Fantasy Grounds - Detailed Review
Entertainment
Fantasy Grounds - Product Overview
Overview
Fantasy Grounds is a powerful virtual tabletop (VTT) designed to enhance the experience of playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) online. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Fantasy Grounds allows TTRPG groups to connect and play their favorite games online, replicating the immersive experience of a physical tabletop setting. It provides all the necessary tools for online gaming, including digital dice, character sheets, tokens, maps, notes, and more.
Target Audience
The primary target audience for Fantasy Grounds is Game Masters (GMs) and players of TTRPGs. It is particularly appealing to those who want to play games like Dungeons & Dragons (D&D 5E, 4E, 3.5E) and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, but it also supports any game system through its CoreRPG ruleset.
Key Features
Automated Game Mechanics
Fantasy Grounds includes automated and interactive game mechanics, such as a 5E Character Wizard, which reduces prep time and eliminates the need for manual math calculations during games.
Combat Tracker
The combat tracker is highly praised for its ability to manage initiative, effects, targeting, and damage calculations efficiently. It can handle complex combat scenarios with ease, including resolving ties based on dexterity and alphabetical order.
Content Library
Fantasy Grounds boasts the most licensed content among VTTs, with a vast library of modules, sourcebooks, and accessories available for purchase. Users can also create and reuse content like monsters, items, and spells from other modules.
Licensing Options
There are two main licensing options: the Core License and the Ultimate License. The Ultimate License allows GMs to host games for CORE and Demo players, enabling free play for their players and the ability to share content during games.
Community and Support
Fantasy Grounds has a strong and supportive community, with active development and continuous updates. The customer service is highly regarded, and the community is known for being friendly and helpful.
Customization and Extensions
The platform is highly customizable, with extensions available to adapt the game to specific needs. It also supports community-developed rulesets, adding to its versatility.
Overall, Fantasy Grounds is a comprehensive and user-friendly VTT that enhances the online TTRPG experience with its rich features, extensive content library, and strong community support.
Fantasy Grounds - User Interface and Experience
User Interface Design
The UI of Fantasy Grounds is often described as outdated and cumbersome. Users have expressed frustration with the select and drag concept, which they find does not facilitate easy discovery of available options. This approach can make it difficult for new users to learn the software without resorting to external resources like instruction manuals or YouTube videos.
Ease of Use
The ease of use is a major concern. Many users find the interface to be unintuitive and reminiscent of software from the early 2000s. The installer, for instance, is seen as intimidating, especially for those accustomed to modern software. This has led to instances where users, even those with some technical proficiency, struggle to get the software up and running.
Learning Curve
The learning curve for Fantasy Grounds is steep. New users often compare the experience to learning a CRM database rather than a game system. This steep learning curve can be off-putting, especially for casual users who might expect a more user-friendly experience. For example, setting up effects and actions involves multiple steps and specific targeting, which can be confusing without prior knowledge.
User Experience
The overall user experience is marred by the outdated design and lack of modern UI elements. Users have highlighted that good user interfaces should guide the end user and help them discover available options without needing extensive external help. In contrast, Fantasy Grounds forces users to have prior knowledge of where specific data is located, which hampers the discovery process.
Feedback and Improvement
There is a clear need for improvement based on user feedback. Users have suggested that the software needs to be updated to a modern user interface and design philosophy, similar to more contemporary products like D&D Beyond. This includes making the installer more user-friendly and streamlining the UI to make it more accessible and intuitive for new users.
Conclusion
In summary, while Fantasy Grounds offers a rich set of features for virtual tabletop gaming, its user interface and overall user experience are areas that require significant improvement to make the software more accessible and enjoyable for a broader range of users.
Fantasy Grounds - Key Features and Functionality
Fantasy Grounds Overview
Fantasy Grounds is a versatile Virtual Tabletop (VTT) platform that offers a wide range of features to enhance online tabletop role-playing games, particularly integrating AI to streamline and enrich the gaming experience. Here are the main features and how they work:
Virtual Tabletop Environment
Fantasy Grounds simulates a desktop playing environment for the Game Master (GM) and players across the internet. This includes a chat window where players can speak as their characters, emote, state actions, and communicate out of character. The GM can narrate and use various character voices with quick commands.
