
- Deep Automation: Rules automation reduces prep time and in-session friction, making games smoother and more immersive for everyone at the table.
- Active Community & Marketplace: A large, established community with forums, Discord, game-finder tools, and a creator marketplace provides ongoing support and content.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: The feature-rich interface and extensive options can be overwhelming for new users unfamiliar with VTT software.
- Premium Content Costs Add Up: While the app is free, purchasing official licensed modules and rulebooks can become expensive over time.
- Desktop-First Experience: Fantasy Grounds is primarily a downloadable desktop application, which may feel less accessible compared to fully browser-based VTT alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fantasy Grounds free to use?
Yes, the base Fantasy Grounds application is completely free to download and install on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can host or join games using built-in free rulesets. Additional licensed content (modules, rulebooks, etc.) is available for purchase in the store.
What tabletop RPG systems does Fantasy Grounds support?
Fantasy Grounds supports a wide range of systems including D&D 5th Edition, AD&D 1E/2E, Pathfinder (1st Edition and Remastered), Daggerheart, Call of Cthulhu, Savage Worlds, and many more. New systems and content are regularly added.
Can I create and sell my own content on Fantasy Grounds?
Yes. Through The Forge marketplace, community members can create and sell homebrew modules, adventures, and other TTRPG content to other Fantasy Grounds users.
How do I find other players to game with?
Fantasy Grounds offers several ways to find games: the FG Discord (#players_lfg and #gm_lfp channels), Warhorn, RPGMatch, StartPlaying.Games, the FG Forums, and the Fantasy Grounds Game Calendar.
Is Fantasy Grounds available on Steam?
Yes, Fantasy Grounds can be downloaded and played through Steam in addition to direct installation on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
