The best online platforms for playing RPGs with friends
The Best Online Platforms for Playing RPGs with Friends
Role-playing games, or RPGs, have been a beloved genre for decades. Whether it's tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons or video games like Skyrim, RPGs have captured the imaginations of players all over the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for friends to gather in person to play these games. As a result, many players have turned to online platforms to continue their gaming adventures. In this article, we'll explore some of the best online platforms for playing RPGs with friends.
Roll20
Roll20 is a popular virtual tabletop platform that allows players to host and join RPG games online. The platform offers a variety of tools, such as character sheets, dice rolling, and map creation, to make the gaming experience as seamless as possible. Roll20 also has a large library of pre-made adventures and campaigns available for players to use, making it easy for new players to jump in and start playing.
One of the best features of Roll20 is its ability to integrate with video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Discord. This allows players to see and hear each other during the game, making it feel more like an in-person game. Roll20 also has a thriving community of players and game masters who are always willing to help out with any questions or issues that may arise.
Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds is another virtual tabletop platform that is popular among RPG players. The software offers many of the same features as Roll20, such as character sheets, dice rolling, and map creation. However, Fantasy Grounds places a greater emphasis on automation, making it easier for game masters to run games with larger groups of players.
One of the standout features of Fantasy Grounds is its integration with various RPG systems. The platform has licensed content for popular systems like Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and Savage Worlds, which allows game masters to easily set up games using pre-made content. Additionally, Fantasy Grounds has a robust community of players who have created their own content and modules for others to use.
Tabletop Simulator
Tabletop Simulator is a unique platform that allows players to simulate tabletop games in a 3D virtual environment. The software includes a vast library of pre-made board games and RPGs, as well as tools for players to create their own games and environments. Tabletop Simulator has become a popular platform for RPG players due to its flexibility and the ability to create highly customizable game environments.
One of the benefits of Tabletop Simulator is that it has a one-time purchase fee, rather than a subscription-based model. This makes it an affordable option for players who want to continue playing RPGs with friends online without breaking the bank. Additionally, Tabletop Simulator has a very active community of players who are constantly creating and sharing content.
Finding a Group
While these platforms provide great tools for playing RPGs online, they are only part of the equation. The real challenge can be finding a group of people to play with. Fortunately, there are many resources available for players looking to find an online RPG group.
One option is to visit online RPG forums and communities, such as Reddit's LFG (Looking For Group) subreddit. These communities often have players looking for groups or game masters looking for players. Social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook can also be good resources for finding people to play with.
Another option is to use the platform's built-in looking for group features. Roll20 and Fantasy Grounds both have forums and group-finding tools that can be used to connect with other players. Tabletop Simulator has a dedicated Discord server where players can connect with others and join games.
Conclusion
In these uncertain times, online RPG platforms have become a lifeline for players who want to continue playing with friends. Whether you choose Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, or Tabletop Simulator, each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses. What's most important is finding a group of people to play with who share your love of RPGs. By using the tools and resources available, you're sure to find a great group of players to embark on an epic adventure with.