Map and Image Sharing
The GM can share maps, images, and notes with all players or individually. Maps can be masked to reveal only certain areas, and a grid can be set for plotting movement in battles. Players and the GM can draw pointers (arrows, boxes, cones, or circles) to plot line of sight, spell effects, and measure distances.
Token Management
Players and the GM can add tokens to the map to show character placement or movement. These tokens can be moved by anyone, but the GM can lock them to control player movement.
Dice Rolling and Tracking
The platform allows for shared die rolls, visible to all players and the GM. It includes a modifier stack and hotkeys for common modifiers like to-hit bonuses, spot checks, and saves. The GM’s rolls can be hidden unless they choose to reveal them.
AI-Assisted Content Creation
Fantasy Grounds integrates AI tools to assist in content creation. For example, AI can help generate NPC stat blocks, set up rollable tables, and integrate custom maps and handouts. Tools like Claude 3 and Open AI’s Chat GPT can be used to create immersive narratives, dynamic lore, and challenging encounters. AI-generated visuals, such as photorealistic 3D art and Octane render style images, can enhance the adventure’s immersion.
Placeable Objects and Text
In the latest version (v4.6.0), Fantasy Grounds introduces placeable objects, allowing users to seamlessly add 2D and 2.5D elements like trees and furniture to maps, enriching the visual storytelling. Text objects can also be added directly to maps for labeling locations or adding notes.
Tile Placement Enhancements
Version 4.6.0 also includes refined control over tile parameters, enabling more precise and creative map designs. This feature enhances the overall map-building experience.
Improved Camera Mode
The improved camera mode in version 4.6.0 offers a more dynamic field-of-view, bringing maps to life with enhanced perspectives. This feature adds more realism and engagement to the game.
Campaign-Specific Portraits
Users can customize their campaigns by adding unique portrait assets, which are automatically exported with the modules. This personalization helps in creating a more immersive and unique campaign experience.
Performance Boosts
Fantasy Grounds version 4.6.0 includes performance boosts through multi-threaded loading of campaign and data assets, ensuring smoother and faster gameplay.
Rule Sets and Modifiability
The platform supports various rule sets, including Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, and allows for modifiability. The rules are stored in XML format, making it possible for users to modify or add new rule sets.
Community and Resources
Fantasy Grounds has a strong community and provides resources such as the Fantasy Grounds Academy, which offers tutorials, live events, and useful links for AI tools and NPC stat block templates. This community support helps users optimize their gameplay and content creation.
These features collectively make Fantasy Grounds a powerful tool for enhancing online tabletop RPG experiences, with AI integration playing a significant role in streamlining content creation and improving game immersion.
Fantasy Grounds - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Fantasy Grounds
Fantasy Grounds, a popular virtual tabletop platform, can experience performance issues even on high-end hardware, due to several factors.Hardware and Software Limitations
- Despite running on 64-bit platforms with significant hardware capabilities (e.g., high-end CPUs, ample RAM, and powerful GPUs), Fantasy Grounds can still encounter performance issues. This is often more related to software limitations rather than hardware constraints.
- The platform’s performance is not solely determined by the hardware specs but also by how the software utilizes system resources. For instance, display resolution and the number of calculations required for features like Line of Sight (LOS) checks, lighting, and animations can significantly impact performance.
Key Performance Impact Factors
- Map Size and Complexity: While the size of the map image itself has minimal impact on performance, the complexity of the map (e.g., number of LOS points, lighting effects, and animations) can cause significant performance issues. Keeping the number of LOS points and animations down is often recommended to improve performance.
- Extensions and Custom Content: Running multiple extensions, especially those that manage image-related content, can degrade performance. Disabling these extensions can help in identifying and resolving performance issues.
- Token and Object Management: The number of tokens and objects on the map, as well as their movement and interactions, can increase the computational load, leading to lag and performance issues.
