I bet this question gets asked a lot. I have been DMing an in person group for a couple months now. My first game back since around 2008 or so and I’m hooked again. The downside is that we’re all parents and scheduling is a nightmare (per the norm). We are only meeting once a month or less.
So I want to look into running another game online. I tried roll20 with a one shot that I wrote for the purpose and being that it was my first time using the platform it just kind of got in the way. I want to pick one platform (roll20, Foundry VTT, or whatever) and really do a deep dive to learn it so I can run an online game with a steady group. Setting up the self hosting of Foundry is no problem for me but I’ve read that players can find it confusing to use. I want players and myself to be able to manipulate the platform as seamlessly as possible.
Before I keep rambling on forever, what in your opinion is the easiest VTT to run and to play? I would like perspective from players and from DMs.
I use Owlbear Rodeo
It has maps, tokens, fog of war and some small tools like a pointer and a measuring tool for distances — everything I need.
If required you can install extensions but so far I do not really use that.
Good recommendation, I wasn’t even looking at Owlbear. Do you have a sense of the ease of use for the players?
It’s pretty easy for players. You can lock everything and give them access to their own token(s) only. The player can pan and zoom their own view, but when required you can sync all player views with your current view.
I’ve used Owlbear Rodeo in online sessions with co-workers that had never before played any ttrpgs, and it went great.