For the easiest official browser-based start, try D&D Beyond Maps. It connects online play with a D&D Beyond account and library, and includes maps, tokens, digital dice, and combat tools. Maps is still in beta, so check its current feature set before committing. Roll20 is another browser-based option; Foundry Virtual Tabletop suits groups prepared to install and host software, while Fantasy Grounds is a downloadable application with D&D fifth-edition content.
Which online D&D site should you choose?
| Platform | How it works | Best fit | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| D&D Beyond Maps | Official, browser-based VTT integrated with D&D Beyond. The product page describes maps and monsters from its library, tokens, dice, fog of war, and encounter tools. The product is in beta. | Newer groups or D&D Beyond users who want an official, browser-based route. | Beta feature availability, account-tier requirements, and library-sharing rules. |
| Roll20 | Browser-based VTT. Roll20 promotes free D&D play, live-session discovery, and marketplace content. | Groups who want browser access or are looking for a game to join. | Current account tiers, marketplace prices, and whether a suitable game listing is active. |
| Foundry Virtual Tabletop | Self-hosted software for Windows, Mac, and Linux; players connect through a browser. Foundry describes its license as a one-time purchase without subscription fees. | Groups with a technically comfortable host who want control over hosting. | Hosting and network needs, setup effort, current version, and costs for content or modules. |
| Fantasy Grounds | Downloadable application; its site lists D&D fifth-edition material among supported content and says the application is free to download. | Groups interested in a dedicated application and ruleset-based automation. | License requirements for participants, content costs, and operating-system needs. |
There is no source-backed universal winner or cheapest-overall choice: these platforms differ in hosting, installation, content access, and licensing. Check each provider’s current terms and total costs for your group.
D&D Beyond Maps: the simplest official browser start
D&D Beyond Support calls Maps “the official Dungeons & Dragons virtual tabletop (VTT) that is fully integrated with D&D Beyond!” The support article, updated February 17, 2026, describes browser sessions hosted by anyone with a free account, with digital dice, maps, tokens, and combat and initiative tools. Its current product page labels Maps as beta, so features and requirements may change.
Some features, including custom map uploads and homebrew monsters, are described on the product page as Master Tier features. Check the current account-tier requirements and library-sharing rules rather than assuming every participant needs the same access. D&D Beyond also publishes the SRD v5.2.1 as a digital rules resource.
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- THE START OF A LEGENDARY D&D ADVENTURE—Create your first character, fight monsters, save your friends, and embark on thrilling quests. This is the start of something legendary. This is D&D for everyone.
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Roll20: browser play and game discovery
Roll20 promotes free online D&D play and points visitors toward live-session discovery and marketplace content. That makes it a possible starting point both for groups bringing their own campaign and for players seeking a game. The landing page does not establish a comparable total cost for every group; check the current plan details, listing availability, and prices of any marketplace content you want.
Foundry Virtual Tabletop: self-hosting and setup control
Foundry is downloadable software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, while players connect through a browser. Its official homepage describes a one-time purchase with no subscription fees, but the host still needs to handle setup and hosting. Check network requirements, setup workload, and the price and compatibility of any rules content or modules before choosing it.
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- Includes a condensed 60-page starter rulebook that teaches the core mechanics of the Cosmere RPG, making it easy for beginners to learn tabletop roleplaying and start playing quickly.
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Fantasy Grounds: a dedicated downloadable application
Fantasy Grounds is a downloadable application, and its homepage lists D&D fifth-edition content among supported systems. The application being free to download does not mean every rulebook, adventure, or other content is free. Confirm which license each participant needs, what content you must buy, and whether the software fits your group’s operating systems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare before your first session
- Access: Decide whether everyone prefers a browser session or is comfortable with downloaded software.
- Hosting: Establish who will host and whether they can manage the setup and network requirements.
- Rules and content: Check whether the platform’s available D&D material matches your campaign and what access or purchases it requires.
- Tools: Consider which maps, tokens, dice, initiative tools, and automation your group actually wants.
- Cost: Compare the total for your specific group, including licenses, account tiers, and optional content—not just whether an application or account is free.
Online play does not require physical dice: D&D Beyond Maps includes digital dice. You can also use digital rules resources; a printed rulebook is an optional reference, not a prerequisite for using these sites.
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