User Experiences and Solutions
- Users with high-end hardware have reported performance issues, such as lag and stuttering, particularly when using large maps with extensive LOS points and lighting effects. Testing on different machines and disabling certain features can help isolate the problem.
- Some users suggest that deleting Fog of War (FoW) data or adjusting token movement settings can improve performance. Additionally, checking for updates and using the TEST channel build can sometimes resolve ongoing performance issues.
Optimization and Development
- The developers are continually working on optimizing the software. Periodic updates and changes aim to improve performance, but the process can be iterative, with performance sometimes improving and then worsening as new features are added or tweaked.
User Skill and Learning Curve
- Fantasy Grounds has a steep learning curve, especially for users without programming or extensive technical knowledge. Experienced DMs and programmers often find it necessary to spend significant time learning and customizing the platform to achieve desired functionality.
Fantasy Grounds - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Fantasy Grounds
The pricing structure of Fantasy Grounds, a virtual tabletop (VTT) platform, is straightforward and includes several options to cater to different user needs.
License Tiers
As of May 2024, Fantasy Grounds offers two main license tiers:
Standard License
- This license is now priced at $20.
- It provides access to the core features of Fantasy Grounds, including the ability to play and host games, but with some limitations compared to the Ultimate license.
Ultimate License
- This license is now priced at $50.
- It includes all the features of the Standard license plus additional capabilities, such as the ability to host games for players who only need the free demo version.
- Upgrades from the Standard to the Ultimate license are available for $30.
New Licensing Policy as of February 4th, 2025
- All licenses purchased after February 4th, 2025, are automatically Ultimate licenses. This means that users can host games for free, and their players only need the free demo version.
Free Demo
- Fantasy Grounds offers a free demo version that allows players to join games hosted by licensed users.
- This demo is a great way to try out the platform before committing to a purchase.
Key Features
- Both licenses provide access to features such as drag and drop functionality for monsters, NPCs, feats, abilities, spells, weapons, and armor.
- The platform supports various game systems, including D&D 5E, 4E, 3.5E, Pathfinder, and any game system with the CoreRPG ruleset.
In summary, Fantasy Grounds offers a one-time purchase model with no recurring fees, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to engage in virtual tabletop gaming.
Fantasy Grounds - Integration and Compatibility
Fantasy Grounds Unity Overview
Fantasy Grounds Unity (FGU) is designed to integrate seamlessly with various tools and offers broad compatibility across different platforms and devices.Cross-Platform Compatibility
Fantasy Grounds Unity supports multiple operating systems, including 64-bit versions of Windows (Windows 8, 10, and 11), Mac OSX, and Linux (specifically Ubuntu 18.04 and later).Unified Experience
This cross-platform compatibility allows players and game masters (GMs) to play together regardless of their operating system, ensuring a unified experience.Integration with Mapping Tools
FGU can import maps created with several third-party mapping programs. Tools like Dungeon Alchemist, Arkenforge, and Dungeondraft are popular choices because they export maps in formats compatible with Fantasy Grounds, including Universal VTT files (.uvtt), JPG, and WEBM. These maps can include features like line of sight and lighting, which enhance the gaming experience.Voice Communication and External Programs
Fantasy Grounds Unity supports voice communication through external programs such as Google Hangouts, Skype, and Discord. A sound card is required for these functionalities, ensuring that players can communicate effectively during sessions.Content and Modules
The platform is highly extensible with a wide range of content and modules available. The Fantasy Grounds Forge is a community developer portal where creators can share and sell content, making it easy for users to find and integrate new material into their games.Licensing and Access
Fantasy Grounds offers both subscription and one-time license options. As of February 4th, 2025, all new licenses purchased are ULTIMATE licenses, which allow hosts to play with players using the free demo version, eliminating the need for additional licenses for players.System Requirements
To ensure smooth operation, Fantasy Grounds Unity has specific system requirements, including a 64-bit processor, minimum RAM of 4 GB (8 GB recommended), and a graphics card with DX10 capabilities (or OpenGL 3.2 for Linux). These requirements vary depending on the number of players and add-ons installed.Conclusion
In summary, Fantasy Grounds Unity is a versatile virtual tabletop platform that integrates well with various mapping tools, supports cross-platform play, and offers flexible licensing options, making it a comprehensive solution for online role-playing games. Fantasy Grounds - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Technical Support
Users can request assistance with installing, configuring, or troubleshooting issues through the Fantasy Grounds Customer Support portal. This includes submitting tickets for technical issues, which should include the user’s FG username and steps to reproduce the error if applicable.
