Are the boxes and reference materials for your tabletop games taking up too much room in your home? Do you wish there was a simpler, quicker method to purchase expansions for your favorite games? Or are you seeking a way to accommodate multiple players on a limited playing area, or even play remotely? Roll20 can provide all these solutions and more.
What Is Roll20?
Roll20 is an online platform designed for role-playing game enthusiasts to host their sessions, enabling players from around the globe to join together at a shared virtual tabletop. With millions of users and support for more than a thousand game systems, Roll20 stands as the largest platform of its type. Creating a free Roll20 account gives users access to all the essential features for playing RPGs online, including customizable character sheets, tools for creating or uploading maps and tokens, voice and video capabilities, and, of course, digital dice!
Why Roll20 Is Famous?
Roll20 is the leading platform for online tabletop role-playing games, offering a wide range of useful tools for both players and game masters. This online service enables friends to play various tabletop games, including traditional pen-and-paper RPGs and board games, virtually. It is built to accommodate a variety of game types while ensuring ease of use. The core software has been continually enhanced with features like dynamic lighting, mobile compatibility, and a powerful API that lets users fully tailor their gaming experience.
How Does Roll20 Work?
The Roll20 ecosystem can be categorized into five key sections: Home, Games, Marketplace, Tools, and Community, which are all accessible through the banner menu located at the top of the Roll20 page.
Home
The Home section serves as the control panel for your ongoing campaigns. Additionally, it’s where Roll20 shares updates about new marketplace offerings and other announcements that the team believes might catch your attention.
Games
The Games section allows you to oversee your ongoing campaigns, initiate new ones, or find other Roll20 users to play with remotely using the Join a Game feature. The Player Directory helps you connect with Roll20 players you’re familiar with, simplifying the process of arranging games, sharing statistics, or anything else you need to accomplish.
The last option in the Games menu is Tutorial. This tutorial offers a hands-on experience for the game master, specifically concentrating on the map tool. The map tool enables you to position and relocate character markers and other objects, manage dynamic lighting, and control line-of-sight for different characters, among other features. If you intend to utilize the map, it’s beneficial to complete this brief exercise.
Marketplace
The Roll20 Marketplace is the place to purchase games, expansion packs, and Roll20 merchandise. Additionally, you can redeem gift codes and review your previous purchases. Game resources, rulebooks, compendiums, and adventure packs usually cost between $20 and $50, while items such as character marker packs, maps, and map effects typically range from $5 to $13.
These assets are compatible with the Roll20 system, and you also have the option to download and print them for physical copies for your group. This feature is useful if some members of your party do not use Roll20, or if you prefer to utilize Roll20’s various tools without losing the tangible aspects of your favorite tabletop game. Additionally, you can locate any purchased items in your account inventory via the Marketplace menu if you wish to initiate a return. The return process is straightforward and quick; however, please note that you cannot return a digital package once you have opened it and downloaded its assets.
Tools
The Tools section is where you can find all your content on Roll20, including any assets you have collected or purchased. This encompasses Compendiums, which provide essential information needed to begin your games on Roll20. While you can explore Compendiums for supported games for free using the search feature, they won’t function within the Roll20 gameplay system unless they are included in a marketplace asset pack.
The Tools tab serves as the location for your character markers and allows players and game masters to import and export character data between games. Keep in mind that the number of characters you can handle simultaneously depends on your subscription level. Additionally, you can choose Manage Audio to oversee playlists of background music and sound effects to use during your adventures. You can explore the available selections within the platform or upload your own audio files.
Community
The Community tab features blogs, forums, help centers, wikis, videos, and live streams. It also includes the Change Log, where the company shares site updates. By following Roll20 on social media, you can see that they are always improving user experience. If you frequently visit the Community tab and check the change logs, you might want to consider subscribing to the “Pro” tier, which offers additional benefits on the platform.
Roll20 Features
Roll20 offers a wide range of features, even for users with a free account. A gaming group can set up a private virtual tabletop that has enough storage for digital assets compatible with nearly any RPG system they choose; just one member needs to have the rules to share them with the entire group. Additionally, Roll20 can function as their voice and video communication tool, enabling players to monitor the game and see each other’s faces simultaneously.
It can manage character details and notes for players and game masters using easy-to-use character sheets and a neatly arranged journal with folders and materials. A text chat option allows players to exchange information either publicly or privately with specific individuals. Players can roll digital dice (with an optional 3D animation) openly, discretely “behind the screen,” or directly from their character sheet just by clicking the desired roll. Those who are more adventurous can set up their own shortcuts to streamline frequent or intricate rolls.
Roll20 can enhance the atmosphere by providing a built-in audio player that features a vast collection of ambient music and captivating soundscapes! This is just the beginning; with a Roll20 subscription, you also gain access to additional features such as dynamic lighting for character visibility, video effects and animations, and the option to share purchased content with a larger group of players and games!
What Does Roll20 Cost?
Roll20 is available at no cost, but it also offers two subscription options: Plus and Pro. Each subscription level provides additional storage for uploaded content, allows for more games and players, and enhances the discoverability for other players looking for games. The paid tiers also include features like dynamic lighting on maps, shared table capabilities, unlimited character storage, and an ad-free experience. The Pro tier primarily enhances software features, granting access to the API and developer server, which are not available in the Plus tier.
Getting Started With Roll20
Starting with this site is simple, and you’ll soon be engaged in exciting adventures. All you need is a computer or tablet and a stable internet connection. Plus, a strong enthusiasm for thrilling experiences is essential! To kick off your Roll20 adventure, visit its website and register for a free account. This process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to get started in no time. Once you’re set up, a vast world of gaming awaits you. With Roll20, you’ll enjoy an array of fantastic features that enhance your gaming experience. You can design and personalize your own virtual tabletop, complete with maps, tokens, and all the necessary elements for your RPG sessions. It’s like having a digital gaming table right at your fingertips!
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Conclusion:
Roll20 is a revolutionary platform in the realm of tabletop RPGs. It has transformed how players engage by merging the best aspects of traditional physical games with digital elements. With its intuitive interface and robust features, it serves as the perfect venue for gamers to connect, overcome barriers, and embark on exciting adventures together. What truly distinguishes Roll20 is its vibrant community, which offers a supportive environment for both seasoned players and newcomers to exchange ideas and form lasting bonds. Whether you’re an experienced veteran or a novice adventurer, Roll20 invites you in with enthusiasm. It’s a space where your creativity can flourish, and thrilling quests are just a click away. Join the expanding community of storytellers and adventurers who have already discovered Roll20, and prepare to unleash your imagination in this virtual playground. Enjoy gaming, and may your adventures be filled with excitement and success!