Other Questions
For general inquiries that do not fit into specific categories, users can select the “Other questions” option to get help from the support team.
Licensing and Billing
There is dedicated support for questions related to licensing and billing. Users can choose this option to address any issues or queries regarding their subscriptions or purchases.
Refund Inquiries
If a user needs to request a refund, they can do so within 30 days of the original purchase date through the designated refund inquiry option.
Additional Resources
Fantasy Grounds Customer Portal
This is a comprehensive knowledge base that includes user manuals, how-to articles, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and troubleshooting guides. It is an invaluable resource for learning how to use the new features of Fantasy Grounds Unity.
Community Forums
The Fantasy Grounds forums are a vibrant community where users can discuss the program, seek help, and share resources. With over 150,000 users and active moderators, these forums are a great place to find answers and connect with other users.
Video Tutorials and Feature Highlights
The platform provides video tutorials and feature highlights to help users learn and make the most out of Fantasy Grounds Unity.
Extensions and Modules
There is a rich collection of community-created extensions, modules, and pre-generated characters available. These resources can enhance the user experience, especially for those using the 5E ruleset. Users can find extensions like the Message of the Day, Request to Roll, and various character and campaign tools.
Community Contributions
Community Extensions
The community has developed numerous extensions to enhance gameplay, such as the Campaign and Character Printing Tool, Theme Builder, and various utility tools. These extensions can be found through community threads and resources.
Training and Education
Fantasy Grounds College offers free classes and resources to help new users learn the basics and advanced features of the platform. This includes character creation guides and complete package series for importing characters.
By leveraging these support options and resources, users of Fantasy Grounds can ensure they get the most out of their virtual tabletop experience.
Fantasy Grounds - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Fantasy Grounds
Streamlined Game Management
Fantasy Grounds offers tools that streamline game management, enhancing the overall gaming experience. For example, the Custom Chat GPT Effects Automation Tool simplifies the application of effects, advantages, and disadvantages, making it easier for players and Dungeon Masters to manage game mechanics.
Wide Game System Support
Fantasy Grounds is compatible with a variety of popular RPG systems, including Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Pathfinder, Starfinder, and more. This versatility allows users to play different types of games within the same platform.
Automation and Effects
The software allows for the automation of various game mechanics, such as applying advantages and disadvantages to individual characters or group saving throws. This automation helps in maintaining consistency and reducing manual errors during gameplay.
Partnership with Top Publishers
Fantasy Grounds partners with major TTRPG publishers, ensuring that users have access to official content and rulesets for their favorite games.
Disadvantages of Fantasy Grounds
User Interface Issues
One of the significant drawbacks is the user interface, which some users find outdated and cumbersome. The select and drag concept can be frustrating, especially for new users who are accustomed to more modern and intuitive interfaces like those found in DND Beyond.
Learning Curve
The software requires a certain level of familiarity with its mechanics and rulesets. New users often need to watch tutorials or read manuals to understand how to use the various features effectively, which can be time-consuming.
Automation Limitations
While the automation tools are helpful, they can sometimes break down if not implemented correctly. For instance, applying advantage or disadvantage to individual characters in group saving throws can disrupt other automated features like hand/zero damage and concentration checks if not done properly.
Additional Considerations
Paid Account Requirement
To access some of the advanced features, such as the Custom Chat GPT Effects Automation Tool, users need a paid Chat GPT account, which can be an additional expense.
Overall, Fantasy Grounds offers a rich set of features that can enhance the virtual tabletop experience, but it also comes with some usability challenges and the need for a learning investment.
Fantasy Grounds - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Fantasy Grounds with Competitors
When comparing Fantasy Grounds (FG) with its competitors, such as Roll20 and Foundry, several key differences and unique features emerge.
User Experience and Ease of Use
- Fantasy Grounds is often praised for its streamlined game flow and ease of setup, particularly for GMs who are serious about running detailed campaigns. It has a steeper learning curve, but once mastered, it offers a more efficient experience, especially for high-level games with many combatants.
- Roll20, on the other hand, is more user-friendly for new players and GMs, making it a good starting point. However, some users find its VTT experience less polished compared to FG and Foundry.
- Foundry, known for its visually appealing and immersive environment, can be more challenging to set up and use, especially for those new to online tabletop gaming. It lacks some of the automation features that FG offers, particularly for systems like Pathfinder.
Automation and Official Content
- Fantasy Grounds stands out with its extensive automation features, especially for well-supported systems like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder. This automation significantly speeds up game flow and reduces the workload for GMs. Additionally, FG has access to official content, which makes setting up and running games much easier.
- Foundry, while visually stunning, still lacks in automation, particularly for targeting attacks and resolving them against Armor Class (AC) in systems like Pathfinder.
- Roll20 does not have the same level of automation as FG but is more versatile in terms of community-created content and rulesets.
Visual and Audio Features
- Foundry is renowned for its impressive visuals and sound design, making it a favorite for those who value an immersive experience. However, this comes at the cost of more complex setup and less automation.
- Fantasy Grounds, while not as visually polished as Foundry, has been improving its visual features. The latest updates include enhancements such as placeable objects, text objects, tile placement refinements, and improved camera modes, which enrich the visual storytelling.
- Roll20’s visual capabilities are more basic compared to Foundry but are still effective for running games, especially with the help of community-created assets.
Community and Support
- Fantasy Grounds boasts an excellent community and support system. Users often praise the community support and the ease of finding help when needed, which is a significant advantage over Foundry.
- Foundry, despite its strong community, can be more challenging for new users to get support and straightforward answers, which can be a barrier to adoption.
Long-term Costs and Flexibility
- Fantasy Grounds is likely the most expensive option in the long run due to the cost of official content and the software itself.
- Foundry has many free or low-cost modules, but the lack of automation and support for lesser-known rulesets can be a drawback.
- Roll20 offers a more balanced approach in terms of cost and flexibility, making it a good middle ground for many users.
Specific Features and Updates
- Fantasy Grounds has recently introduced features like first-person view mode, which supports both 2D and 3D maps and can even generate quick scenes for theater of the mind style play. This feature is designed to be easy to set up and use.
- Foundry’s use of JavaScript for its rulesets makes it more accessible for developers to create custom content, but this also means that updates can sometimes cause issues with lesser-known rulesets.
Conclusion
In summary, Fantasy Grounds excels in automation, official content, and community support, making it ideal for serious GMs. Foundry offers a visually stunning experience but lacks in automation and ease of use. Roll20 provides a balanced and user-friendly option, especially for new players and GMs. Each platform has its unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing users to choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.
Fantasy Grounds - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Fantasy Grounds
Q: What is Fantasy Grounds and what does it offer?
Fantasy Grounds is a virtual tabletop (VTT) software that allows users to play tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) online. It provides features such as campaign tracking, automation, and tools for creating and managing game content. Users can create or join games, and the software supports various RPG rule sets, including Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder.Q: What are the different types of licenses available for Fantasy Grounds?
As of recent updates, all licenses purchased after February 4th, 2025, are Ultimate licenses. Previously, there were Standard and Ultimate licenses available. The Standard license cost $20, and the Ultimate license cost $50, with an upgrade option from Standard to Ultimate for $30.Q: What is the difference between Standard and Ultimate licenses?
The Ultimate license offers more features compared to the Standard license, including the ability to host players for free, while players only need the free demo version. The Ultimate license generally provides more comprehensive functionality and better value for those who plan to host games frequently.Q: Do players need to purchase a license to play on Fantasy Grounds?
No, players do not need to purchase a license if the game is hosted by someone with an Ultimate license. Players can use the free demo version to join games hosted by an Ultimate license holder.Q: Is Fantasy Grounds compatible with different operating systems?
Yes, Fantasy Grounds, especially the upcoming Fantasy Grounds Unity version, is planned to run natively on Windows, Linux, and Mac.Q: What about existing content and DLC? Will it work with new versions of Fantasy Grounds?
Yes, the developers have ensured that all existing content and DLC will be compatible with the new versions of Fantasy Grounds, including the upcoming Fantasy Grounds Unity.Q: Are there any subscription options available for Fantasy Grounds?
Yes, there are subscription options available, but these are specifically for Fantasy Grounds Classic and are not compatible with the newer Fantasy Grounds Unity. These subscriptions offer a monthly payment plan as an alternative to purchasing a license outright.Q: Can I upgrade from Fantasy Grounds Classic to Fantasy Grounds Unity?
While there are no firm details on the upgrade cost for existing users, it is expected that there will be an upgrade option available. The cost may depend on how long the user has owned the existing software.Q: What new features can I expect in Fantasy Grounds Unity?
Fantasy Grounds Unity is expected to include better formatted text and font controls, enhanced image and map features (including layers, painting with images, weather effects, and dynamic Line of Sight), improved networking, and better memory management.Q: Is there a release date for Fantasy Grounds Unity?
There is no specific release date announced for Fantasy Grounds Unity. It will be released after a minimum 3-month beta period, but no exact timeline has been provided.Q: How can I provide feedback or suggest new features for Fantasy Grounds?
You can submit your ideas and feature requests through the official Fantasy Grounds feature request page. This helps the developers to consider new features and improvements based on user feedback. Fantasy Grounds - Conclusion and Recommendation
Fantasy Grounds Overview
Fantasy Grounds is a versatile and feature-rich virtual tabletop platform that caters to the needs of both Dungeon Masters (DMs) and players, particularly those engaged in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and other tabletop role-playing games.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enhanced Visuals and Map Control: The latest updates, such as version 4.6.0, introduce significant improvements like placeable objects, text objects, and tile placement enhancements. These features allow for more detailed and immersive map designs, enriching the visual storytelling of your game.
- Combat Tracking: The Combat Tracker is a powerful tool that helps manage combat encounters by tracking turns, initiative, and spell effects. It also includes features like effect targeting, making it easier to apply and manage various combat effects.
- Performance and User Experience: Fantasy Grounds benefits from multi-threaded loading of campaign and data assets, ensuring smoother and faster gameplay. Additionally, features like improved camera mode and campaign-specific portraits add to the overall user experience.
- Content Creation and Automation: The platform supports extensive content creation, including the use of AI tools like Chat GPT to inspire and streamline the creative process. Built-in automation handles many game mechanics, reducing the workload for DMs.
Who Would Benefit Most
Fantasy Grounds is ideal for several groups:
- Dungeon Masters: DMs will appreciate the extensive tools for map creation, combat tracking, and content management. These features help in creating detailed and engaging campaigns with minimal hassle.
- Players: Players can enjoy a more immersive experience with enhanced visuals, automated tracking of game mechanics, and the ability to interact with the game environment in a more dynamic way.
- New Users: Those new to virtual tabletop gaming can start with the built-in D&D SRD data modules and ruleset, which provide a comprehensive and playable version of the game without additional purchases. As they become more comfortable, they can expand their options with modules and extensions.
Overall Recommendation
Fantasy Grounds is a highly recommended platform for anyone looking to enhance their tabletop RPG experience. Here are some key points to consider:
- Ease of Use: While it has a learning curve, the platform is well-documented and supported by a community that provides numerous resources and tutorials.
- Customization: With rulesets, modules, and extensions, users have a high degree of customization to fit their specific gaming needs.
- Community Support: The active community and official forums offer extensive support, making it easier for new users to get started and for experienced users to find new ways to enhance their games.
In summary, Fantasy Grounds is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and engaging virtual tabletop experience, offering a balance of ease of use, customization, and community support.